What does an oscilloscope measure?

An oscilloscope is an electronic instrument that graphically displays the variations of electrical signals over time, primarily measuring voltage. It provides a visual representation of how voltage changes, allowing users to observe the waveform of the signal. This capability is crucial in many applications, such as troubleshooting electronic circuits, analyzing signal behavior, and performing measurements that include peak voltage, frequency, and time intervals between voltage changes.

When observing signals, the oscilloscope plots voltage on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis, illustrating how the voltage varies with time. This dynamic view is essential in analyzing AC and DC signals, as well as identifying signal distortion or faults in electronic systems. By understanding the waveform displayed, technicians can gain insights into circuit behavior, allowing for effective maintenance and troubleshooting.

The other options, while related to electrical measurements, do not accurately represent what an oscilloscope specifically measures. Current, resistance, and capacitance are typically associated with different types of testing equipment, such as ammeters for current measurement, ohmmeters for resistance, and capacitance meters for measuring capacitance. An oscilloscope’s primary and distinguishing function remains its ability to measure and display voltage over time.