Which statement best describes a linearity check?

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Linearity is about how the instrument’s output tracks the true input value across the entire measurement range. A linear instrument should map input to output in a proportional, straight-line way, so the relationship doesn’t bend or drift as you move across the range. A linearity check tests whether the reading error stays consistent (or, more precisely, whether deviations from the ideal straight line stay within tolerance) from one end of the range to the other.

So the statement that describes this best is: you test whether the instrument’s error behaves consistently across its range, which indicates the output changes proportionally with the input throughout the span. If the error varies with input, that shows nonlinearity. The other options describe calibration (adjusting to a standard), response time (how quickly readings update), and physical condition (wear), which are separate concepts.