What characterizes a continuous wave (CW) emission?

What characterizes a continuous wave (CW) emission?

• A. The signal turns on and off in a rapid sequence.
• B. Transmits an RFR signal continuously, without breaks.
• C. It uses a single-conductor transmission line.
• D. It is emitted by a ground-fixed emitter.

Answer: (B)

Continuous wave emission means the RF energy is carried by a single carrier that stays on without gaps while the transmitter is active. There is no intentional on/off pulsing or envelope modulation; the signal remains a constant carrier until you turn the transmitter off. This distinguishes it from emissions that deliver energy in bursts or with changing amplitude or frequency. The defining idea is the uninterrupted presence of the carrier, which is why this choice best describes a continuous wave. The other options describe pulsed behavior, or features unrelated to the waveform itself, which is why they aren’t correct.

Continuous wave emission means the RF energy is carried by a single carrier that stays on without gaps while the transmitter is active. There is no intentional on/off pulsing or envelope modulation; the signal remains a constant carrier until you turn the transmitter off. This distinguishes it from emissions that deliver energy in bursts or with changing amplitude or frequency. The defining idea is the uninterrupted presence of the carrier, which is why this choice best describes a continuous wave. The other options describe pulsed behavior, or features unrelated to the waveform itself, which is why they aren’t correct.