Potentiometräts

Potentiometers are a type of variable resistor. They have three terminals and a sliding or rotating contact that allows users to adjust the resistance. This adjustable resistance enables a potentiometer to function as a voltage divider. When a voltage is applied across two of the outer terminals, the third terminal's output voltage can be varied by moving the contact along the resistive element. Potentiometers are commonly used for volume control in audio equipment, dimming lights, and adjusting sensor readings. They are also employed in control systems to provide feedback on the position of mechanical components. The resistive element can be made from various materials, including carbon, wire-wound, or conductive plastic, each offering different characteristics in terms of power handling, resolution, and lifespan. The physical mechanism for moving the contact can be a knob for manual adjustment or a motor for automated control. The term "potentiometer" itself derives from the ability to measure or set electrical potential.