ARRL Technician Practice Exam

What device can be used to display signal strength on a numeric scale?

1. Oscilloscope

2. Power meter

3. Signal strength meter

4. Meter

The correct answer is: Meter

The correct option indicates a device that is specifically utilized to quantify and display signal strength in a numeric format. A meter, in this context, can refer to various types of measuring instruments designed to analyze and output specific values or measurements, including strength of radio signals. The term "meter" is a broad description that encompasses different types of devices capable of measuring various parameters, such as signal strength. This versatility means that a signal strength meter, which is dedicated to measuring the strength of a signal, also falls under this general category. However, the answer focuses on the more general term, allowing for the understanding that many measuring devices can perform this task, assuming they are designed for that purpose. In contrast, while an oscilloscope can visualize waveforms and signal characteristics, it does not provide a simple numeric scale for signal strength. Similarly, a power meter specifically measures the power output in a circuit and while it might give an indication of signal strength indirectly, it is not dedicated to displaying signal strength as a standalone metric. Lastly, a signal strength meter does indeed provide a numeric display but falls under the broader category of meters. Hence, the general term "meter" encompasses all these functions and signifies a capacity for display in numeric form, making it a