As frequency increases, which statement best describes the relationship between current and signal loss?

• A. Current increases and signal loss decreases
• B. Current decreases and signal loss increases
• C. Current increases and signal loss increases
• D. Current decreases and signal loss decreases

Answer: (C)

Higher frequency signals tend to be attenuated more in the earth and in buried conductors, so signal loss increases as frequency goes up. To keep the transmitted signal strong despite this greater loss, the transmitter typically drives more current into the line. That means both current and signal loss rise with frequency: more current is sent to overcome the higher losses, but the path also dissipates more energy as frequency increases.