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Variable Resistor

Published on Dec 02, 2015

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

What is a variable resistor?
A variable resistor allows you to build a circuit with a certain degree of control. For example, a volume knob can be a variable resistor. It controls the amount of current flowing through the circuit. The background picture is the traditional symbol of a variable resistor.

A variable resistor works by adjusting the path that the current has to flow. Inside the resistor is a strip of metal which is connected to one part of the circuit. Once turned, the dial will move a piece of the wire inside the resistor itself. The end result is the electricity traveling through a certain length of the strip depending on where you turn the knob. When the electricty goes through a longer path, it will encounter more resistance.

A variable resistor is useful when the resistor in the circuit is unknown in advance. Controls like this are often called 'presents' because they are set by the manufacturer before the circuit is sent to the customer.