An inductive proximity sensor can detect metallic and non-metallic objects.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Metal only
• D. Non-metal only

Answer: (B)

Inductive proximity sensors detect metallic targets by using an alternating magnetic field generated by a coil. When a conductive metal enters that field, eddy currents are induced in the metal, which changes the coil’s impedance and is interpreted as a detectable change by the sensor. Non-metallic materials don’t support these eddy currents, so they don’t cause the same change, and the sensor won’t reliably detect them. That’s why an inductive proximity sensor detects metal objects, not non-metals, making the statement false. For non-metals, other sensing types (like capacitive or photoelectric sensors) are used.