Which term describes the ability of a receiver to discriminate between multiple signals?

Which term describes the ability of a receiver to discriminate between multiple signals?

• A. Impedance
• B. Sensitivity
• C. Bandwidth
• D. Selectivity

Answer: (D)

Selectivity refers to the ability of a receiver to differentiate between multiple signals that are present within the same frequency range. This is crucial in ham radio operations where multiple stations may be transmitting at the same time on adjacent frequencies. A receiver with high selectivity can effectively isolate and receive the desired signal while rejecting unwanted or nearby signals. This is a key characteristic for maintaining clear communications without interference from other signals. In contrast, impedance relates to how much a circuit resists electrical current, sensitivity refers to the receiver's ability to pick up weak signals, and bandwidth describes the range of frequencies that a receiver can process. These characteristics, while important in their own right, do not directly relate to the receiver's ability to discriminate between multiple signals.

Selectivity refers to the ability of a receiver to differentiate between multiple signals that are present within the same frequency range. This is crucial in ham radio operations where multiple stations may be transmitting at the same time on adjacent frequencies. A receiver with high selectivity can effectively isolate and receive the desired signal while rejecting unwanted or nearby signals. This is a key characteristic for maintaining clear communications without interference from other signals.

In contrast, impedance relates to how much a circuit resists electrical current, sensitivity refers to the receiver's ability to pick up weak signals, and bandwidth describes the range of frequencies that a receiver can process. These characteristics, while important in their own right, do not directly relate to the receiver's ability to discriminate between multiple signals.