potentiometer - Hutchinson encyclopedia article about potentiometer Printer Friendly
Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary
3,577,526,032 visitors served.
forum Join the Word of the Day Mailing List For webmasters
?
Dictionary/
thesaurus
Medical
dictionary
Legal
dictionary
Financial
dictionary
Acronyms
 
Idioms
Encyclopedia
Wikipedia
encyclopedia
?

potentiometer

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Medical, Acronyms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.

potentiometer

Electrical resistor that can be divided so as to compare, measure, or control voltages. In radio circuits, any rotary variable resistance (such as volume control) is referred to as a potentiometer.

A simple type of potentiometer consists of a length of uniform resistance wire (about 1 m/3 ft long) carrying a constant current provided by a battery connected across the ends of the wire. The source of potential difference (voltage) to be measured is connected (to oppose the cell) between one end of the wire, through a galvanometer (instrument for measuring small currents), to a contact free to slide along the wire. The sliding contact is moved until the galvanometer shows no deflection. The ratio of the length of potentiometer wire in the galvanometer circuit to the total length of wire is then equal to the ratio of the unknown potential difference to that of the battery.



How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
?Page tools
Printer friendly
Cite / link
Feedback
?Sign in SSL protected
Email:
Password:
Register

Mentioned in?  References in periodicals archive?   Hutchinson browser?   Full browser?
 
An articulated mechanical model of the leg with three different length partial foot residua was used to compare the ankle kinematic data derived from a potentiometer (embedded in the ankle of the mechanical model) and conventional marker-based gait analysis systems.
DATATRAN LABS Sussex NJ USA The company has introduced a heavy duty, high precision, geared potentiometer designed to provide dancer roll position feedback signals.
A nib on the outside of the bellows, in turn, engages the potentiometer to make the adjustment.
 
 
 
Hutchinson Encyclopedia
?

Terms of Use | Privacy policy | Feedback | Copyright © 2012 Farlex, Inc.
Disclaimer
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.