A metal detector is an electronic instrument which detects the presence of metal nearby. Metal detectors are useful for finding metal inclusions hidden within objects or metal objects buried underground. They often consist of a handheld unit with a sensor probe which can be swept over the ground or other objects. If the sensor comes near a piece of metal this is indicated by a changing tone in earphones or a needle moving on an indicator. Usually the device gives some indication of distance the closer the metal is the higher the tone in the earphone or the higher the needle goes. Another common type are stationary walk through metal detectors used for security screening at access points in prisons courthouses and airports to detect concealed metal weapons on a persons body.
