Which of the following is an example of an output device that produces physical copies of documents?

A printer is an output device specifically designed to produce physical copies of documents and images. It takes digital data from a computer and converts it into a tangible format by transferring ink or toner onto paper. This function is essential in various contexts where hard copies of documents are needed, such as in offices, schools, and homes for printing reports, photos, and other materials.

In contrast, a monitor displays visual output from a computer but does not provide a physical copy; it presents information on a screen. A speaker produces sound output, which is auditory in nature and unrelated to the physical representation of documents. A scanner, while involved in the process of digitizing physical documents, works in the opposite direction by converting them into digital format rather than creating a physical output. Thus, the printer’s role as an output device that generates hard copies of documents distinguishes it from the other options provided.