Which statement is true about the selection of a resistance temperature detector (RTD) when measuring temperature change?

When selecting a resistance temperature detector (RTD) for measuring temperature changes, it's important to recognize that both accuracy and precision play significant roles in ensuring reliable measurements. The correct understanding is that both accuracy and precision are critical for effective temperature measurement. Accuracy refers to how close a measured value is to the actual value, while precision relates to the repeatability or consistency of the measurements under the same conditions.

In the context of temperature measurements, if an RTD is accurate but imprecise, it means that while the readings are close to the true temperature, they could fluctuate widely with each measurement, leading to uncertainty in the readings. Conversely, an RTD that is precise but not accurate will provide consistent measurements, but those measurements may all be incorrect.

Thus, the correct approach is valuing both accuracy and precision in selecting an RTD; this ensures that temperature changes are reliably detected and quantified without significant error or variability, which is essential for various applications ranging from industrial processes to scientific research.