Question

In controlling instruments............ is the instrument’s ability to establish the desired value of the variable being controlled.

• A. Reproducibility
• B. Accuracy
• C. Sensitivity
• D. Responsiveness

Hint:

Accuracy is about being "on target" (the desired value). Precision is about being "consistent" (getting the same value repeatedly). You need both for good process control.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question relates to the performance characteristics of sensors and controllers in food processing automation, asking for the term that defines how close a controlled variable is to its target (true) value.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• In a control system (like a temperature controller for a pasteurizer), we set a "set point" (the desired value).

• Accuracy is defined as the degree of closeness of a measurement or controlled value to the true/desired value. If the instrument is accurate, it successfully establishes the variable at the set point.

• Reproducibility (Precision): This refers to the consistency of the instrument—its ability to produce the same result multiple times under the same conditions, even if that result is wrong.

• Sensitivity: This is the ratio of the change in output to the change in input. A sensitive instrument detects very small changes in the process variable.

• Responsiveness: This relates to the speed at which the instrument or controller reacts to a change in the process (related to "time lag").

• Given the definition "ability to establish the desired value," Accuracy is the most appropriate technical term.

Step 3: Final Answer: The ability to reach the desired target value is Accuracy.