QUOTE A potentiometer has 2 connections. Remember it's a variable resistor - between two points.
Those things with 3 connections allow you to select the polarity of the resistance - 0 to full on way and full to 0 the other. Does that sound clear or is it more
In general, the variable resistors with two connections are called rheostats - they function simply as a variable resistor - one connection goes to one end of the resistance, the other to the wiper and thus on can very a resistance between zero and the full value of the resistor - this is typically what would be used in a variable braking circuit. In use they will be installed in series with the (+) side of the circuit
A potentiometer has three connections - one at each end of the resistance winding and one to the wiper. These devices are typically used as voltage dividers - they are connected across the circuit from the (+) to the (-) sides and then the wiper connection can be used to "pick off" any voltage between zero - when it is all the way to the (-) side to the full voltage of the circuit when it is at the opposite end - (volume controls in audio circuits are a typical example)
variable resistor circuits
offers a simple explanation and diagrams.
EM
Those things with 3 connections allow you to select the polarity of the resistance - 0 to full on way and full to 0 the other. Does that sound clear or is it more
In general, the variable resistors with two connections are called rheostats - they function simply as a variable resistor - one connection goes to one end of the resistance, the other to the wiper and thus on can very a resistance between zero and the full value of the resistor - this is typically what would be used in a variable braking circuit. In use they will be installed in series with the (+) side of the circuit
A potentiometer has three connections - one at each end of the resistance winding and one to the wiper. These devices are typically used as voltage dividers - they are connected across the circuit from the (+) to the (-) sides and then the wiper connection can be used to "pick off" any voltage between zero - when it is all the way to the (-) side to the full voltage of the circuit when it is at the opposite end - (volume controls in audio circuits are a typical example)
variable resistor circuits
offers a simple explanation and diagrams.
EM
