Internet of Things (IoT) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a sensor in an IoT system?

1. To store data

2. To process information

3. To collect data

4. To display information

The correct answer is: To collect data

The primary purpose of a sensor in an IoT system is to collect data. Sensors are designed to detect specific parameters from the environment, such as temperature, humidity, motion, or light. They convert these physical stimuli into signals that can be read and processed digitally by other devices within the IoT ecosystem. The data collected by sensors is essential for enabling real-time monitoring and analysis, which is fundamental for the functionality of IoT applications, such as smart home systems or industrial automation solutions. This data serves as the foundation for further actions, insights, or triggering responses from other components in the system. The other options, while essential functions in the broader context of an IoT system, do not align with the direct purpose of a sensor. Storing data is typically the role of databases or cloud storage services. Processing information refers to the functions carried out by processors or microcontrollers that analyze and interpret the data received from sensors. Displaying information is primarily the role of user interfaces or dashboards that present data to users in a comprehensible format. Thus, sensors are fundamentally about data collection, making that the correct answer in this context.