Which of the following is a disadvantage of FM compared with single sideband?

• A. It requires more bandwidth
• B. Only one signal can be received at a time
• C. It is less clear over distances
• D. It has a slower transmission rate

Answer: (B)

The correct answer highlights a distinct characteristic of Frequency Modulation (FM) compared to Single Sideband (SSB) transmission. While FM does indeed have qualities that might limit its simultaneous reception capabilities compared to SSB, the primary disadvantage of FM is its requirement for broader bandwidth.

To elaborate, FM broadcasts typically occupy a larger frequency range due to the nature of frequency modulation itself, where the frequency of the carrier wave varies with the amplitude of the input signal. This increased bandwidth allows for high-fidelity sound quality, which is one of FM's advantages, but it also means that fewer channels can fit into the same frequency space when compared to SSB. SSB transmission, on the other hand, uses bandwidth more efficiently by eliminating one sideband and the carrier, allowing for more signals to coexist without interference over a given bandwidth.

In terms of signal clarity over long distances, FM generally performs better than SSB in many scenarios, particularly in terms of noise immunity. While FM might struggle with distance in specific conditions, the inherent characteristics of the modulation types make SSB more advantageous for long-distance communication, especially in amateur radio applications.

Lastly, regarding transmission rates, both modulation techniques can achieve similar efficiency, but SSB often has an edge due to its