NAME ______________________
MODS ______
ELECTRONICS
EXPERIMENT: Potentiometers
Introduction/Purpose:
The purpose of this experiment is to investigate a new component - a potentiometer.
Material:
DC Power Supply
2 Digital Multimeters
1 - 1kΩ resistor
10kΩ potentiometer
Procedure:
Note: Resistance must be measured out of circuit (i.e. component should not be
connected to anything but the meter - no power supply necessary).
1.
Place a potentiometer in a breadboard and, using wires to connect to your
multimeter, measure the resistance from the two outside end terminals. Turn the
adjustment knob on the potentiometer. Record your observations.
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2.
Next, using two multimeters, measure the resistance from one end terminal to the
middle lead and from the other end terminal to the middle lead simultaneously.
Turn the adjustment knob on the potentiometer. Record your observations.
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3.
What is a potentiometer based on your observations?
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Take the 10kΩ potentiometer (POT) and connect it in the circuit shown below.
4.
Connect a multimeter between points A and C to measure the potential difference
VAC. Turn the adjustment knob on the potentiometer. Record your observations.
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5.
Next, using two multimeters, measure the potential difference from one end
terminal to the middle lead (VAB) and from the middle lead to the other end
terminal (VBC) simultaneously. Turn the adjustment knob on the potentiometer.
Record your observations.
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6.
Suppose you need a 6V power supply but you only have a 9V supply and a 10k
potentiometer. What could you do? Devise and test a set-up to make this happen.
7.
Describe any potential practical applications of a potentiometer.
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