Deep Dive: T5B08
The correct answer is B: 1 microfarad. 1,000,000 picofarads equals 1 microfarad. The prefix 'pico-' means one-trillionth (10^-12), and 'micro-' means one-millionth (10^-6). To convert picofarads to microfarads, divide by 1,000,000. 1,000,000 pF ÷ 1,000,000 = 1 μF. This is a capacitance unit conversion. Picofarads (pF) are used for very small capacitances (like in RF circuits), while microfarads (μF) are used for larger capacitances (like in power supply filters). Understanding these conversions is important for reading capacitor specifications and circuit design.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. 0.001 microfarads equals 1,000 picofarads, not 1,000,000 picofarads. You're off by a factor of 1,000. Option C: Incorrect. 1000 microfarads equals 1,000,000,000,000 picofarads (1 trillion pF), way too large. Option D: Incorrect. 1,000,000,000 microfarads is way too large. You multiplied instead of dividing.
Exam Tip
Picofarads to microfarads = Divide by 1,000,000. Remember: To convert picofarads to microfarads, divide by 1,000,000. 1,000,000 pF ÷ 1,000,000 = 1 μF.
Memory Aid
**P**icofarads **T**o **M**icrofarads = **P**ico **M**illion (think 'PTM = PM' = Pico Million, divide by 1 million)
Real-World Example
A capacitor in an RF circuit might be rated at 1,000,000 picofarads, which equals 1 microfarad. This is a common capacitance value. Understanding that 1,000,000 pF = 1 μF helps you read capacitor specifications correctly, as capacitors might be labeled in either unit.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool
Subelement: T5B
Reference: FCC Part 97.3
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T5B topic.