3.2 · Lesson 3 of 3
Sensors
Syllabus 3.2.3Syllabus 3.2.4
What this lesson covers
- Describe sensors and the data they capture
- Choose the most suitable sensor for a context
Key vocabulary
- Sensor
- An input device that measures a physical quantity, such as temperature or light.
- Analogue data
- Data that changes continuously, like temperature. Sensors usually capture analogue data.
- ADC
- Analogue-to-digital converter: converts analogue readings into digital (binary) data.
- Monitoring system
- Uses sensors to keep track of conditions, e.g. a weather station.
- Control system
- Uses sensor readings to make something happen, e.g. opening a window with an actuator.
- Humidity sensor
- Measures the amount of water vapour in the air.
- Moisture sensor
- Measures the amount of water in a material, such as soil.
- Accelerometer
- Measures acceleration and changes in movement or orientation.
Check your learning
- Quick check: 4 questions
- Key vocabulary test: 8 terms
- Activity 1: Choose the sensor · 8 questions
- Activity 2: Sensors quiz · 8 questions
- Activity 3: Which sensor? · drag and drop