sensor

Everyday

1. A sensor is a device that notices something, such as light, heat, movement, sound or touch, and sends a signal about it. tree →
2. (science) Living things have natural sensors too, like the eyes, ears and skin. tree →

In the lessons

In science, computing and design lessons sensors are used with micro:bits and robots: a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a sound sensor. In everyday life sensors are everywhere: automatic doors, smoke alarms, phone screens, car parking sensors, security lights and taps that turn on by themselves. In safety lessons, smoke and carbon monoxide sensors warn people of danger.

Examples

• The automatic door has a sensor that sees you coming. tree →
• We used the micro:bit's light sensor to measure brightness. tree →
• The security light switched on when the motion sensor saw a cat. tree →
• Smoke alarms have a sensor that detects smoke. tree →
• The car's parking sensor beeped near the wall. tree →
• The robot used a touch sensor to stop at the wall. tree →
• Your skin is full of sensors for heat and pain. tree →

Note

Plural «sensors». Spelling trap: «sensor» (a detector) and «censor» (a person who cuts or hides things from films, books or news) sound the same. A sensor detects; it does not decide — a program or brain decides what to do.