ARRL Technician Practice Exam

What is the term that describes a transistor's ability to amplify a signal?

1. Gain

2. Power

3. Output

4. Signal Boost

The correct answer is: Gain

The term that describes a transistor's ability to amplify a signal is "Gain." In the context of electronics, gain refers to the ratio of the output signal power, voltage, or current to the input signal power, voltage, or current. Essentially, it quantifies how much a transistor can increase the strength of a signal. This characteristic is crucial in many applications, such as audio and radio frequency (RF) amplification, where the goal is to make a weak signal stronger for further processing or transmission. Gain is often expressed in decibels (dB), which provides a logarithmic scale to easily compare the amplification levels. A higher gain value indicates a greater capacity for the transistor to amplify the input signal. Understanding this concept is vital for anyone working with electronic circuits, particularly in amateur radio and related fields, as it directly impacts the performance of electronic devices and communication systems.