Which device typically provides a range of values and can be used as an analog sensor?

Which device typically provides a range of values and can be used as an analog sensor?

• A. Light follower
• B. Potentiometer
• C. Limit switch
• D. Bumper switch

Answer: (B)

Analog sensors produce a continuous range of values rather than just on/off signals. A potentiometer fits this idea perfectly because it is a variable resistor with a movable wiper. As you move the knob or slider, the resistance between the wiper and each end changes smoothly. When you hook one end to a reference voltage and the other end to ground, the wiper voltage becomes a continuous proportion of that position, giving an analog voltage that can be read by an analog-to-digital converter to get a numeric value. This continuous output makes it a go-to analog sensor for measuring position, angle, or slider movement. Limit switches and bumper switches provide discrete, binary states (open or closed) when a mechanism reaches a limit, so they don’t offer a range of values. A light-sensing device can produce a range, but the potentiometer is the most straightforward and typical example used to illustrate an analog sensor in practice.

Analog sensors produce a continuous range of values rather than just on/off signals. A potentiometer fits this idea perfectly because it is a variable resistor with a movable wiper. As you move the knob or slider, the resistance between the wiper and each end changes smoothly. When you hook one end to a reference voltage and the other end to ground, the wiper voltage becomes a continuous proportion of that position, giving an analog voltage that can be read by an analog-to-digital converter to get a numeric value. This continuous output makes it a go-to analog sensor for measuring position, angle, or slider movement.

Limit switches and bumper switches provide discrete, binary states (open or closed) when a mechanism reaches a limit, so they don’t offer a range of values. A light-sensing device can produce a range, but the potentiometer is the most straightforward and typical example used to illustrate an analog sensor in practice.