Which component acts as a temperature sensor?

Which component acts as a temperature sensor?

• A. Thermistor
• B. Resistor
• C. Capacitor
• D. Inductor

Answer: (A)

A thermistor is a temperature-dependent resistor—its resistance changes noticeably with temperature, providing a direct way to sense temperature. In circuits, you measure the resistance (or a related voltage drop) to infer temperature. Most common thermistors are negative temperature coefficient, meaning their resistance drops as temperature rises, giving a quick, sensitive temperature signal. Other components don’t inherently provide a reliable temperature-reading signal: a simple resistor is typically fixed, while capacitors and inductors respond to voltage, charge, or magnetic conditions rather than temperature in a straightforward, monotonic way.

A thermistor is a temperature-dependent resistor—its resistance changes noticeably with temperature, providing a direct way to sense temperature. In circuits, you measure the resistance (or a related voltage drop) to infer temperature. Most common thermistors are negative temperature coefficient, meaning their resistance drops as temperature rises, giving a quick, sensitive temperature signal. Other components don’t inherently provide a reliable temperature-reading signal: a simple resistor is typically fixed, while capacitors and inductors respond to voltage, charge, or magnetic conditions rather than temperature in a straightforward, monotonic way.