A potentiometer, or pot for short, is also known as a variable resistor. Variable resistors are used to dynamically change the resistance to control the current in a circuit, and may also be used as a voltage divider. Is potentiometer a variable resistor? The potentiometer is the most common variable resistor. It functions as a potential divider and is used to generate a voltage signal depending on the position of the potentiometer. When a variable resistor is used as a potential divider by using 3 terminals it is called a potentiometer. When only two terminals are used, it functions as a variable resistance and is called a rheostat. How do variable resistors work? A variable resistor works by adjusting the path that current has to flow. Inside the resistor is a strip of metal or conducting ceramic which is connected to one part of the circuit. The dial you turn will move another piece of wire inside the resistor.Professional electronic components distributor, choose Joinwin Electronics, we provide eight million electronic components product parameter report, the most reliable distributor, with the manufacturer's authorisation, genuine original customised purchasing services, the fastest same-day delivery, believe that we choose Joinwin Electronics to collaborate on the development of common progress!