Question

Which sensor characteristic describes its ability to selectively detect a specific analyte without interference from other substances in the sample ?

• A. Sensitivity
• B. Resolution
• C. Selectivity
• D. Linearity

Hint:

Selectivity means: \[ \text{Correct analyte detection without interference} \] while sensitivity means: \[ \text{Strength of response} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: A sensor is evaluated using several performance characteristics such as:
• Sensitivity
• Resolution
• Selectivity
• Linearity Among these, selectivity determines whether the sensor can distinguish the desired analyte from unwanted interfering substances.

Step 1: Understand the term analyte. An analyte is: \[ \text{The specific substance to be detected or measured} \] Example:
• Glucose in blood
• CO gas in air
• pH ions in solution

Step 2: Define selectivity. Selectivity means: \[ \text{Ability of a sensor to respond only to desired analyte} \] while ignoring:
• Noise
• Interfering chemicals
• Undesired substances Thus selectivity measures discrimination capability.

Step 3: Analyze other options. Sensitivity Sensitivity measures: \[ \text{Change in output per unit change in input} \] Not related to interference rejection. Resolution Resolution indicates: \[ \text{Smallest detectable change} \] Not related to analyte specificity. Linearity Linearity indicates: \[ \text{How accurately output follows a straight-line relation} \] Again unrelated to interference rejection.

Step 4: Write final answer. Therefore the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Selectivity}} \]