Why is coaxial cable widely used for RF transmission?

Coaxial cable is widely used for RF (radio frequency) transmission primarily because it significantly reduces signal loss and interference. The design of coaxial cable features a central conductor, surrounded by an insulating layer, which is then encased in a conductive shield and an outer insulating layer. This construction effectively minimizes the electromagnetic interference from external sources and protects the signal inside the cable.

The shield serves to block external noise from impacting the signal being transmitted, while the insulation prevents signal leakage. As a result, coaxial cable can maintain signal integrity over long distances, making it particularly suitable for applications where consistent performance is critical, such as in television broadcasting, internet connections, and radio communications.

This characteristic of reducing signal loss and interference is vital in RF transmission, where maintaining clarity and strength of the signal is essential for performance. Other options may touch on aspects such as cost, transmission speed, and flexibility, but the primary advantage of coaxial cable in RF applications is its ability to effectively minimize signal degradation, which directly relates to its widespread use in the industry.