What is a potentiometer?

The potentiometers are variable linear resistor that delivers an output voltage representing some function of an applied voltage and shaft position. The smaller variable resistors commonly used in electronic circuits are called as potentiometers.

A potentiometer, commonly referred as “Pot” is a three terminal resistor with a sliding or rotating contact that forms an adjustable voltage divider. If there is only two terminals are used one end and wiper it act as a variable resistor or rheostat.

Potentiometers are commonly used to control electrical devices such as in audio equipment it is used for volume control. Potentiometers are rarely used to directly control significant power, since the power dissipated in the potentiometer would be comparable to the power in the controlled load.