How many stable states does an astable multivibrator have?
2010
How many stable states does an astable multivibrator have?
Answer: C. no stable states — ConceptA stable state is an output condition that a circuit can retain indefinitely without an external trigger. Multivibrators are classified by the number…
- A.
one stable state
- B.
two stable states
- C.
no stable states
- D.
none of these
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Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
A stable state is an output condition that a circuit can retain indefinitely without an external trigger.
Multivibrators are classified by the number of stable states: monostable has one, bistable has two, and astable has none.
Application
An astable multivibrator is a free-running oscillator. Its feedback and timing network repeatedly drives the circuit from one state to the other, so it does not remain indefinitely in either state.
Contrast
One stable state describes a monostable multivibrator; its other state is temporary.
Two stable states describe a bistable multivibrator; an external trigger changes the retained state.
None of these does not apply because the zero-stable-state description is present among the choices.
Cross-check
A free-running oscillator must continue changing state without an external trigger. A state that could persist indefinitely would stop that oscillation, confirming that the stable-state count is zero.
Therefore, an astable multivibrator has no stable states.