
How Does a Potentiometer as Voltage Divider?
Potentiometer is a variable resistor with a sliding contact which can be a voltage divider as we can apply a voltage across its terminals. How and why? IntroductionA potentiometer is a three-terminal resistor with a sliding or rotating contact. It is an adjustable voltage divider with two static contacts and one moving contact. The moving terminal is a wiper that travels across the resistance element, usually in an arc controlled by a rotary knob. Rotating the knob gives a ratiometric division of the potential across the resistance element. Potentiometer generally used in speakers and receivers for volume control.