What does a higher signal to noise ratio indicate?

A higher signal to noise ratio indicates a stronger signal in relation to the background noise present. In the context of communications and signal processing, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a measure that compares the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise. When this ratio is high, it signifies that the desired signal is much more prominent than the noise, leading to improved clarity and quality in the received information.

In practical terms, a strong signal with a high SNR leads to better performance in various applications, such as audio and video transmission, telecommunications, and sensor data interpretation. High SNR results in reduced errors and a clearer output, which is essential for effective communication and data transmission.

The other options suggest qualities that are not aligned with the definition of a high signal-to-noise ratio. A weaker signal would conversely have a low SNR, indicating that noise levels are more comparable to or greater than the signal level. More background noise would decrease the SNR, while improved selectivity pertains to the ability of a system to differentiate between different signals rather than indicating the quality of the existing signal itself.