Which statement differentiates analog and digital signals?

Which statement differentiates analog and digital signals?

• A. Digital is discrete values
• B. Analog is discrete values
• C. Digital uses binary encoding
• D. Analog varies continuously; digital is discrete values

Answer: (D)

Analog and digital signals differ in how their values evolve over time. An analog signal varies continuously in both time and amplitude, meaning it can take an infinite number of values within a range. A digital signal, on the other hand, changes in discrete steps and represents values with a finite set of levels (often binary 0 and 1). This fundamental contrast—continuous variation versus discrete levels—is why that statement is the best summary: analog is continuous, digital is discrete. Saying digital uses binary encoding is true, but it describes an encoding method rather than the essential difference; analog’s key trait is its continuous nature, while digital’s key trait is its discreteness.

Analog and digital signals differ in how their values evolve over time. An analog signal varies continuously in both time and amplitude, meaning it can take an infinite number of values within a range. A digital signal, on the other hand, changes in discrete steps and represents values with a finite set of levels (often binary 0 and 1). This fundamental contrast—continuous variation versus discrete levels—is why that statement is the best summary: analog is continuous, digital is discrete. Saying digital uses binary encoding is true, but it describes an encoding method rather than the essential difference; analog’s key trait is its continuous nature, while digital’s key trait is its discreteness.