Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Detectors are devices used to measure or detect various physical quantities such as light intensity, radiation levels, temperature, or electric current.
Related terms
Photodetector: A type of detector that measures light intensity or detects photons.
Geiger-Muller counter: A radiation detector used to measure ionizing radiation levels.
Thermocouple: A temperature detector that uses the principle of thermoelectric effect to measure temperature changes.