What is an analog signal?

An analog signal is defined as a continuous signal that represents physical measurements. This means it can vary smoothly over a range of values and can take on an infinite number of values within that range. Analog signals are typically used to represent real-world phenomena such as temperature, pressure, light intensity, and sound waves.

The continuous nature of analog signals allows them to capture the nuances and variations of these physical measurements, making them essential in various applications where precise representation of changes is necessary. For example, a thermocouple measuring temperature will output an analog signal that continuously changes to reflect the temperature of its environment.

In contrast, options that suggest a signal being binary, static, or unable to represent real-world data do not accurately describe the fundamental characteristics of analog signals. Analog signals must be dynamic and capable of representing a wide range of measurable quantities, which distinguishes them from digital signals that operate on discrete values.