So the waveform collection wouldnt be complete without the 50Hz AC Mains . Since the oscilloscope I am currently using is USB powered PC based, it can't handle high voltages such as the 230 Volts AC/Hz available in India. So I stuck my probes onto the secondary of a AC/DC step down adapter.. ..connected the oscilloscope to my laptop and observed the waveform and more specifically, its frequency: Just to be safe, I operated the laptop on battery and disconnected the laptop charger from the mains. Next I loaded the AC/DC adapter with a 47 ohms resistor... .. and observed the signal (note the distortion): If you are wondering if (and why) the utility frequency ever changes then the following articles would interest you: Wikipedia article on "Utility Frequency" Increase AC mains frequency? Accuracy and stability of the 50 Hz mains frequency