An operational amplifier, or op-amp, is a versatile electronic component used to amplify voltage signals. It typically has two input terminals, inverting and non-inverting, and one output terminal. Op-amps can perform various mathematical operations, such as addition, subtraction, integration, and differentiation, making them essential in analog circuits.
Op-amps are commonly found in applications like audio equipment, signal processing, and feedback control systems. They are characterized by high input impedance, low output impedance, and high gain, which allows them to effectively process weak signals. Their flexibility and functionality make them a fundamental building block in electronics.