CO2 QUESTION BANK

Short answer question (2MARKS)

1. Specify the difference between an analog sensor and a digital
sensor?
A. Analog:
1. Continuous output
2. Measures physical parameters (temp, pressure)
3. Needs ADC
Digital:
1. Discrete output (0/1)
2. Measures binary parameters (proximity, motion)
3. No ADC needed

2. Draw a block diagram showing the significance of a sensor.

3. Define a sensor. Provide some examples of sensors.

• A. Sensors are devices that provide an output signal based on
measuring an environmental phenomenon such as measuring
temperature, humidity, pressure, altitude, ambient light distance
etc.

4. List two types of thermistors and provide its significance.

Thermistors can be classified into two main types: Negative
Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistors and Positive
Temperature Coefficient (PTC) thermistors.
 In NTC thermistors, the resistance decreases as the temperature
rises.
On the other hand, PTC thermistors exhibit an increase in
resistance as temperatures rise
5. What is the primary function of a temperature sensor?
Digital Thermometers (thermostats)
Household appliances (like microwaves, fridges, and ovens)
Circuit protection (i.e., surge protection) and
Rechargeable batteries (Ensure the correct battery temperature is
maintained)
To measure the thermal conductivity of electrical materials
Temperature compensation (i.e., maintain resistance to
compensate for effects caused by changes in temperature in
another part of the circuit.
6. What is a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)?
A Light Dependent Resistor (LDR), also known as a photoresistor, is
a type of resistor whose resistance changes depending on the
amount of light it is exposed to.
• A Light Dependent Resistor (LDR), also known as a photoresistor, is
a type of resistor whose resistance changes depending on the
amount of light it is exposed to.
7. What is the primary function of an Infra-Red (IR) sensor?
An IR sensor's primary function is to detect infrared radiation.
IR radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is
invisible to the human eye but can be sensed by specialized
sensors.
8. Identify some applications of IR sensors.
The primary applications of the infrared sensors mainly
Obstacle Detection
Industrial safety devices
Wheel encoder.
Safety of Rail
9. Define a PIR sensor and its basic application.
A passive infrared sensor (PIR sensor) is an electronic sensor that
measures infrared (IR) light radiating from objects in its field of
view.
 PIR sensors detect general movement, hence used for motion
detection.
 PIR sensors are commonly used in security alarms and automatic
lighting applications.

10. Identify some applications of PIR sensors.

Lighting Controls.
Smart Home And IoT.
IP Cameras And Surveillance Systems.
Automatic door opening System
Security Alarm.
11. How does an ultrasonic sensor is useful in IoT projects?
Ultrasonic sensors are used in IoT projects for proximity detection
and obstacle avoidance. They measure distance using sound
waves, allowing devices to respond to their environment without
physical contact.
12. What concept is involved behind the ultrasonic sensor in
detection.
Echolocation. Ultrasonic sensors emit sound waves and measure
the time it takes for the echoes to return, determining distance
based on the speed of sound.

13. What is a gas sensor, mention its purpose.

Gas sensors (also known as gas detectors) are electronic devices
that detect and identify different types of gasses.
Gas sensors are devices that help us understand the amount of gas
in the environment and the natural state of its movement
14. List some types of gas sensors.
 The various types of gas sensors based on the sensing element that
are generally used in various applications:
1.Metal Oxide based gas Sensor.
2.Optical gas Sensor.
3.Electrochemical gas Sensor.
4.Capacitance-based gas Sensor

Long answer questions(4 and 5MARKS)

1. Discuss the important characteristics of sensors and how they
impact the performance of IoT systems.
A. Important Characteristics of Sensors:

1. Accuracy: Measure correctness and precision.

2. Sensitivity: Ability to detect small changes.
3. Resolution: Smallest measurable change.
4. Range: Minimum and maximum measurable values.
5. Response Time: Time to respond to changes.
6. Power Consumption: Energy usage.
7. Reliability: Consistency and robustness.
Impact on IoT System Performance:

1. Data Quality: Accurate data enables informed decisions.

2. System Reliability: Reliable sensors ensure consistent
performance.
2. Explain the classification of sensors based on their working
principle.
A. - Active Sensors: Require external power (e.g., ultrasonic
sensors)
- Passive Sensors: Self-generating (e.g., thermocouples)
Analog Sensors : Output continuous signals (voltage, current)
 Digital Sensors: Output discrete signals (0/1, binary)
Scalar Sensors: Measure magnitude (amount) of a physical
parameter
Vector sensor: Measure both magnitude and direction of a physical
parameter
3. Illustrate the PIN Structure, interfacing of an LM35 sensor with
arduino board.
• A. LM35 is an analog, general-purpose temperature sensor.
• Its sensor gain is linear so that the temperature value can be
obtained by a simple two-variable equation.
• Both LM35 and LM35A can measure temperature ranging from -
55˚ to 150˚C, with an accuracy of +/-0.25˚C at room temperature
and +/-0.75˚C at full scale.

4. Explain the difference between NTC and PTC thermistors,

providing examples of their usage.
 A.

5. Describe the Pin Structure and list the advantages & disadvantages
of LDR.

• A. LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) Pin Structure:

•
• LDR typically has 2-3 pins:
• Vcc (Positive supply voltage)
• - GND (Ground)
• - OUT (Output signal)
• Advantages of LDR (3 marks):
• 1. Low Cost: Economical compared to other light sensors.
• 2. Simple Circuitry: Easy to integrate into circuits.
• 3. High Sensitivity: Responds well to varying light levels.
• 4. Compact Size: Small and lightweight.
• 5. Low Power Consumption: Suitable for battery-powered devices.
• Disadvantages of LDR (2 marks):
• 1. Non-Linear Response: Output voltage changes non-linearly with light.
• 2. Temperature Sensitivity: Performance affected by temperature changes.
• 3. Slow Response Time: May not respond quickly to rapid light changes.
• 4. Limited Dynamic Range: Not suitable for extreme light conditions.
• 5. Susceptible to Noise: May require filtering to reduce interference.

6. Explain the working principle of an LDR and how it responds to

changes in light intensity.
A. LDRs are photoconductive devices that change resistance
inresponse to light intensity.
Construction:
Semiconductor material (e.g., cadmium sulfide, CdS)
 - Two electrodes (metallic contacts)
- Encapsulated in a transparent package

Working Principle:

1. In darkness, LDR resistance is high (~MΩ) due to minimal charge

carriers.
2. When exposed to light, photons excite electrons, increasing
charge carriers.
3. Increased charge carriers reduce resistance (~kΩ).
4. Resistance decreases as light intensity increases.
Response to Changes in Light Intensity:

1. Increasing Light Intensity: Resistance decreases, allowing more

current to flow.
2. Decreasing Light Intensity: Resistance increases, reducing
current flow.
7. Explain the working principle of an Infra-Red (IR) sensor and its
common applications.
A. IR sensors detect radiation in the infrared spectrum (700 nm - 1
mm wavelength), emitting an electric signal.

Construction:
1. IR detector (photodiode or thermopile)
2. Optical filter (blocks visible light)
3. Amplifier (boosts signal)
Working Principle:
1. IR radiation from objects/environments reaches sensor.
2. Detector converts IR radiation into electrical signal.
3. Amplifier boosts signal for processing.
Applications:
1.motion detection.
2.object detection.
8. Describe the Pin diagram of IR sensor

A.

1. Vcc (Positive Supply Voltage): 5V or 3.3V

2. GND (Ground): 0V
3. OUT (Output Signal): Digital or Analog output
 9. Discuss the working and applications of a PIR sensor in motion
detection.
A. Working Principle:
1. PIR sensor detects IR radiation from surroundings.
2. When motion occurs, IR radiation pattern changes.
3. Pyroelectric sensor detects change, generating electric signal.
4. Amplifier boosts signal, sent to microcontroller.
5. Microcontroller processes signal, triggering output.
Applications in Motion Detection:
1. Security Systems (intruder detection)
2. Automated Lighting (turns on/off with motion)
3. Surveillance Systems
4. Home Automation
5. Energy Efficiency (reduces energy consumption)
6. Industrial Automation
7. Robotics
10. Elaborate on the Pin description of PIR sensor.
A. - Vcc: Connect to positive supply voltage.
- GND: Connect to ground.
- OUT: Connect to microcontroller/digital input.
- TRIG: Connect to potentiometer/variable resistor (adjusts

sensitivity).
11. Provide a detailed explanation of how an ultrasonic sensor
measures distance.
• A. An ultrasonic sensor is an instrument that measures the
distance to an object using ultrasonic sound waves.
• An ultrasonic sensor uses a transducer to send and receive
ultrasonic pulses that relay back information about an object’s
proximity.
• High-frequency sound waves reflect from boundaries to produce
distinct echo patterns.

12. Illustrate the Pin Structure, and applications of ultrasonic

sensor in IoT project
 A.

The key applications of the ultrasonic sensor mainly:

• Proximity detection
• Liquid level sensing
• Obstacle detection
• Ranging/Distance Measurement
• Contouring or Profiling

13. Highlight the PIN description of a gas sensor (MQ2) and

describe its advantages.
• A. VCC provides power to the sensor comparator board and needs
to be connected to the 5V of the Arduino
• GND is the ground pin and needs to be connected to the GND pin
of the Arduino.
• D0 is the digital output pin, which shows the digital representation
of the detected gas.
A0 is the analog output pin from which we can detect the gas type by

analyzing analog values

Advantages:
• Simple and low cost technology.
• It has robust and simple construction.
It is easy to operate in the absence of oxygen
Elaborate on the types, working principle of a gas sensor and its role
in safety systems.
Types of Gas Sensors:
• Metal Oxide based gas Sensor.
• Optical gas Sensor.
• Electrochemical gas Sensor.
• Capacitance-based gas Sensor.
Principle: The electrical conductivity of a semiconductor material
changes when exposed to certain gases.
Role in Safety Systems:
1. Leak Detection: Identify hazardous gas leaks in industries.
2. Explosion Prevention: Prevent ignition of flammable gases.
3. Air Quality Monitoring: Detect toxic gases in indoor/outdoor
environments.
4. Fire Detection: Detect gases produced during fires.
5. Personal Safety: Wearable sensors for worker safety.
Programs(6MARKS)
1. Develop an Arduino code that reads data from a temperature
sensor (LM35) and sends the temperature value to the serial
monitor.
void setup()
{
pinMode(2,OUTPUT);
pinMode(3,OUTPUT);
pinMode(A0, INPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);

}
void loop()
{
int baselineTemp = 30;
int sensor_data = analogRead(A0);
float voltage = sensor_data * (5.0 / 1024.0);
float celsius = (voltage - 0.5) * 100;
float fahrenheit = ((celsius*9) / 5 + 32);
Serial.print(celsius);
Serial.print(" C, ");
Serial.print(fahrenheit);
Serial.println(" F");
}
2. Develop an Arduino code that reads data from a temperature
sensor (LM35) indicates that through 2 LED's with the help of a
threshold value.
void setup()
{
pinMode(2,OUTPUT);
pinMode(3,OUTPUT);
pinMode(A0, INPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);

}
void loop()
{
int baselineTemp = 30;
int sensor_data = analogRead(A0);
float voltage = sensor_data * (5.0 / 1024.0);
float celsius = (voltage - 0.5) * 100;
float fahrenheit = ((celsius*9) / 5 + 32);
Serial.print(celsius);
Serial.print(" C, ");
Serial.print(fahrenheit);
Serial.println(" F");
}

3. Create an Arduino program that reads data from a gas sensor and
sounds a buzzer if the gas concentration exceeds a certain
threshold.
3.int gasval = 0;
void setup()
{
pinMode (9,OUTPUT);
 pinMode (A0,INPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);
}
void loop()
{
gasval = analogRead (A0);
Serial.print("Gas Value::");
Serial.println(gasval);

if (gasval <200 )
{
digitalWrite (9, LOW); // (or) noTone(9);

}
else
{
digitalWrite(9, HIGH); // (or) tone(9,500);

}
delay(1000);
}
4. Create an Arduino sketch that reads data from an LDR and turns
on an LED if the light intensity falls below a certain threshold.
5.const int ledpin = 11; // digital pin 11
const int ldrpin = A0; // analog pin 0 void setup()
{
Serial.begin(9600);
pinMode(ledpin, OUTPUT);
pinMode(ldrpin, INPUT);
}
void loop()
{
 int ldrstatus = analogRead(ldrpin);
if (ldrstatus <= 300)
{
digitalWrite(ledpin, HIGH);
}
else
{
digitalWrite(ledpin, LOW);
}
delay(1000)
5. Provide an Arduino code to display the darkness/sufficient light
message on serial monitor using LDR for measuring of light
intensity.
5.const int ldrpin = A0; // analog pin 0 void setup()
{
Serial.begin(9600);
pinMode(ldrpin, INPUT);
}
void loop()
{
int ldrstatus = analogRead(ldrpin);
if (ldrstatus <= 300)
{
Serial.print("Darkness over here, turn on the LED:");
Serial.println(ldrstatus);
}
else
{
Serial.print("There is sufficient light , turn off the LED : ");
Serial.println(ldrstatus);
}
delay(1000);
6. Develop an Arduino code that interfaces with a gas sensor to
measure the concentration of a specific gas and displays it on the
serial monitor.
const int gasSensorPin = A0;

void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
int gasValue = analogRead(gasSensorPin);

float co2Concentration = map(gasValue, 0, 1023, 0, 1000);

Serial.print("CO2 Concentration: ");
Serial.print(co2Concentration);
Serial.println(" ppm");

delay(1000);
}