What are sensors and how do they work?

Sensors are devices that detect changes in the environment and convert them into electrical signals.

They measure things like:

• Temperature
  
  

• Light
  
  

• Distance
  
  

• Motion
  
  

• Sound
  
  

• Humidity
  
  

A sensor works by detecting a physical change and turning it into a voltage or digital signal. For example:

• A temperature sensor changes resistance based on heat.
  
  

• An ultrasonic sensor sends sound waves and measures how long they take to bounce back.
  
  

• A light sensor changes output depending on brightness.
  
  

Microcontrollers like Arduino read these signals and react to them. For example, if a motion sensor detects movement, it can turn on a light.

Sensors are used in smartphones, cars, security systems, smart homes, and robotics.

In summary, sensors detect physical changes and convert them into electrical signals that electronic systems can understand and respond to.