Question T6C11
From subelement T6 - T6C
What is component 4 in figure T-3?
Why is this correct?
Component 4 in figure T-3 is an antenna. Figure T-3 shows an antenna tuner circuit, where component 4 represents the antenna connection point - the output that connects to the actual antenna system. The other options are incorrect: a transmitter would be the input source (not shown as component 4), a dummy load would be a resistive load for testing (not the operational output), and ground would typically be shown with a different symbol and location in the schematic.
Memory tip
In antenna tuner circuits, the antenna connection is always the final output component. Look for the component that represents where RF energy exits the tuning network to radiate - this pattern appears consistently across antenna matching circuits.
Learn more
Antenna tuners serve a critical function in amateur radio operations by matching the impedance between your transceiver and antenna system. Component 4's position as the output connection reflects the tuner's purpose: to present the optimal load to your transmitter while efficiently transferring RF energy to the antenna for radiation. Understanding this signal flow - from transmitter through tuning network to antenna - helps visualize how impedance matching improves transmission efficiency and reduces reflected power that could damage your equipment.
Think about it
Why do you think the antenna connection is positioned as the final component in an antenna tuner circuit rather than at the beginning or middle of the matching network?