What term describes the unwanted signals that interfere with Morse code transmission?

The term that describes the unwanted signals that interfere with Morse code transmission is "noise." In the context of radio communications, noise refers to any unwanted electrical signals or interference that can mask or corrupt the desired audio or data signal, making it difficult for the receiver to decode the transmitted information.

In Morse code transmission, which relies on the clarity of specific tones (dot and dash signals), noise can significantly impact the readability of the signal. It might come from various sources, such as atmospheric static, electrical equipment, or even other accidental transmissions. Effective communication in Morse code requires distinguishing the intended signals from this background noise, ensuring that the operator can accurately interpret the information being sent.

Other terms, such as harmonics, interference, and distortion, have specific meanings in the context of radio communication but do not encapsulate the general concept of unwanted signals as directly as noise does. Harmonics refer to signals at integer multiples of a fundamental frequency, interference typically involves specific competing signals overlapping, and distortion involves the alteration of the original signal's waveform, which is a different phenomenon than general noise. Therefore, "noise" is the most appropriate term for the unwanted signals affecting Morse code transmission.