What does an amplifier specifically do to a signal?

An amplifier specifically increases the signal amplitude. This means it takes a weak electrical signal and boosts its strength so that it can drive speakers, transmit over long distances, or perform other necessary functions in electronic circuits. Amplifiers are crucial in various applications, including audio devices, radio transmission, and data communication, because increasing the amplitudes of signals allows them to be processed further without significant loss of quality or detail.

While increasing signal clarity could be a result of amplification in some contexts, the primary role of an amplifier is to enhance the amplitude, not directly its clarity. Similarly, converting signal frequency is not the function of an amplifier; that task is typically handled by different components such as filters or mixers. Reducing signal delay is also not a function of amplifiers; rather, it can depend on the circuit design and components used. Therefore, the defining function of amplification is tied directly to the increase of signal amplitude.