What does the principle of 'superposition' in linear systems indicate?

The principle of superposition in linear systems indicates that the response of a linear system to multiple inputs can be determined by the sum of the individual responses to each input. This means that if you have a linear system and you apply two different inputs, the overall output is simply the combination (sum) of the outputs that would occur if each input were applied separately.

This principle hinges on the linearity of the system, which allows it to be treated as a set of additive effects. For example, if you know how a system responds to a single input, you can use that information to predict its total response when multiple inputs are applied. This is invaluable in engineering and signal processing, where it simplifies the analysis of complex systems by allowing for decomposition into simpler components that can be analyzed individually.

The other options diverge from this core concept. For example, stating that outputs are independent of each other mischaracterizes how inputs interact in a linear system. Similarly, the idea that linear systems cannot accommodate multiple inputs is incorrect because they can handle various inputs effectively, as established by the superposition principle. Lastly, while there is a relationship between system inputs and outputs, the essence of superposition specifically emphasizes the additive nature of responses to individual inputs.