What operating activity involves contacting as many stations as possible during a specified period?

The activity that involves contacting as many stations as possible during a specified period is known as contesting. In amateur radio, a contest typically has rules that specify a defined timeframe during which participants attempt to make as many two-way contacts as they can. Each contact usually scores points, and operators may be ranked based on their total points or number of contacts made.

Contesting emphasizes quick and efficient communication, often in a competitive environment, rewarding operators for both skill and strategic station setup. Participants utilize various modes of communication, such as voice, digital, or Morse code, and often aggregate their results to compete at local, national, or international levels.

In contrast, simulated emergency exercises are usually focused on practicing and improving emergency communication skills rather than maximizing contacts, net operations serve to organize a group of amateur operators for coordinated communication but do not have the same competitive element as contests, and public service events are typically aimed at providing assistance and communication support for community activities, rather than competing for contacts.