In an operational amplifier (op-amp) circuit, what happens to the output signal when the input voltage exceeds the op-amp's specified voltage range, and how does this affect signal distortion?

When the input voltage pushes the op‑amp beyond its supply‑rail limits, the device can no longer linearly amplify the signal, so its output is forced to sit at the nearest rail voltage. This “saturation” means the output no longer follows the input waveform and instead stays flat at the rail level. Because the output waveform is flattened, the shape of the signal is altered, producing harmonic distortion and clipping. For example, if a ±5 V powered op‑amp receives a 10 V peak sine wave, the output will be clipped to ±5 V, cutting off the peaks and distorting the waveform. Thus, exceeding the input range leads to saturation and audible or measurable distortion in the output.