Which term describes the type of output signal produced by instruments that respond proportionally to input energy?

Which term describes the type of output signal produced by instruments that respond proportionally to input energy?

• A. Proportional
• B. Linear
• C. Nonlinear
• D. Discrete

Answer: (A)

Proportional output means the signal changes in direct ratio to the input energy, governed by a constant gain. In other words, doubling the input energy doubles the output, and zero input gives zero output, with no extra offset or distortion within the operating range. This direct proportionality is exactly what the phrase describes, making it the best term. A linear response is closely related, but the emphasis here is on direct proportionality to input energy. Nonlinear would distort the ratio, causing the output not to scale consistently with input. Discrete would imply the output changes in distinct steps rather than smoothly in proportion.

Proportional output means the signal changes in direct ratio to the input energy, governed by a constant gain. In other words, doubling the input energy doubles the output, and zero input gives zero output, with no extra offset or distortion within the operating range. This direct proportionality is exactly what the phrase describes, making it the best term.

A linear response is closely related, but the emphasis here is on direct proportionality to input energy. Nonlinear would distort the ratio, causing the output not to scale consistently with input. Discrete would imply the output changes in distinct steps rather than smoothly in proportion.