What is the primary function of a fiber optic cable?

The primary function of a fiber optic cable is to transmit data as light signals. This technology utilizes light to carry information over distances much greater than traditional copper cables can effectively manage. In fiber optic systems, data is converted into light pulses, which travel through the core of the fiber, allowing for high-speed communication and increased bandwidth. This makes fiber optics particularly advantageous for internet and telecommunications applications, where vast amounts of data need to be transmitted quickly and efficiently.

While options like providing physical protection pertain to the cable's construction and durability, they do not address the key role of data transmission. Similarly, transmitting electricity and amplifying sound signals are functions that are characteristic of other types of cables and systems, not fiber optics. The unique property of fiber optics to use light for data transmission is what sets it apart and allows for its widespread use in modern communication infrastructures.