What is a characteristic of a sensor used in gas detection?

A characteristic of a sensor used in gas detection is that it can be gas specific or multipurpose. Gas-specific sensors are designed to detect the presence and concentration of a particular gas, providing highly accurate readings for that substance. In contrast, multipurpose sensors are capable of detecting a range of gases, allowing for broader applications in various environments. This flexibility is advantageous in situations where multiple gas hazards may be present or where the specific nature of the hazard is not yet identified.

The other options do not encapsulate the general functionality of gas detection sensors. For example, sensors that only measure high concentrations of gas would not be effective in environments where lower concentrations are hazardous. Detecting temperature and humidity is not the primary function of gas detection sensors, which focus specifically on gas concentration. Finally, sensors requiring manual calibration only are not representative of all gas detection technologies, as many modern sensors come with features like automatic calibration to enhance usability and maintain accuracy without frequent manual intervention.