What power ratio does 2 bels represent for a coaxial cable of similar impedance?

To understand the power ratio represented by 2 bels, it’s important to know the relationship between the bel scale and power ratios. The bel scale is a logarithmic measurement used to express ratios, particularly in acoustics and telecommunications.

One bel corresponds to a power ratio of 10. Therefore, when you have 2 bels, you simply calculate the power ratio by raising 10 to the power of 2, which equals 100. This means that a difference of 2 bels indicates that one signal is 100 times more powerful than another.

This concept aligns with the logarithmic properties of the bel (and its decimal derivative, the decibel or dB), where each bel corresponds to a tenfold increase in power. Thus, a reading of 2 bels confirms that you have a power ratio of 100.

In the context of a coaxial cable, if both ends of the cable have similar impedance and are conveying signals related to power levels, the 2 bels effectively translate to a power difference of 100 times. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the logarithmic relationship in the context of this question.