An operational amplifier, often abbreviated as op-amp, is a versatile electronic component used to amplify voltage signals. It typically has two input terminals, known as the inverting and non-inverting inputs, and one output terminal. Op-amps are widely used in various applications, including signal processing, filtering, and mathematical operations like addition and subtraction. Op-amps are characterized by their high input impedance and low output impedance, which allows them to process signals without significantly affecting the source. They can be configured in different ways, such as inverting, non-inverting, or differential amplifiers, making them essential in analog electronics and circuit design.