Robotics III Week #5

ACTIVITY 1: Importance of a potentiometer

A potentiometer is a terminal device used in controlling the level of resistance
manually. It helps in adjusting the flow of current in a circuit or a system where it’s
used. It could either be through a rotary adjustment wherein, as the name suggest,
enables the user to adjust resistance through rotation. There is also a linear
potentiometer which uses a slide-like motion to control resistance. Potentiometers
has a lot of real-life applications. Rotary potentiometers can be used in disc jockey
stations, sound devices, old models of tv, factory machines, etc. Linear
potentiometers can be used in amplifiers, helicopter controls, leverage machines,
pulleys, etc. Potentiometers are important in limiting the flow of current which affects
majority of machines nowadays. Without it, machines will have a more complicated
method required to adjust its systems making it harder to obtain the desired results.

ACTIVITY 2: Rotational vs. Linear

Rotational both Linear

Commonly used at home Both potentio meters can Commonly used on large
adjust the flow of current scale machines
in a circuitt
Moves in a linear Moves in a linear push/pill
push/pull motion motion

ACTIVITY 3: Challenge
Materials:
Arduino UnoR3
Potentiometer
LED
Resistor
Small Breadboard
Wires

Explain how the program works.

The program works through the use of potentiometer. It

controls the flow of current affecting the lighting ability of
the LED through its rotational knob.