An inductive proximity sensor creates what kind of field to sense metal parts?

• A. Magnetic
• B. Electric
• C. Gravitational
• D. Electrostatic

Answer: (A)

Inductive proximity sensing relies on a magnetic field generated by its sensing coil. When a metal part comes into or near that field, it induces eddy currents in the metal. Those eddy currents create their own magnetic field that opposes the sensor’s field, causing a change in the coil’s impedance. The sensor detects this change and outputs a signal.

This is specific to magnetic fields, which is why the correct description is a magnetic field. Electric or electrostatic fields are used by capacitive sensing, not inductive, and gravitational fields aren’t involved in this sensing method.