What describes the smallest change in a measured value that an instrument can detect?

The term that best describes the smallest change in a measured value that an instrument can detect is resolution. In the context of measurement instruments, resolution refers to the smallest increment that can be discerned by the device, indicating its sensitivity and ability to provide precise readings. A higher resolution means the instrument can detect smaller variations, allowing for more detailed measurements.

In contrast, the signal-to-noise ratio relates to the clarity of the measurement signal versus the background noise, which affects the quality of the data but does not define the smallest detectable change. Dynamic range is concerned with the range between the smallest and largest values an instrument can measure, and threshold refers to the minimum level at which a signal can be reliably detected. These concepts are related but do not specifically address the ability to detect the smallest change in a measurement.