Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem

The Nyquist-Shannon Sampling Theorem states that a continuous signal can be accurately reconstructed from its discrete samples if it is sampled at a rate that's at least twice its highest frequency component. This minimum rate is called the Nyquist rate. Sampling faster than this ensures no information is lost and the original signal can be perfectly recovered. If sampled too slowly, different signals can become indistinguishable, causing errors. This principle underpins digital audio, video, and communication systems, ensuring that analog signals are accurately represented and reconstructed in digital form.