Potentiometer

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! A potentiometer ( /pɵˌtɛnʃiˈɒmɨtər/), informally, a pot, is a three-terminal resistor with a sliding contact that forms an adjustable voltage divider. If only two terminals are used (one side and the wiper), it acts as a variable resistor or rheostat. Potentiometers are commonly used to control electrical devices such as volume controls on audio equipment. Potentiometers operated by a mechanism can be used as position transducers, for example, in a joystick.