Understanding Potential Dividers and Potentiometers

What does the symbol on the left represent in a circuit diagram?

• A fixed resistor

• A variable resistor

• A capacitor

• A diode

How does a potentiometer function in a circuit?

• It splits the resistance into two parts

• It acts as a fixed resistor

• It decreases the current

• It increases the voltage

What happens to the current when the wire is moved to the top of the potentiometer?

• It flows entirely in series

• It doubles in magnitude

• It flows entirely in parallel

• It stops flowing

What is the primary purpose of a potential divider?

• To convert AC to DC

• To store electrical energy

• To reduce voltage by a certain fraction

• To increase current

In the example problem, what is the total voltage in the circuit?

• 12 volts

• 21 volts

• 18 volts

• 9 volts

What is the resistance of the variable resistor needed to achieve 9 volts across the light bulb?

• 3.6 ohms

• 2.4 ohms

• 4.8 ohms

• 6.0 ohms

What is the voltage across the 2 ohm resistor in the example problem?

• 9 volts

• 12 volts

• 15 volts

• 21 volts

What is the total current in the circuit before it reaches the 2 ohm resistor?

• 9 amps

• 12 amps

• 6 amps

• 3 amps

When is the light bulb in parallel with the full potentiometer?

• When the potentiometer is disconnected

• When the potentiometer is in the middle

• When the potentiometer is at the top

• When the potentiometer is at the bottom

Where should the potentiometer be set for the light bulb to receive the least voltage?

• In parallel with the full potentiometer

• In series with the light bulb

• In parallel with a zero-resistance wire

• Disconnected from the circuit