Which term describes a resistor whose value can be adjusted in a circuit?

Which term describes a resistor whose value can be adjusted in a circuit?

• A. Variable resistor
• B. Diode
• C. Light bulb
• D. Battery

Answer: (A)

A resistor whose value can be changed to control current or voltage is called a variable resistor. This kind of component is built so you can adjust its resistance, for example by turning a knob on a potentiometer or by using a rheostat for higher-current control. The other devices aren’t adjustable resistors: a diode is a nonlinear device that conducts in one direction, a light bulb’s resistance changes with temperature but isn’t meant to be adjusted, and a battery provides voltage rather than resistance. So the term that describes an adjustable resistor is variable resistor.

A resistor whose value can be changed to control current or voltage is called a variable resistor. This kind of component is built so you can adjust its resistance, for example by turning a knob on a potentiometer or by using a rheostat for higher-current control. The other devices aren’t adjustable resistors: a diode is a nonlinear device that conducts in one direction, a light bulb’s resistance changes with temperature but isn’t meant to be adjusted, and a battery provides voltage rather than resistance. So the term that describes an adjustable resistor is variable resistor.