A potentimeter is an electronic device that is used to measure electrical voltage or current. It consists of two conductors that are separated by a dielectric layer. When voltage is applied to one of the conductors, it begins to move, changing the resistance between the two conductors.
Potentiometers are used in various devices such as power amplifiers, signal generators, measuring instruments, etc. They can also be used to adjust sound volume or light brightness.
Additionally, potentiometers are very reliable and durable devices that can last for many years without needing to be replaced. This makes them very popular in various industries and scientific research.
Potentimeter: from definition to use
A potentimeter is an electrical measuring device for determining electromotive force (EMF) or voltage. It is used to study the electrical properties of various materials, such as resistance, reactivity, capacitance, conductivity, etc. It got its name due to its function of measuring the differential value of current to voltage.
The physical principle of its operation is to connect a known source of emf (or current) to the measured parameter, turn it on using two lamps with known voltage values, and measure the current and voltage on these lamps. The electromotive force of this circuit remains unchanged and corresponds to the value of the measured characteristic.
**Application.** Currently, potentimeters are quite popular devices and are used not only in the scientific research field, but also in practice. They help evaluate the quality of electrical circuits and materials and are used in manufacturing, energy, science and technology. Potentimeters can be divided into different types depending on where they are used and how they measure EMF or voltage: - High resistance: used for operation in vacuum and low powers; - Low resistance: used to measure light intensity; - Universal: for measuring different quantities;
Another type of voltage versus resistance ratio is called a logarithmic characteristic. It is widely used when working with audio circuits and measuring devices, as it allows you to increase the accuracy and sensitivity of the measurement. Some types of potentiometers have additional functions, such as a zero scale and measuring range selection. This makes it easier to work with the device and allows you to obtain more accurate results. To protect against various types of pollution, special conductors are attached to the devices; they perform a protective function. The conductor is selected based on the operating conditions of the equipment. The conductors are made of metal with a low coefficient of friction to reduce the resistance between the device motor and the contact. Otherwise, when the contacts touch each other, an electrical contact may be formed. After all, sparks and noise may occur.