Capacitive sensor creates a ______ field that is used to sense when the part comes into range.

Capacitive sensor creates a ______ field that is used to sense when the part comes into range.

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

Answer: (B)

Capacitive sensing relies on an electrostatic field created by the sensor's electrode. This electric field extends into the space around the sensor, and when a part comes within range, the field is perturbed by the object's presence. That disturbance changes the capacitance between the sensor and the target, and the sensor detects this change as a proximity signal. Magnetic fields are used in inductive sensors, gravitational fields aren’t involved in this sensing method, and while an electric field describes the interaction, the term electrostatic specifically captures the static electric field that capacitive sensing relies on.

Capacitive sensing relies on an electrostatic field created by the sensor's electrode. This electric field extends into the space around the sensor, and when a part comes within range, the field is perturbed by the object's presence. That disturbance changes the capacitance between the sensor and the target, and the sensor detects this change as a proximity signal. Magnetic fields are used in inductive sensors, gravitational fields aren’t involved in this sensing method, and while an electric field describes the interaction, the term electrostatic specifically captures the static electric field that capacitive sensing relies on.