1. What is Sensitivity?

Sensitivity of an instrument is the ratio of the change in output (or response) of the instrument to the change in input or measured variable. It quantifies how responsive the instrument is to changes in the measured quantity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Sensitivity formula:

Where:

• \( S \) — Sensitivity (unitless)
• \( Q_{out} \) — Output Response Magnitude
• \( Q_{in} \) — Input Response Magnitude

Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of output response to input response, providing a measure of the instrument's sensitivity to input changes.

3. Importance of Sensitivity Calculation

Details: Sensitivity calculation is crucial for instrument calibration, performance evaluation, and ensuring accurate measurements in various scientific and engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both output and input response magnitudes in consistent units. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a sensitivity value greater than 1 indicate?
A: A sensitivity value greater than 1 indicates that the output response is amplified compared to the input response.

Q2: What does a sensitivity value less than 1 indicate?
A: A sensitivity value less than 1 indicates that the output response is attenuated compared to the input response.

Q3: Can sensitivity be negative?
A: No, sensitivity is always a positive value since both output and input responses are magnitudes.

Q4: How is sensitivity different from gain?
A: Sensitivity and gain are often used interchangeably, though gain typically refers to the ratio of output to input in electronic systems, while sensitivity is a more general term.

Q5: What are typical units for sensitivity?
A: Sensitivity is a dimensionless quantity (unitless) since it's a ratio of two similar quantities.