Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Characteristics of alternating currents

Characteristics of alternating currents — practice question

A radio station's signal is amplitude modulated.
(a)[2]

State what is meant by amplitude modulation (AM) in this context.

(b(i))[1]

The signal from the radio station varies in intensity with frequency as shown in Fig. 5.1. State the bandwidth for this signal.

(b(ii))[1]

The signal from the radio station varies in intensity with frequency as shown in Fig. 5.1. State the maximum audio frequency broadcast for this signal.

(c(i))[2]

A transmission line with length $45\,\text{km}$ has an attenuation of $2.0\,\text{dB km}^{-1}$ per unit length. The input power to the line is $500\,\text{mW}$. The minimum acceptable signal-to-noise ratio is $24\,\text{dB}$ for background noise of $5.0 \times 10^{-13}\,\text{W}$. Calculate the minimum acceptable power output from the transmission line.

(c(ii))[2]

Use your answer in (i) to decide whether the signal can be transmitted along the transmission line.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The carrier wave's amplitude varies with the audio signal displacement.

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI