What happens to the signal if the transmitter is misaligned?

When a transmitter is misaligned, the efficiency of its operation is adversely affected. This misalignment can lead to a variety of issues, primarily impacting the directivity and radiation pattern of the transmitted signal. As a result, the transmitted radio waves may not be effectively focused in the intended direction, causing a decrease in the overall strength of the signal that reaches the receiver.

The reduction in signal strength can also stem from increased interference or distortion introduced as the signal travels improperly. When the transmitter is not aligned properly, it can cause the energy that should be utilized for clear transmission to be scattered or absorbed by obstacles, leading to weakened reception on the other end.

In contrast, the other options would not accurately describe the effects of misalignment. The signal is not amplified, nor does it become clearer; instead, it tends to experience the opposite effects. Furthermore, misalignment generally results in the signal traveling a shorter effective distance, as more energy is dissipated or lost rather than directed towards the intended area. These aspects clarify why the signal strength decreases when the transmitter is misaligned.