Variable Resistor Overview

A variable resistor is a resistor whose resistance can be adjusted using an attached adjustable

component. It is used in electronic circuits to control voltage or current by changing the

resistance through a sliding wiper that moves along a resistance track. The value depends

on the wiper’s position. Adjustment may be done once during circuit setup using a screw or repeatedly

during operation using a knob. The resistor’s track can be made of carbon, cermet,

or wire-wound material—carbon and cermet for high-resistance applications and wire-wound for low-resistance ones.

Tracks are usually circular but can also be straight.