The World Book Bonus Science Reference

Potentiometer

Potentiometer, pronounced puh tehn shee AHM uh tuhr, is a device that measures electric current, voltage, and resistance with high precision. It shows voltage differences by comparing an unknown electromotive force with a known one. It is used to calibrate voltmeters or ammeters, and as a control element in electronic circuits and devices. See also Ammeter; Voltmeter.

Contributor: Robert B. Prigo, Ph.D., Prof. of Physics, Middlebury College.

 

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