Ham Amateur Radio Technician Practice Exam

What is a possible effect of a resonant ground connection?

1. Increased power efficiency

2. High RF voltages on the enclosures of station equipment

3. Lower operating temperatures

4. Reduced electromagnetic interference

The correct answer is: High RF voltages on the enclosures of station equipment

A resonant ground connection can lead to high RF voltages on the enclosures of station equipment due to the way radio frequency (RF) currents behave when they encounter a low-resistance path to ground that resonates at a particular frequency. When equipment is connected to a ground that is resonant, it can create standing waves, which may cause voltage levels to increase on the equipment's enclosures significantly. This is particularly true in cases where the ground connection has not been properly designed to handle RF, leading to the potential for safety issues or equipment damage. In contrast, an optimal ground connection would ideally minimize RF voltages on equipment enclosures, thus preventing these unsafe conditions. Other options, such as increased power efficiency, lower operating temperatures, and reduced electromagnetic interference, generally refer to benefits associated with proper grounding practices but do not directly relate to the phenomenon of high RF voltages arising from a resonant ground connection.