What is the primary purpose of an antenna?

The primary purpose of an antenna is to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. Antennas are crucial components in communication systems as they convert electrical energy into electromagnetic waves for transmission and vice versa for reception. This is essential for various applications, including radio, television, and cellular communication.

When an antenna transmits, it takes the electrical signals generated by a transmitter and radiates them as radio waves into the environment. Conversely, when it receives signals, it converts the incoming electromagnetic waves back into electrical signals for processing. The efficiency and design of an antenna can greatly affect both the range and clarity of the communication signals being transmitted or received.

While amplifying electrical signals, measuring radioactivity, and filtering noise from signals are important aspects of telecommunication technology, they do not represent the fundamental role of an antenna itself. Instead, these functions typically involve different equipment or components within the overall system.