A _____ reflection will occur if the impedances are substantially different.

A _____ reflection will occur if the impedances are substantially different.

• A. Small
• B. Large
• C. Moderate
• D. None

Answer: (B)

Impedance mismatches cause reflections along a transmission path; the amount reflected depends on how different the impedances are. The reflection coefficient Γ = (Z2 − Z1)/(Z2 + Z1) grows in magnitude as the difference between Z2 and Z1 increases. So when impedances are substantially different, a large reflection occurs. If the impedances were nearly equal, the reflection would be small; if they were exactly equal, there would be no reflection.

Impedance mismatches cause reflections along a transmission path; the amount reflected depends on how different the impedances are. The reflection coefficient Γ = (Z2 − Z1)/(Z2 + Z1) grows in magnitude as the difference between Z2 and Z1 increases. So when impedances are substantially different, a large reflection occurs. If the impedances were nearly equal, the reflection would be small; if they were exactly equal, there would be no reflection.