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What is the role of resistor connected in series with the pot?
In its simplest form, the electrical operation of a potentiometer can be considered the same as for two resistors in series with the sliding contact varying the values of these two resistors allowing it to be used as a voltage divider. Then a series resistive circuit acts as a voltage divider network as shown.
Why is a resistor added to a circuit?
Resistors are usually added to circuits where they complement active components like op-amps, microcontrollers, and other integrated circuits. Commonly resistors are used to limit current, divide voltages, and pull-up I/O lines.
How does a pot work as a resistor?
A pot limits the current flow by providing resistance value. That means it can increase or decrease the current of a circuit. It also works as an adjustable voltage divider. Based on this functionality, a pot can measure the electrical emf also. The ‘k’ represents kiloohms.
How is a variable resistor used in a circuit?
Variable resistor: One of the major applications of a pot is a variable resistor or adjustable resistor. A Pot can change both current and resistance of a circuit. EMF measurement: These are capable of measuring emf, as discussed earlier. It has a voltage dividing property, which helps to find out the electrical emf.
How does a potentiometer act as an adjustable resistor?
A potentiometer (or pot) acts as a variable voltage divider by moving a wiper across the surface of a fixed-resistance element. If an adjustable resistor has only two terminals (1 and 2 in the figure ), then it is called a rheostat and acts as an adjustable resistance.
How does a potentiometer work in a circuit?
The potentiometer can work as a rheostat (variable resistor) or as a voltage divider. When the potentiometer is used as a voltage divider, the wiper position determines the output voltage.