When analyzing the frequency response of an operational amplifier (op-amp), which of the following best describes the impact of non-linear distortion on the output signal at different frequencies?

Non‑linear distortion in an op‑amp shows up as extra harmonics that grow as the signal frequency approaches the amplifier’s bandwidth limit. At low frequencies the op‑amp operates well within its linear region, so the output follows the input almost exactly. As the frequency rises, the finite slew rate and internal capacitances make the op‑amp “lag” behind the input, creating waveform dents that appear as distortion. For example, a 1 kHz sine wave may come out clean, while a 1 MHz sine wave will be noticeably clipped and contain higher‑order harmonics. Thus, distortion is minimal at low frequencies and increases sharply as the signal frequency nears the op‑amp’s unity‑gain bandwidth.