What type of cable commonly used for video and radio frequency (RF) contains a single center conductor surrounded by dielectric?

Coaxial cable is specifically designed for transmitting video and radio frequency (RF) signals. It features a single center conductor that transports the signal, encased in a dielectric insulator that separates it from the outer conductor. This outer conductor, typically formed of braided or solid metal, serves as a shield against electromagnetic interference, allowing for efficient transmission of high-frequency signals with minimal loss.

The construction of coaxial cable, including its concentric configuration of the center conductor, dielectric, and shielding, optimizes its performance for video applications and RF communications. This attribute makes it a standard choice for cable television, internet connections, and various audio-visual applications where signal integrity is crucial.

In contrast, other types of cables like shielded and unshielded twisted pair cables are more suited for data networking and telecommunication, and do not possess the coaxial design that is essential for handling high-frequency signals as effectively as coaxial cable does. Fiber-optic cables utilize light instead of electrical signals, making them incompatible with RF applications.