ARRL Technician Practice Exam

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Prepare for the ARRL Technician Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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What electrical parameter is controlled by a potentiometer?

Voltage
Capacitance
Resistance
Inductance

The correct answer is: Resistance

A potentiometer is a type of variable resistor, and its primary function is to control resistance within a circuit. It consists of a resistive element and a movable contact, or wiper, that slides across this element. By adjusting the position of the wiper, the resistance can be altered, which in turn influences the voltage across the potentiometer according to Ohm's Law. While the voltage can be affected by the adjustment of a potentiometer, it is the resistance that is directly being controlled. The other parameters listed—capacitance and inductance—are related to capacitors and inductors, respectively, and are not modified by a potentiometer. Therefore, the correct understanding of a potentiometer's operation reveals that it primarily serves to control resistance in electrical circuits.