What can distort analog signals on copper cable?

Magnetic fields can significantly distort analog signals on copper cables. When an analog signal travels through a conductor, it can be affected by external electromagnetic interference. Magnetic fields generated by other electrical devices or power lines can induce voltages in the copper cable, leading to unwanted noise and signal degradation. This phenomenon can result in a weakened or garbled signal, making it less reliable.

Understanding how magnetic fields interact with electrical signals is vital for effectively maintaining and troubleshooting communication systems that rely on copper cabling. Proper shielding and installation techniques are often employed to mitigate these effects and ensure the integrity of the transmitted signal.

The other options, while they could impact the performance and integrity of the cable system in various ways, do not directly cause distortion in the manner that magnetic fields do. High humidity can lead to corrosion, excessive temperatures can affect resistance, and low voltage typically results in insufficient power rather than direct signal distortion.