Reostaatide

Reostaatide is a term of Estonian origin referring to rheostats or variable resistors. A rheostat is an electrical component that allows for the manual adjustment of electrical resistance within a circuit. It typically consists of a resistive element, such as a wire or carbon film, with a movable contact that can be slid along the element. By changing the position of this contact, the length of the resistive path through which current flows is altered, thereby changing the total resistance.

Rheostats are used to control the flow of electric current in a circuit. As resistance increases, current decreases, and vice versa, assuming voltage remains constant. This makes them useful for applications where precise control of current or voltage is required. Common examples include dimming lights, controlling motor speed, and adjusting the output of power supplies. They can be used as either a two-terminal device, where the sliding contact and one end of the resistive element are used, or a three-terminal device, where all three points are connected to control voltage division.

Historically, rheostats were widely used for controlling large currents in industrial applications and in early electronic circuits. While modern electronics often employ semiconductor-based solutions like transistors for more efficient and precise control, rheostats remain relevant in certain niche applications and for educational purposes due to their simplicity and direct visual representation of resistance adjustment. The term "reostaatide" in Estonian specifically refers to these devices, often in the plural.