What is a common application of operational amplifiers?

Operational amplifiers (op-amps) are highly versatile components widely used in signal processing and feedback control systems. They can amplify weak electrical signals, perform mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, integration, and differentiation, and serve as building blocks in various circuits such as filters and oscillators.

In signal processing, they can be used to improve the quality of signals by amplifying them, filtering out noise, or conditioning signals for further processing. For feedback control systems, operational amplifiers play a crucial role in maintaining desired output levels by adjusting inputs dynamically. This is especially useful in applications requiring precise control, such as in audio equipment, instrumentation, and analog computing.

The other applications mentioned, while related to electronics, do not typically involve operational amplifiers. For instance, switching power supplies primarily utilize transformer action and switching devices rather than op-amps. Regulating household voltage is more commonly achieved through linear regulators or switching regulators. Storing electrical energy involves capacitors or batteries, which do not relate to the function of operational amplifiers.