A potentiometer is a three-terminal resistor with a sliding or rotating contact that varieties an adjustable voltage divider. Potentiometers are generally used to manage electrical indicators, corresponding to quantity or brightness. They may also be used as sensors to measure the place of a mechanical system.
To hook up a potentiometer, you will have to attach the three terminals to an influence supply and a load. The ability supply is usually a battery, an influence provide, or one other voltage supply. The load is usually a resistor, a light-weight bulb, or one other electrical machine.