Scuba Diving International (SDI) Computer Nitrox Practice Exam

Oxygen sensors in diving equipment can be sensitive to which of the following factors?

1. Temperature, moisture, and age

2. Depth, visibility, and pressure

3. Light, sound, and water clarity

4. Color, buoyancy, and tank size

The correct answer is: Temperature, moisture, and age

Oxygen sensors in diving equipment are critical for accurately measuring the percentage of oxygen in a gas mixture, particularly when using Nitrox. The performance of these sensors can be influenced by several factors, notably temperature, moisture, and age. Temperature can affect the calibration and response time of the oxygen sensor. As temperatures fluctuate, the sensor's readings may become less reliable if not properly compensated. Additionally, moisture can cause a sensor to fail or provide inaccurate readings, as water can interfere with the sensor's ability to detect oxygen levels accurately. Age also plays a significant role; as sensors age, their sensitivity and accuracy can diminish due to wear and tear, calibration drift, or the degradation of the materials used in the sensor. In contrast, other factors mentioned in the incorrect choices – such as depth, visibility, pressure, light, sound, water clarity, color, buoyancy, and tank size – do not directly affect the operation of oxygen sensors. While depth and pressure can impact gas density and the behavior of gases underwater, they do not modify the inherent response of the oxygen sensor itself. Similarly, visibility, light, and sound are unrelated to the chemical and physical principles behind how oxygen sensors function. Thus, focusing on temperature, moisture, and age provides the most