Variable Resistor/Potentiometer

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the symbol used to represent a potentiometer in circuit diagrams. Participants confirm that using a diagonal arrow across a resistor symbol is a valid representation of variable resistance. They also mention the traditional arrow-wiper version of the potentiometer symbol, which is more effective in illustrating the three-wire configuration of a potentiometer. The consensus is that both symbols are acceptable, but the arrow-wiper version provides clearer information about the component's functionality.

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  • Understanding of electrical circuit symbols
  • Familiarity with potentiometers and their applications
  • Knowledge of circuit diagram conventions
  • Basic physics principles related to resistance
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Procrastinate
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Ok, today in my Physics exam, we had to draw a circuit which involved a Potentiometer. Anyways, I was drawing the circuit and I had a mental blank of the potentiometer symbol. However, I knew that the diagonal arrow that you draw across a component means variable. I did that instead over a resistor symbol and I was wondering whether that is still a valid symbol to denote potentiometer/variable resistance or does it not exist at all? I remember seeing it somewhere but I wasn't sure whether it was correct or not.
 
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Yes, as far as I know it is still a valid symbol
 
Yep, still see that frequently--as well as the arrow-wiper version of the symbol. the diagonal line isn't useful in showing a pot with both ends connected plus the wiper (three wire pot) though.
 

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