Can you use a potentiometer as a variable resistor?
Things You’ll Need. A potentiometer, or “pot” for short, is also known as a variable resistor. Variable resistors are used to dynamically change the resistance to control the current in a circuit, and may also be used as a voltage divider.
Does a potentiometer need a resistor?
A potentiometer is a manually adjustable variable resistor with 3 terminals. If a reference voltage is applied across the end terminals, the position of the wiper determines the output voltage of the potentiometer. A potentiometer is also commonly known as a potmeter or pot.
Is a variable resistor the same as a potentiometer?
A variable resistor is a resistor of which the electric resistance value can be adjusted. When a variable resistor is used as a potential divider by using 3 terminals it is called a potentiometer. When only two terminals are used, it functions as a variable resistance and is called a rheostat.
Is a potentiometer a fixed or variable resistor?
They are two connection variable resistors configured to provide any resistive value within their ohmic range to control the flow of current through them. So a potentiometer with a rating of 1kΩ will have a resistive track equal to the value of a 1kΩ fixed resistor.
What are the 3 pins on a potentiometer?
A potentiometer has 3 pins. Two terminals (the blue and green) are connected to a resistive element and the third terminal (the black one) is connected to an adjustable wiper. The potentiometer can work as a rheostat (variable resistor) or as a voltage divider.
What is a variable resistor used for?
Variable resistor A resistor limits the passage of electrical current. A fixed resistor has a resistance that does not change. The resistance of this resistor is changed by moving the position of a slider. A variable resistor is used in some dimmer switches and volume controls.
Why is potentiometer better than variable resistor?
In the potentiometer the resistance of the track remains the same as the wiper moves, and only the potential on the wiper changes. In a variable resistor the resistance of the track apparently changes as the wiper moves and short circuits more or less of the track resistance.
How do you identify a variable resistor?
The variable resistor is represented by a zig-zag line and an arrow across (or above) it, like that shown in the figure below.
How does a variable resistor or potentiometer works?
Potentiometers work by varying the position of a sliding contact across a uniform resistance. In a potentiometer, the entire input voltage is applied across the whole length of the resistor, and the output voltage is the voltage drop between the fixed and sliding contact as shown below.