Which component is a potentiometer?

Study for the AMT General – Fundamentals of Electricity Exam with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively and enhance your understanding of electrical fundamentals for your certification!

Multiple Choice

Which component is a potentiometer?

Explanation:
A potentiometer is a device whose resistance can be adjusted, so it is a variable resistor. It typically has three terminals and acts as a voltage divider: the total resistance between the end terminals is fixed, but the movable wiper taps off a variable portion of that resistance, giving an adjustable output voltage. Because of this adjustable resistance, it’s classified as a variable resistor. A fixed resistor has a constant value, a transistor is an active switching/amplifying device, and a capacitor stores energy in an electric field rather than providing adjustable resistance.

A potentiometer is a device whose resistance can be adjusted, so it is a variable resistor. It typically has three terminals and acts as a voltage divider: the total resistance between the end terminals is fixed, but the movable wiper taps off a variable portion of that resistance, giving an adjustable output voltage. Because of this adjustable resistance, it’s classified as a variable resistor. A fixed resistor has a constant value, a transistor is an active switching/amplifying device, and a capacitor stores energy in an electric field rather than providing adjustable resistance.

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