N.B.C.C. S.J.

Electricity and Electronics

LAB EXERCISE #2
VARIABLE RESISTORS
VARIABLE RESISTORS

OBJECTIVE

- To investigate the properties of potentiometers.

- To investigate the resistance versus temperature variation of a thermistor.

EQUIPMENT

DMM
Linear 10 k potentiometer
Thermistor
Source of heat, such as low-wattage soldering iron

BACKGROUND

Often electronic circuits require the user to vary the resistance between two points.
This is accomplished with a device called a rheostat. A more useful device is the
potentiometer. By positioning a wiper on a carbon track, a resistor can be split into two
resistance values on a continuous basis such that the sum is always equal to the total. In
this experiment you will investigate the properties of potentiometers. There are two
basic kinds, linear and nonlinear. In linear potentiometers, the amount of resistance
between either end point and the wiper (Figure 2-1) is proportional to the wiper
position and, therefore, the number of turns swept through. In the nonlinear type, the
track is tapered, so equal increments in distance along the track (and therefore rotation)
do not yield equal changes in resistance.

FIGURE 2-1

The second device we will look at in this experiment is the thermistor, or heat-sensitive
resistor. Its resistance may increase or decrease with increasing temperature. If you are
using a soldering iron, pay special attention, as always, to your activity and take safety
precautions.
PROCEDURE

Part A: Potentiometer

1. Using an Ohm meter, identify the end terminals and wiper terminal of the
potentiometer.

2. Adjust the Potentiometer so that the shaft is adjusted approximately in the

center. Position the DMM across terminals 1 and 3. Record the measured
resistance in Table 2-1 under R1,3.

3. Position the DMM across terminals 1 and 2, then across 2 and 3. Record the
respective readings in the table.

4. Add the values under R1,2 and R2,3. Their sum should be a value close to the
resistance measured in step 2.

R1,2 ________ + R2,3 _______ = __________

5. Turn the shaft of the pot approx. ¼ turn and repeat steps 3 and 4. Record all
results in Table 2-1.

6. Turn the shaft fully counterclockwise and locate the pair of terminals (1–2 or
2–3) that gives a value of resistance close to 0 ohms.

ANS: ___________

TABLE 2-1

Resistance Measured
R1,3 R1,2 R2,3
Part B: Thermistor

1. Measure and record the resistance of the thermistor at normal room temperature.

Answer: _______________

2. With the DMM still connected across the thermistor, apply heat to the body of the
thermistor with the tips of your fingers and notice the change in resistance.
Record the new value of resistance

Answer: _______________

3. You can get the thermistor's resistance to change more dramatically by applying the
heat from a low-wattage soldering iron or heat blower. If your instructor
permits, try this, and again record the new resistance value (the resistance value
may fluctuate).

Answer: _____________

4. Is the thermistor of the positive or negative temperature coefficient type?

Answer: _____________
QUESTIONS FOR EXPERIMENT 2

1. Given a ten-turn linear potentiometer of value 50 kΩ, what would be the

value of resistance measured between terminals 1 and 2 (in Figure 2-1)?

(a) 50 kΩ (b) 25 kΩ

(c) 0 kΩ (d) It would depend on the position of the wiper

2. As the wiper is moved from left to right in Figure 2-1, the resistance between
terminals 1 and 2

(a) increases (b) decreases

(c) increases, then decreases (d) stays constant

3. As the wiper is moved from right to left in Figure 2-1, the resistance between
terminals 1 and 3

(a) increases (b) decreases

(c) increases, then decreases (d) stays constant

4. If the resistance between terminals 1 and 2 of the potentiometer were 10 kΩ,

and the resistance between terminals 1 and 3 were 12 kΩ, then this would be
called a (an)

(a) 10 k pot (b) 22 k pot

(c) 12 k pot (d) 2 k pot

5. Detail (with a sketch) how you would connect the potentiometer to operate as
a rheostat.

5. Explain in your own words the difference between a positive temperature

coefficient and negative temperature coefficient thermistor.
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