What determines the smallest increment that can be distinguished or displayed by an instrument?

The smallest increment that an instrument can distinguish or display is referred to as its resolution. This value represents the smallest change in measurement that the instrument can detect or respond to.

For example, in the context of a digital thermometer that reads temperature, if it has a resolution of 0.1 degrees, it means that it can show temperature changes as small as one-tenth of a degree. Higher resolution allows for more precise measurements and the ability to observe finer details in the data being monitored.

In contrast, hysteresis relates to the behavior of an instrument with respect to input changes and the difference in output it may exhibit based on previous input states. Linearity describes how the output of an instrument relates to the input signal across its range, ensuring that the output is proportional at all points. Span, on the other hand, refers to the range of values an instrument can measure, from its minimum to maximum. While all these factors contribute to the overall performance of an instrument, it is resolution that specifically addresses the ability to detect and display the smallest incremental changes.