Ham Radio General Class Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep

Question: 1 / 545

What is the primary purpose of a screen grid in a vacuum tube?

To reduce grid-to-plate capacitance

The primary purpose of a screen grid in a vacuum tube is to reduce grid-to-plate capacitance. The screen grid acts as an intermediate electrode between the control grid and the plate. By providing a path for electrons to flow while isolating the control grid from signals coming from the plate, the screen grid effectively lowers the capacitance that exists between these two elements. This reduction in capacitance improves the high-frequency response of the tube, allowing for better performance in radio frequency applications.

Increasing efficiency, increasing control grid resistance, or decreasing plate resistance might be benefits associated with tube design, but these functions are not the main role of the screen grid itself. The screen grid primarily facilitates better control and operation of the electron flow in the tube, which is critical for maintaining performance at higher frequencies.

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To increase efficiency

To increase the control grid resistance

To decrease plate resistance

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