Which factor can affect the operations of a smoke alarm/detector?

Smoke alarms and detectors are designed to sense smoke and alert occupants of potential fire hazards. Various environmental factors can influence their operation, making them more or less effective in detecting smoke.

Air velocity plays a significant role because it can affect how smoke particles move through the air. High wind speeds can disperse smoke too quickly for the detector to sense it effectively, potentially delaying the alarm.

Humidity is another critical factor, as high levels of moisture can cause malfunction or reduce the sensitivity of the smoke sensors. In very humid conditions, the presence of water vapor can interfere with the sensor's ability to detect smoke particles.

Temperature also impacts smoke detectors. Extreme temperatures, whether too high or too low, can affect the electronics within the detector and the overall responsiveness of its sensing elements. For instance, extremely high temperatures can cause smoke detectors to give false alarms, while very low temperatures may hinder their operation altogether.

Considering all these factors—air velocity, humidity, and temperature—it becomes clear that they collectively influence the performance of smoke alarms and detectors. Therefore, the answer that encompasses all these factors is the most comprehensive and accurate choice.