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Potentiometer - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A potentiometer is an adjustable resistor used to control electrical signals, such as volume in audio devices. It varies resistance by turning a knob or sliding a lever.

potentiometer

/pəˌtɛnʃiˈɑmɪt̬ɚ/ /pəˌtɛnʃiˈɒmɪtə/

Definition:

A variable resistor used to control electrical current by adjusting resistance manually.

Synonyms:

rheostat, variable resistor, voltage divider

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

fixed resistor, constant resistor

Common Collocations:

adjust the potentiometer, rotary potentiometer, linear potentiometer, digital potentiometer

Derivatives:

potentiometric, potentiometry

Usage Tips:

Use 'potentiometer' when referring to adjustable resistors in circuits or volume controls.

Common Phrases:

trim the potentiometer, wire the potentiometer, calibrate the potentiometer

Etymology:

Derived from 'potential' + '-meter,' reflecting its use in measuring electrical potential differences.

Examples:

  • 1. The potentiometer controls the brightness of the LED.
  • 2. Turn the knob to adjust the potentiometer's resistance.
  • 3. This circuit includes a 10k ohm potentiometer.
  • 4. The audio mixer uses a logarithmic potentiometer for smooth volume changes.

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