FCC Exam Question: 6A191

"The temperature coefficient of a y-cut crystal is positive" means:

A. The operating frequency of the crystal will decrease as the temperature decreases
B. The operating frequency of the crystal will increase as the temperature increases
C. The operating frequency of the crystal will decrease as the temperature increases
D. A & B
Correct Answer: D

Explanation: A positive temperature coefficient in a crystal means that its resonant frequency changes in the *same direction* as the temperature. 1. If the temperature *increases*, the operating frequency will *increase*. This confirms statement B. 2. If the temperature *decreases*, the operating frequency will *decrease*. This confirms statement A. Therefore, both A and B accurately describe the behavior of a Y-cut crystal, which has a positive temperature coefficient. Statement C describes the characteristic of a crystal with a *negative* temperature coefficient, where frequency decreases as temperature increases, making it incorrect for this scenario. Hence, D (A & B) is the correct answer. This understanding is critical for selecting the right crystal for stable frequency generation in amateur radio equipment, as frequency stability is often dependent on temperature.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.