resistanssimuuttuja

Resistanssimuuttuja, known in English as a variable resistor or rheostat, is a passive electronic component whose resistance can be adjusted. It is a three-terminal resistor with two fixed terminals and one sliding or rotating terminal that moves along a resistive element. By changing the position of the sliding terminal, the amount of resistance between the common terminal and the sliding terminal can be varied. Typically, one of the fixed terminals and the sliding terminal are used in a circuit to control current. The third terminal is often left unconnected or can be used to create a voltage divider.

The primary function of a resistanssimuuttuja is to regulate the flow of electrical current or voltage in a circuit. They are commonly used in applications where manual adjustment is required, such as volume controls in audio equipment, dimmer switches for lights, and calibration adjustments in electronic instruments. The resistive element is usually made of a coil of resistance wire or a resistive track printed on a ceramic or plastic substrate. The sliding contact, often called a wiper, makes electrical contact with the resistive element and moves along it. The range of resistance is determined by the total resistance of the element and the available positions of the wiper.