An operational amplifier amplifies the __________ between its two inputs, where the inputs are labeled as vp and vn.

An operational amplifier amplifies the difference between its two inputs, where the inputs are labeled as vp and vn. In a differential amplifier the output voltage is the product of the input voltage difference and the amplifier’s gain, so the device is very sensitive to the small voltage difference between the positive (vp) and negative (vn) terminals. The op‑amp’s internal circuitry forces the two inputs to stay nearly equal in a negative‑feedback configuration, making the output proportional to the tiny mismatch between vp and vn. For example, if vp is 0. 5 V, vn is 0.