Resolution -- the smallest amount of input signal change that the instrument can detect reliably. This term is determined by the instrument noise (either circuit or quantization noise). For example, if you have a noiseless voltmeter that has 5 1/2 digits displayed and is set to the 20 V input range, the resolution of this voltmeter is 100 μV. This can be determined by looking at the change associated with the least significant digit.

Resolution:
Resolution in the context of an instrument refers to the smallest amount of input signal change that the instrument can detect reliably. It is a measure of the instrument's sensitivity and determines the smallest incremental change that can be detected or displayed by the instrument.

Explanation:
To understand resolution, let's consider an example of a digital thermometer. The thermometer has a display that shows temperature readings in decimal points, such as 36.5°C. The resolution of this thermometer determines the smallest change in temperature that can be detected and displayed.

Importance of Resolution:
Resolution is an important characteristic of an instrument as it determines the instrument's ability to detect small changes in input signals. A higher resolution means that the instrument can detect smaller changes, while a lower resolution means that only larger changes can be detected.

Factors Affecting Resolution:
The resolution of an instrument is influenced by several factors, including:
- Sensitivity of the instrument: Instruments with higher sensitivity generally have a higher resolution.
- Measurement range: The range over which an instrument can measure affects its resolution. A wider range often results in lower resolution.
- Number of digits or bits: In digital instruments, the number of digits or bits used to display the measurement affects the resolution. More digits or bits allow for higher resolution.

Measurement Accuracy vs. Resolution:
Resolution should not be confused with accuracy. While resolution refers to the smallest detectable change, accuracy refers to the instrument's ability to measure the true value of the input. An instrument can have high resolution but low accuracy if it consistently provides measurements that are different from the true value.

Conclusion:
In summary, resolution is the smallest amount of input signal change that an instrument can detect reliably. It is an important characteristic that determines the instrument's ability to detect small changes and is influenced by factors such as sensitivity, measurement range, and the number of digits or bits used for display. It is essential to understand that resolution is different from accuracy and should not be confused with it.