____________ targets are the only targets that can be detected by an inductive proximity sensor.

• A. Metallic
• B. Nonmetallic
• C. Semimetal
• D. Nonferrous

Answer: (A)

Inductive proximity sensors detect targets through electromagnetic interaction with a metal. The coil inside the sensor creates an alternating magnetic field, and when a metallic, conductive object comes near, eddy currents are induced in the metal. These currents generate their own magnetic field and change the coil’s impedance, which the sensor interprets as a nearby target and switches its output. Nonmetallic materials don’t support eddy currents, so they don’t trigger the sensor. Among the options, metallic is the broad category that correctly describes all objects that can be detected by this type of sensor. Nonferrous is a subset and isn’t as universally applicable, and semimetal or nonmetallic don’t fit the concept.