What can a photoelectric light scattering smoke detector mistakenly identify?

A photoelectric light scattering smoke detector operates by detecting the presence of smoke particles in the air. When smoke enters the detector, it scatters light in different directions, which triggers the alarm. However, this technology can sometimes misidentify various particles in the environment.

In the case of dust, photoelectric detectors may mistake larger dust particles for smoke because both can scatter light. When dust is present in significant quantities, it can lead to false alarms as the detector interprets the scattered light from the dust as a signal of smoke.

The other options, while they may involve particles or environmental changes, do not entirely match the mechanism by which photoelectric detectors operate. For instance, steam is water vapor and doesn't necessarily scatter light in a similar manner as solid particles. Odors do not contribute physically to the scattering of light and are instead detected by our sense of smell. Temperature changes impact the properties of air but do not provide the particulate matter necessary for the photoelectric system to trigger an alarm.