Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: all of the above
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Thermistors exhibit a strong, predictable change of resistance with temperature. Negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors decrease in resistance with rising temperature, while positive temperature coefficient (PTC) types increase. Their sensitivity enables a broad range of sensing and control applications in consumer, industrial, and medical electronics.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Because resistance varies strongly and monotonically with temperature, thermistors can measure temperature (convert R(T) to T), control temperature (feedback to heaters/coolers), and provide over-temperature alarms (threshold comparators). PTC thermistors also serve as resettable protectors and inrush current limiters, while NTC thermistors are common in precision sensing and compensation networks.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Application notes from sensor manufacturers demonstrate accuracy from ±0.1 to ±0.5 °C after calibration, confirming suitability across measurement, control, and alarm roles.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Each single option lists only one capability; thermistors perform all of them, making the comprehensive choice correct.
Common Pitfalls:
Self-heating due to measurement current can bias readings; always minimize current or correct for it. Nonlinearity requires linearization or table-based conversion.
Final Answer:
all of the above
Discussion & Comments