Potentiometers, Variable Resistors

A potentiometer, or pot for short, is also known as a variable resistor. Variable resistors are used to dynamically change the resistance to control the current in a circuit, and may also be used as a voltage divider. Is potentiometer a variable resistor? The potentiometer is the most common variable resistor. It functions as a potential divider and is used to generate a voltage signal depending on the position of the potentiometer. When a variable resistor is used as a potential divider by using 3 terminals it is called a potentiometer. When only two terminals are used, it functions as a variable resistance and is called a rheostat. How do variable resistors work? A variable resistor works by adjusting the path that current has to flow. Inside the resistor is a strip of metal or conducting ceramic which is connected to one part of the circuit. The dial you turn will move another piece of wire inside the resistor.