What term describes the difference between a transmission's highest and lowest frequency components?

The correct term for describing the difference between a transmission's highest and lowest frequency components is bandwidth. Bandwidth is a fundamental concept in telecommunications and signal processing, as it defines the range of frequencies that a particular transmission can utilize. This range is essential because it influences how much data can be transmitted over a certain medium in a given amount of time.

In practical terms, a larger bandwidth allows for the transmission of more data, as more frequencies can support higher data rates. For example, in radio communications, bandwidth determines how many different signals can be sent simultaneously without interference. Understanding bandwidth is critical when designing or evaluating communication systems, as it directly impacts performance.

The other terms listed, such as frequency shift, signal strength, and transmission range, refer to different concepts within the field of telecommunications and are not directly related to the range of frequencies used in a transmission.