Ham Radio Technician Test Safety, Grounding & RF Exposure 2

Question 1

Why is it dangerous to touch an antenna while transmitting?

Accepted Answer

RF burns can occur because the antenna carries high-frequency voltage that can heat tissue

Answer

The antenna will become permanently detuned

Answer

The transmitter will be damaged by reflected power

Answer

The FCC prohibits touching antennas during transmission

Question 2

What safety precaution should be taken before climbing a tower?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the transmitter is off and tag the power switch to prevent accidental operation

Answer

File a climbing permit with the FCC

Answer

Notify all stations on the local repeater

Answer

Complete a full station log entry

Question 3

What type of grounding is recommended to protect a station from lightning damage?

Accepted Answer

A single-point ground with all equipment bonded together and connected to an earth ground rod

Answer

Multiple separate ground connections for each piece of equipment

Answer

A ground connected only to the coax shield

Answer

A plastic insulating mat under all equipment

Question 4

What is the minimum safe distance a power line should be from an amateur radio tower?

Accepted Answer

Far enough that the tower and all attached hardware cannot fall onto the power line

Answer

At least 10 feet horizontally

Answer

At least 50 feet vertically

Answer

There is no specific requirement

Question 5

What is the purpose of a lightning arrestor on a coaxial feedline?

Accepted Answer

To divert lightning-induced surges to ground before they reach the radio equipment

Answer

To improve the SWR of the antenna system

Answer

To prevent RF leakage from the coax

Answer

To boost received signal strength

Question 6

Which of the following is a symptom of RF in the shack (RF feedback)?

Accepted Answer

Distorted transmitted audio, equipment acting erratically, or operator experiencing tingling sensations

Answer

Increased SWR on all bands

Answer

Faster battery drain on handheld radios

Answer

Reduced range on the 2-meter band only