What is the primary function of an oscilloscope in electrical engineering?

The primary function of an oscilloscope in electrical engineering is to visualize electrical signals over time. An oscilloscope allows engineers and technicians to observe the waveform of electrical signals, which can provide critical information about the behavior and characteristics of those signals. By displaying voltage changes over time on a screen, users can analyze signal frequency, amplitude, and any variations or anomalies in the waveform. This visualization is vital, as it helps in diagnosing issues in electronic circuits, verifying the performance of components, and understanding how different signals interact within a system.

The option to simulate electrical circuits pertains more to software tools rather than the physical measurement and analysis capabilities of an oscilloscope. The regulation of electrical current is a function typically associated with devices like power supplies or voltage regulators, which maintain a constant current or voltage. Measuring resistive loads focuses on determining resistance values, which is a different aspect of electrical analysis that would typically be done with a multimeter rather than an oscilloscope.