The outline of the peaks of a carrier has the shape of the modulating signal and is called thea.Carrier variationb.Waveshapec.Enveloped.Trace

The outline of the peaks of a carrier wave, which follows the shape of the modulating signal, is referred to as the envelope. In amplitude modulation (AM), the amplitude of the carrier wave varies in accordance with the amplitude of the modulating signal, effectively creating an envelope that indicates the maximum and minimum values of the wave. This envelope provides crucial information regarding the modulating signal's characteristics, such as its frequency and amplitude variations.

To clarify the options provided:

a. Carrier variation - This term does not specifically refer to the shape created by the modulating signal on the carrier wave.

b. Waveshape - While this term refers to the general shape of a waveform, it is broader and does not specifically denote the peak outlines of the carrier in AM.

c. Envelope - This is the correct option as it directly describes the modulated peaks of the carrier wave that reflect the variations of the modulating signal.

d. Trace - This term usually relates to the graphical representation in a broader context, rather than describing the modulation process.

Final Answer

The correct answer is c. Envelope.