During checkpoint screening at a corporate data center, visitors walk through a magnetometer before accessing the lobby. Which statement best describes what the magnetometer does?
It monitors ionizing radiation levels to prevent radioactive materials from entering the facility.
It measures disturbances in a magnetic field to reveal ferromagnetic objects such as concealed weapons.
It captures millimeter-wave images to visualize non-metallic contraband hidden under clothing.
It weighs each person using load cells and flags differences that could indicate hidden items.
A magnetometer senses changes in a magnetic field. When a person carrying a ferromagnetic object (such as a firearm or knife) passes through its detection zone, the metal disturbs the field and triggers an alarm. This makes magnetometers effective for locating concealed weapons during security screenings. They do not create body-scan images, measure radiation, or weigh individuals.
Magnetometer security systems use magnetic-field variations to identify metallic threats.
Magnetometers can be used as metal detectors, detecting only magnetic (ferrous) metals.
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What is a magnetometer and how does it work?
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How do metal detectors differ from magnetometers?
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Why is detecting magnetic fields important in security screenings?