Experiment 2 - The Potentiometer II

A potentiometer has a third connector which is connected with a sliding contact on the resistor layer. This allows the potentiometer resistance values between 0 Ω and the nominal value...

In the circuit shown, you measure with your multimeter the resistance between one end of the potentiometer and the sliding contact, often also referred to as wiper...

Circuit measuring the resistance of a potentiometer I. (Enlarge)

Circuit diagram measuring the resistance of a potentiometer I.

Depending on how far you turn on the trimming potentiometer, you measure a resistance between R = 0 Ω and 10 kΩ.

Measure also the resistance between the other end and the sliding contact...

Circuit measuring the resistance of a potentiometer II. (Enlarge)

Circuit diagram measuring the resistance of a potentiometer II.

Now you measure resistance values between R = 10 kΩ and 0 Ω.

However, in many applications you need adjustable resistors which have a minimum resistance...