What happens as the frequency of a signal in coaxial cable is increased?

As the frequency of a signal in coaxial cable is increased, the loss increases. In coaxial cables, higher frequencies typically encounter more attenuation as they travel along the cable. This is due to several factors, such as skin effect, where the current tends to flow near the surface of the conductor at higher frequencies, effectively reducing the conductor's cross-sectional area and increasing resistance. Additionally, dielectric losses in the insulating material of the cable also contribute to increased attenuation at higher frequencies.

Understanding this phenomenon is crucial in radio frequency (RF) applications and telecommunications, where maintaining signal integrity is essential for effective communication. The design of coaxial cables often takes these frequency-related losses into account to minimize performance degradation over long distances.