Deep Dive: T5C13
The correct answer is D: kHz. The abbreviation for kilohertz is kHz (lowercase k, lowercase h, capital Z). This follows standard SI (International System of Units) conventions for unit abbreviations. Unit abbreviations follow specific rules: the first letter is capitalized if the unit is named after a person (like Hertz, named after Heinrich Hertz), prefixes use standard capitalization (k for kilo is lowercase, M for mega is capital), and the 'z' in hertz is lowercase. kHz is the correct, standardized abbreviation. Common mistakes include 'KHZ' (all caps), 'khz' (all lowercase), or 'khZ' (wrong capitalization).
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. 'KHZ' has all capital letters. The 'k' for kilo should be lowercase, and 'z' should be lowercase. Only 'H' should be capital (Hertz is named after a person). Option B: Incorrect. 'khz' has all lowercase letters. The 'H' should be capital because Hertz is named after a person. Option C: Incorrect. 'khZ' has lowercase 'k' and 'h', but capital 'Z'. The 'z' should be lowercase, and 'H' should be capital.
Exam Tip
Kilohertz abbreviation = kHz. Remember: The correct abbreviation is kHz (lowercase k, capital H, lowercase z). Hertz is named after a person, so H is capitalized.
Memory Aid
**k**Hz = **k**ilo **H**ertz (think 'kHz = kH' = kilo Hertz, lowercase k, capital H, lowercase z)
Real-World Example
When you see '146.52 MHz' or '28.400 kHz' in frequency specifications, the 'kHz' is the abbreviation for kilohertz. This is the standardized, correct abbreviation. Using the wrong abbreviation (like 'KHZ' or 'khz') might cause confusion or be incorrect in technical documentation.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool
Subelement: T5C
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 T5C topic.