In signal analysis, a waveform graph most commonly displays which quantities on the vertical and horizontal axes, respectively?

Introduction / Context:
Waveforms are foundational visuals in electronics, audio, and control engineering. They show how a signal varies over time. Understanding what is plotted on each axis is essential before learning about frequency content, phase, or modulation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We consider a typical oscilloscope or time-domain plot.
• No special transforms are applied (not a frequency spectrum or spectrogram).
• The signal could be voltage, current, or any measurable amplitude.

Concept / Approach:
A time-domain waveform displays the instantaneous value of a signal against time. By convention, the vertical axis represents amplitude (such as volts) and the horizontal axis represents time. Alternative plots like frequency spectra swap time for frequency but those are not called time-domain waveforms.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify plot type: a basic waveform in the time domain.2) Recall convention: vertical axis for signal magnitude, horizontal axis for time progression.3) Therefore, amplitude is mapped to the vertical axis and time to the horizontal axis.

Verification / Alternative check:
On oscilloscopes, the time base controls the horizontal scale, while volts per division sets the vertical amplitude scale. This directly confirms the axis assignment for standard waveforms.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option A: That axis choice describes neither a standard time-domain waveform nor a typical spectrum.
• Option B: Frequency on the horizontal with amplitude vertical defines a frequency spectrum, not a waveform in time.
• Option D: Swapping axes is nonstandard and would not represent typical time-domain practice.
• Option E: Incorrect because Option C is correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing time-domain waveforms with frequency-domain spectra is common. A waveform is amplitude versus time, while a spectrum is amplitude versus frequency.

Final Answer:
Amplitude on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis.