__________ targets are the only targets that can be detected by an inductive proximity sensor.

• A. Magnetic
• B. Metallic
• C. Non-metallic
• D. Reflective

Answer: (B)

Inductive proximity sensors rely on an alternating magnetic field generated by a coil. When a conductive metal enters that field, eddy currents are produced in the metal. These currents change the coil’s impedance, and the sensor detects this change to produce a signal. Because the detection mechanism depends on electrical conductivity and the resulting eddy currents, non-metallic materials do not produce the needed effect and are not reliably detected. Reflective targets are a concept used by optical sensors, not inductive ones, and magnetic properties alone don’t define detection here—the key factor is being a metallic, conductive target.