Fundamentals of Electricity & Radio Communications sample paper-1
By
The Radio Society of Sri Lanka
The copy right of the information contained in this sample exam are with the Radio Society of Sri Lanka (RSSL).
These questions are mainly targeting the Radio Amateur exam for Novice and General class. The recommended time duration is 1 hour. For more information please contact Mr. Jayasiri Wijeratne (4S7VJ) 4s7vj@rssl.lk
Start
Congratulations - you have completed Fundamentals of Electricity & Radio Communications sample paper-1.
You scored %%SCORE%% out of %%TOTAL%%.
Your performance has been rated as %%RATING%%
Your answers are highlighted below.
Question 1 |
Ground wave communication is most effective in the frequency range of
A | 3 MHz to 30 MHz |
B | 300 kHz to 3 MHz |
C | 30 MHz to 300 MHz |
D | above 300 MHz |
Question 1 Explanation:
Ground wave propagation occurs on MF (300kHz to 3MHz) and HF (3 to 30MHz) only. Above 30 MHz, propagate mostly with line of sight.
Question 2 |
Which of the following could be attached to a moving coil meter in an attempt to measure power ?
A | a thermocouple |
B | a thermostat |
C | a resistor |
D | a thermistor |
Question 2 Explanation:
1. If you convert a moving coil meter to a voltmeter and measure the voltage across the resistor and calculate the power using P = V² / R. 2. If you convert a moving coil meter to an ammeter, measure the current through the resistor and calculate the power with using P = I² R 3. If you don't know the resistance, measure the voltage across the resistor and current through the resistor and calculate the power using, P = V I. Thermister is a special kind of resistor, it's resistance varies with the temperature. Thermocouple generates an electric current , when it is heating up. Thermostat is a switch operating according to the temperature.
Question 3 |
In the smoothing circuit of a power supply capacitors of 8 μF, 4 μF and 2 μF are connected in parallel, the effective capacitance is
A | 8 μF |
B | 14 μF |
C | 8/7 μF |
D | 4 μF |
Question 3 Explanation:
Formula for the equivalent value of parallel capacitors is C = C₁ + C₂ + C₃ = 8+4+2 =14 μF
Question 4 |
Which of the following represents 100% amplitude modulation ?

A | (a) |
B | (d) |
C | (c) |
D | (b) |
Question 5 |
As the frequency rises the reactance of a capacitor
A | increases |
B | stays constant |
C | decreases |
D | none of these |
Question 5 Explanation:
Apply the following formula for the reactance of capacitor, X = 1 / 2 π f C, When "f" increasing "X" is decreasing.
Question 6 |
A good dummy load is constructed from
A | a column |
B | non-reactive resistors |
C | light bulb |
D | wire-wound resistors |
Question 6 Explanation:
A good dummy load must have a pure resistance, without having a reactance. Only then will it have a 1:1 SWR. Wire wound resistors or electric bulbs have some reactance. But in practically, testing an amateur TX having about 50 Watts we can use a filament type bulb (100 W 230 V) as a dummy load.
Question 7 |
For a silicon transistor the base emitter voltage for biasing must be above
A | 0.8V |
B | 0.7 V |
C | 0.3 V |
D | 1.0 V |
Question 7 Explanation:
For silicon transistors, base-emitter bias voltage must be above 0.7 V. For germanium transistors, it is above 0.3 V. Same principle apply for diodes also.
Question 8 |
The input power of a transmitter stage running at 24V, 2.5A is
A | 600 W |
B | 300 W |
C | 150 W |
D | 60 W |
Question 8 Explanation:
Apply P = V I formula. Therefore, P = 24 x 2.5 = 60W
Question 9 |
A moving coil meter depends on which of the following in order to operate
A | interaction of an electric and magnetic field |
B | interaction of a permanent and electromagnetic field |
C | the interaction of two permanent magnetic fields |
D | an electric only |
Question 9 Explanation:
The moving coil generates an electro-magnet ic field, while a current flow through the coil. This coil installed on a permanent magnetic field. This coil is turning (moving) due to the interaction between those fields.
Question 10 |
Which of the instrument below has highest accuracy ?
A | An absorption wave meter |
B | An oscilloscope |
C | A heterodyne wave meter |
D | A digital frequency counter |
Question 10 Explanation:
A good frequency counter is accurate as ± 1 Hz. When using an Oscilloscope we have to measure the wave length according to scale on the screen an calculate the frequency. The error will be about 10%. An absorption wave meter has an analog dial, it operates by extracting a small amount of energy from the oscillating circuit to be measured. Because of that the error will be more ( about 10%) .
Question 11 |
The effective resistance between A and B in the circuit shown is

A | 115Ω |
B | 60Ω |
C | 55Ω |
D | 225 Ω |
Question 11 Explanation:
Two resistors of 110 Ohm are in parallel. It is equivalent to 55 Ohms. This 55 Ohm is connected in series with 5 Ohms. This is equivalent to 60 Ohms.
Question 12 |
A transformer has a coil 8Ω resistance and a reactance of 6Ω The impedance is
A | 6Ω |
B | 12Ω |
C | 8Ω |
D | 10Ω |
Question 12 Explanation:
Use the formula, Z² = X² + R², Therefore Z² = 6² + 8² = 36 + 64 = 100, therefore Z = √100 = 10 Ohm.
Question 13 |
The conductivity of a current carrying conductor can be increased by
A | adding a resistor |
B | none of the above |
C | increasing its length |
D | increasing its diameter |
Question 13 Explanation:
Consider R = ρ l / A formula, R = resistance, ρ = resistivity of the material, l = length of
conductor, A = cross section of the conductor. The conductivity is increased by the decrease of the resistance, R. For decrease R; ρ and l should decrease or A should increase.
Question 14 |
The tolerance of a resistor is given as 10%. If the nominal value is 4700Ω, then its value must b be lie Between
A | 4230 and 5170 Ω |
B | 4656 and 5170 Ω |
C | 4230 and 4747 Ω |
D | 4653 and 4747 Ω |
Question 14 Explanation:
If the tolerance is 10% , The value is 4700±10%. 10% of 4700 is 470. Therefore 4700±10% is equals to 4700±470. Therefore 4700+ 470 = 5170 and 4700 - 470 = 4230.
Question 15 |
The most widely used conducting materials are
A | gold and silver |
B | copper and silver |
C | copper and aluminum |
D | copper and gold |
Question 15 Explanation:
The best conductor is Silver, next copper, next gold , next aluminium. But silver and gold are too expensive for common use. That is why copper and aluminium are commonly used.
Question 16 |
The typical accuracy of a dip oscillator might be
A | 10% |
B | 0.05% |
C | 1% |
D | 0.001% |
Question 16 Explanation:
From a dip meter, frequency is measured with an analog dial. Error is not more than ±10% . It operates by extracting a very small amount of energy from the oscillating circuit to be measured.
Question 17 |
An SWR meter is inserted into a perfectly matched transmitter/antenna system the value shown should Indicate
A | 1:1 SWR |
B | 0:1 SWR |
C | 1:0 SWR |
D | 10 W reflected power |
Question 17 Explanation:
If SWR equal to 1 (or 1:1) the antenna system is perfectly matched. If it is totally mismatched, SWR = infinity, If it is less than 2, it is practically acceptable. If it is 3, only 50% of power will radiate. Always SWR exist between 1 and infinity.
Question 18 |
There are two basic forms of transistors, these are
A | NPP and PNN |
B | PNP and NPN |
C | PNP and NNP |
D | PPN and NNP |
Question 19 |
For ideal amplitude modulation the modulating index must be
A | smaller than one |
B | greater than one |
C | unity |
D | zero |
Question 19 Explanation:
If modulating index = 1, it is 100% modulated. If it slightly increased, it is over modulated. Then signal becomes distorted. Therefore always modulating index < 1
Question 20 |
What is the power consumed by a transmitter taking 1.5 A at 12V ?
A | 8W |
B | 1.5W |
C | 18W |
D | 12W |
Question 20 Explanation:
apply the formula of, P = V I, V = 12V, I = 1.5 A, therefore, P = 12 x 1.5 = 18 Watt
Question 21 |
A | Light Emitting Diode (LED) |
B | varactor diode |
C | Switching diode |
D | Zener Diode |
Question 22 |
3GHz is equivalent to
A | 300 MHz |
B | 30000 MHz |
C | 30 MHz |
D | 3000 MHz |
Question 22 Explanation:
1 GHz = 1000 MHz
Question 23 |
The maximum current that may be safely passed through a 10000Ω resistor rated at 25 W is
A | 0.05 A |
B | 1 A |
C | 0.5 A |
D | 0.005 A |
Question 23 Explanation:
Use the formula, P = I² R , P = 25W, R = 10000Ohm, Therefore I² = P / R = 25 / 10000.
Therefore I = √( 25 / 10000) = 5 / 100 = 0.05 A or 50 mA
Question 24 |
What is the power consumed by a transmitter taking 0.5A at 24V ?
A | 18W |
B | 12W |
C | 4.8W |
D | 2.4W |
Question 24 Explanation:
Apply P = V I, V = 24 Volt, I = 0.5 A, therefore P = 24 x 0.5 = 12 W
Question 25 |
Transformers operates on
A | both on ac. and dc |
B | an ac. supply only |
C | a dc. supply only |
D | all the above are correct |
Question 25 Explanation:
If the current through primary winding varies, a voltage is induced on the secondary. This action continues, only while an A.C. supply connected to the primary.
Question 26 |
A | 45 pF |
B | 24 pF |
C | 100 pF |
D | 55 pF |
Question 26 Explanation:
parallel connection of 33pF and 27pF is equivalent to 60 pF ( 33+27 =60), same way other two equivalent to 40 pF. Then these 60pF and 40 pF connected as series. Their equivalent value is 60x40 / (60+40) =24pF.
Question 27 |
To check that a crystal is working on its correct overtone the simplest piece of equipment is
A | an ammeter |
B | a dip oscillator |
C | a Voltmeter |
D | an absorption wave meter |
Question 27 Explanation:
Voltmeter and Ammeter can't do anything on this. An absorption wave meter can use only if there is enough power output. But dip meter (dip oscillator or GDO) can measure the frequency in the oscillator circuit. It operates by extracting a very small amount of energy from the oscillating circuit to be measured.
Question 28 |
A light bulb is rated at 12V , 3W. The current drawn when used on a 12V source is
A | 250 mA |
B | 36 A |
C | 4 A |
D | 750 mA |
Question 28 Explanation:
Use the formula of P = V I, P = 3W, V = 12V, therefore I = P/V = 3/12 = 0.25 A = 250 mA
Question 29 |
The output signal of a balanced modulator is
A | SSB |
B | FM |
C | AM |
D | DSB |
Question 29 Explanation:
SSB transmitter produces a DSB (Double Side Band) signal from the balanced modulator and passes through the side band filter for USB or LSB signal and the non selected side band gets filtered out.
Question 30 |
The current at the center of a given λ/2 antenna is found to be 0.5 A. If this antenna has a radiation resistance of 70 Ω find the radiated power.
A | 17.5 W |
B | 70 W |
C | 50 W |
D | none of these |
Question 30 Explanation:
Apply P = I² R formula, I = 0.5 A, R = 70Ω Therefore P = 0.5 x 0.5 x 70 = 17.5 W
Question 31 |
To minimise unwanted radiation of sub-harmonics and harmonics, a VHF transmitter should be followed by
A | a high pass filter |
B | a notch filter |
C | a band pass filter |
D | a low pass filter |
Question 31 Explanation:
Low pass filter is filtering only higher frequencies and it allow to pass low frequencies. Band pass filter allow to pass all frequencies within the specified frequency range. All lower frequencies and all higher frequencies get cut off. High pass filter stops all lower frequencies and allows to passing of higher values only. Notch filter cuts only one perticular frequency.
Question 32 |
The typical accuracy of a moving coil meter is
A | 0.3% |
B | 3% |
C | 0.03% |
D | 10% |
Question 32 Explanation:
The question says accuracy, but it would have been better to say the error of the moving coil meter is about 3%. That means accuracy is 97%.
Question 33 |
A | half wave rectification |
B | full wave rectification |
C | voltage multiplication |
D | reverse bias protection |
Question 33 Explanation:
As shown in the diagram, when a diode connected in series with an a.c. supply it’s a half wave rectification. If you connect a bridge rectifier with the a.c. supply it is Fullwave rectification. If a diode connected with a d.c. supply as forward bias, it is a reverse bias protection. That means, if you connect a d.c. supply with wrong polarity by mistake, protect your equipment. There is a special system to connect few diodes and capcitors with an a.c. supply you can multiply the voltage accordingly.
Question 34 |
Which one of the following frequencies is in the VHF range ?
A | 250 MHz. |
B | 5MHz. |
C | 25 MHz. |
D | 950 MHz. |
Question 34 Explanation:
VLF (very low frequency) = 10 to 30 kHz. ; LF (low frequency or long wave) = 30 to 300 kHz. ; MF (medium frequency or medium wave) = 300 to 3000 kHz. ; HF (high frequency or short wave) = 3 to 30 MHz. ; VHF (very high frequency) = 30 to 300 MHz. ; UHF (ultra high frequency) = 300 to 3000 MHz. ; SHF (super high frequency) = 3 to 30 GHz. ; EHF ( extra high frequency or micro wave) = 30 to 300 GHz.
Question 35 |
The Reactance of a 15 H smoothing choke at a frequency of 50 Hz is approximately
A | 750 Ω |
B | 3000 Ω |
C | 1500 Ω |
D | 4700 Ω |
Question 35 Explanation:
Apply X = 2 π f L = 2 x 3.14 x 50 x15 = 4700 Ω (approximately:- 2x3x50x15 = 4500)
Question 36 |
Volt is a measuring unit of
A | Power |
B | Electrical potential |
C | Current |
D | Resistance |
Question 36 Explanation:
The unit of Power is Watt. The unit of potential or voltage is Volt. The unit of current is Ampere. The unit of resistance is Ohm.
Question 37 |
A varactor diode acts like
A | a variable resistor |
B | a variable inductor |
C | a variable capacitor |
D | a variable regulator |
Question 37 Explanation:
Variable capacitor is a tuning condenser or a varactor diode; Variable resistor is a potentiometer or variac or reostat; There is no meaning on variable regulator because regulator is a constant supply.
Question 38 |
When constant D. C. voltage applied to capacitor, it is acts as
A | A infinite resistor |
B | Current source |
C | Zero resistor |
D | A finite resistor |
Question 38 Explanation:
Electric charges do not pass through a capacitor. Therefore it acts as a infinite resistor.
Question 39 |
The unit of resistance is
A | Farad |
B | Ohm |
C | Ampere |
D | Watt |
Question 39 Explanation:
The unit of resistance is Ohm. The unit of current is Ampere. The unit of capacitance is Farad. The unit of power is Watt.
Question 40 |
Resistors of 100Ω and 150 Ω are connected in parallel the effective value is
A | 100 Ω |
B | 250 Ω |
C | 60 Ω |
D | 150 Ω |
Question 40 Explanation:
For two parallel resistors, Equivalent resistance is R = R₁ R₂ / (R₁ + R₂), therefore R = 100 x 150 / ( 100+150) = 100 x 150 / 250 = 60 Ω
Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect.
Get Results
There are 40 questions to complete.
← |
List |
→ |
Return
Shaded items are complete.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 |
| 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 |
| End |
Return
You have completed
questions
question
Your score is
Correct
Wrong
Partial-Credit
You have not finished your quiz. If you leave this page, your progress will be lost.
Correct Answer
You Selected
Not Attempted
Final Score on Quiz
Attempted Questions Correct
Attempted Questions Wrong
Questions Not Attempted
Total Questions on Quiz
Question Details
Results
Date
Score
Hint
Time allowed
minutes
seconds
Time used
Answer Choice(s) Selected
Question Text
All done
Need more practice!
Keep trying!
Not bad!
Good work!
Perfect!