What does an oscilloscope display in relation to electrical signals?

An oscilloscope is a specialized instrument used to visualize electrical signals, specifically showing how voltage changes over time. When connected to a circuit, it captures the variations in voltage and plots these on a graph, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing the voltage level. This capability allows users to observe waveform characteristics, such as amplitude, frequency, and any potential distortions or fluctuations in the waveform.

By displaying voltage as a function of time, an oscilloscope enables engineers and technicians to analyze and troubleshoot electronic designs effectively. It provides critical insights into the behavior of a signal, such as identifying peaks, troughs, and periods of oscillation, which are vital for ensuring that electronic components operate correctly within specified parameters.