Meters and troubleshootingQuestion 1198 of 1506

What does a spectrum analyzer show for a pure 60 Hz sine wave?

  1. Bars at every odd harmonic of 60 Hz
  2. Bars at all the even harmonics of 60 Hz
  3. One bar, at 60 Hz only
  4. A single bar at 0 Hz only
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Correct answer: One bar, at 60 Hz only

A pure sine wave contains no harmonics at all.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits II: AC (Kuphaldt), 12.4: Power Quality Measurement

Practice meters and troubleshooting

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026