Deep Dive: T0C07
The correct answer is B: RF burn to skin. The hazard created by touching an antenna during transmission is RF burn to skin. RF energy can cause heating and burns when it flows through your body. The antenna has RF voltage and current, and touching it allows RF to flow through you, causing burns at contact points. For amateur radio operators, this is a real hazard, especially with high power or high frequencies. Understanding this helps prevent injuries. Never touch antennas while transmitting.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A (Electrocution): Incorrect. RF energy doesn't cause electrocution in the same way AC power does - it causes heating/burns, not the same type of electrical shock. The mechanism is different. Option C (Radiation poisoning): Incorrect. RF is non-ionizing radiation and doesn't cause radiation poisoning. That's from ionizing radiation (nuclear). Option D: Incorrect. Since A and C are not correct, 'all of the above' cannot be correct. Only RF burns are the real hazard.
Exam Tip
Touching antenna during transmission = RF burn. Think 'R'F 'B'urn = 'R'F 'B'urns skin. RF energy flows through body, causing heating and burns at contact points. Not electrocution (different mechanism), not radiation poisoning (non-ionizing).
Memory Aid
Touching antenna during transmission = RF burn. Think 'R'F 'B'urn = 'R'F 'B'urns skin. RF energy causes heating and burns when flowing through body. Never touch antennas while transmitting.
Real-World Example
You accidentally touch your 2-meter antenna while transmitting 50 watts. RF energy flows through your hand, causing heating and a burn at the contact point. The burn can be severe, especially with higher power or if you can't let go quickly. This is why you should never touch antennas while transmitting - always turn off power first.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool
Subelement: T0C
Reference: 2022-2026 Question Pool · T0 - Safety
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T0C topic.