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Difficulty: EasyResistors and Potentiometers

Match each electronic component or resistor specification on the left with its correct circuit function or definition on the right.

  • PotentiometerA three-terminal variable resistor commonly wired as an adjustable voltage divider
  • RheostatA two-terminal variable resistor primarily used to adjust current flow in a circuit
  • Fixed ResistorA component manufactured to provide a single, constant, and unvarying resistance value
  • Tolerance BandA color-coded marking indicating the allowable percentage variation from nominal resistance

Answer

Potentiometer matches with the three-terminal variable resistor used as an adjustable voltage divider; Rheostat matches with the two-terminal variable resistor used to adjust current flow; Fixed Resistor matches with the component providing a single, constant resistance value; Tolerance Band matches with the color-coded marking indicating allowable percentage variation from nominal resistance.
Each item is correctly matched to its standard electrical engineering and ASVAB definition: potentiometers provide variable three-terminal voltage division, rheostats provide two-terminal variable current control, fixed resistors supply a steady ohmic value, and tolerance bands indicate the precision percentage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the distinction between the two variable resistor types based on terminal count and primary function.
A potentiometer has 3 terminals and functions as a voltage divider; a rheostat has 2 active terminals in series to regulate current.
Variable resistors differ in wiring configuration: voltage division requires three connections across a potential difference, whereas current regulation requires two inline connections.
2
Identify the definition of a fixed resistor.
A fixed resistor provides a constant, unchangeable ohmic value.
Unlike potentiometers or rheostats, fixed resistors have no moving wiper mechanism.
3
Identify the purpose of the resistor tolerance band.
The tolerance band gives the allowable percentage deviation from the nominal value.
Manufacturing variations mean actual resistance lies within a percentage range defined by the 4th band.

Key Concept

Classification, terminal configurations, and functional specifications of fixed and variable resistors.
Estimated Time:40s
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Topics

Resistors and Potentiometers

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