How do rapid changes in barometric pressure affect the volumetric oxygen sensor readings?

Rapid changes in barometric pressure can create fluctuations in the ambient pressure that influences how oxygen sensors measure the volume of oxygen in a given space. When barometric pressure changes quickly, the oxygen levels indicated by the sensor might not match the actual conditions immediately. This discrepancy occurs because the sensor needs time to equilibrate to the new pressure conditions, leading to temporarily inaccurate readings.

Once the sensor has adjusted to the new barometric pressure, it will stabilize, resulting in readings that accurately reflect the true oxygen levels. Therefore, during periods of rapid pressure change, one can expect the sensor to provide readings that may not be reliable until the sensor stabilizes in response to the new conditions. This characteristic establishes the reason why the correct answer emphasizes that readings may become temporarily incorrect until stabilization occurs.