1 Answer
A **rheostat** is a type of variable resistor that is used to control the flow of electric current in a circuit. It has an adjustable resistance, which allows you to change the current by increasing or decreasing the resistance. Rheostats are often used to control the brightness of lights, the speed of motors, or the volume of audio devices.
In simple terms, it's like a "dial" that lets you control how much electricity flows through a circuit. It usually has two terminals, with one of them connected to a movable contact that slides along a resistive element. This change in position adjusts the resistance, which in turn adjusts the current.
Rheostats are typically used in low-power applications where you need to adjust current flow without needing a full potentiometer.
In simple terms, it's like a "dial" that lets you control how much electricity flows through a circuit. It usually has two terminals, with one of them connected to a movable contact that slides along a resistive element. This change in position adjusts the resistance, which in turn adjusts the current.
Rheostats are typically used in low-power applications where you need to adjust current flow without needing a full potentiometer.