A(n)_______ is a device that can be used to measure several different electrical characteristics.

A multimeter is a versatile instrument widely used in electrical and electronic applications to measure various electrical characteristics, such as voltage, current, and resistance. It can function in both analog and digital formats and typically has multiple settings that allow the user to switch between measuring AC and DC voltage, resistance, and other parameters. This multifunctionality makes it an essential tool for troubleshooting, circuit testing, and maintenance across a range of devices and systems in the field of electric motor control.

In contrast, while an oscilloscope is capable of visualizing waveforms and can measure voltage, its primary function is to display the variation of voltage over time rather than measuring multiple electrical characteristics simultaneously. A wattmeter specifically measures power (watts) in an electrical circuit and does not measure current or voltage independently. An ammeter is designed primarily to measure current and does not have the capability to measure other characteristics like voltage or resistance. Thus, the multimeter stands out as the correct answer due to its ability to measure a variety of electrical measurements in one device.