What type of readings are affected negatively by distance when using an infrared thermometer?

When using an infrared thermometer, temperature readings are the type most significantly affected by distance. This is because infrared thermometers measure the infrared radiation emitted by an object to determine its temperature. As the distance between the thermometer and the object increases, the size of the target area increases, causing the instrument to collect more ambient radiation mixed with the target's radiation. This dilution of the target signal can lead to inaccurate temperature readings, making it essential to consider distance when taking measurements.

Other types of readings, such as pressure, humidity, and voltage, do not rely on the same principles as temperature readings from infrared thermometers, thus remaining unaffected by distance in the same way. This distinction is critical for ensuring accurate measurements and helps in understanding the limitations of infrared thermometers in various applications.