What effect does impedance have on a signal in a cable system?

Impedance plays a critical role in the performance of signals transmitted through a cable system. When the impedance of a cable does not match the impedance of the source or load, it can lead to signal reflections. This occurs because some of the signal energy is not transmitted into the load and is instead reflected back toward the source. Such reflections can result in a degradation of signal quality, causing issues like reduced signal strength, distortion, or interference.

Understanding impedance is essential for ensuring optimal performance in communication systems. This matching is particularly important in applications such as audio and video transmission, as well as data communication, where maintaining signal integrity is crucial. If not addressed, impedance mismatches can lead to significant losses in performance and quality in the overall system.

The other options suggest outcomes that are not accurate representations of impedance effects. Impedance does not inherently amplify signals nor does it remain inconsequential; its mismatch does impact the signal significantly across various frequencies, not just low ones. Therefore, the correct understanding is that impedance can indeed lead to reflection, which is fundamental in managing and designing effective cable systems.