| English | Sensitivity |
|---|---|
| Bahasa Melayu | Kepekaan |
| 中文 | 灵敏度 |
Definition
The ability of an instrument to detect and respond to a small change in the quantity being measured.
In exam terms
Sensitivity is the ability of an instrument to detect and respond to a small change in the quantity being measured. A sensitive instrument gives a large change in its reading for a small change in the quantity, so it can pick up fine differences.
For example, a liquid-in-glass thermometer is made more sensitive by using a thinner capillary bore and a larger, thinner-walled bulb, so a small rise in temperature moves the liquid a longer distance up the tube. A micrometer screw gauge (smallest division 0.01 mm) is more sensitive than a vernier caliper (0.1 mm).
Do not confuse it with accuracy
Do not confuse sensitivity with accuracy. Sensitivity is about detecting small changes; accuracy is about closeness to the true value.
A sensitive instrument is not automatically accurate, because it can still have a zero error.
In Paper 2 this appears as state one way to increase the sensitivity of the thermometer (answer: use a narrower capillary tube or a larger bulb), so read the command word carefully to give the change asked for, not a general improvement.
Source: DSKP KSSM Physics Form 4 and 5 (Versi English) (Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum (BPK), KPM)