Question

State the uses of a potentiometer.

Answer 1

The applications (uses) of the potentiometer :

1. Voltage divider :
   The potentiometer can be used as a voltage divider to change the output voltage of a voltage supply.
2. Audio control:
   Sliding potentiometers are commonly used in modern low-power audio systems as audio control devices. Both sliding (faders) and rotary potentiometers (knobs) are regularly used for frequency attenuation, loudness control and for controlling different characteristics of audio signals.
3. Potentiometer as a sensor:
   If the slider of the potentiometer is connected to the moving part of a machine, it can work as a motion sensor. A small displacement of the moving part causes a change in potential which is further amplified using an amplifier circuit. The potential difference is calibrated in terms of displacement of the moving part.
4. To measure the emf (for this, the emf of the standard cell and potential gradient must be known).
5. To compare the emf’s of two cells.