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GCSE Physics · key term
A resistor whose resistance can be adjusted.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.4 · Paper 1
Revise: Standard circuit diagram symbolsStandard circuit symbols: Cell; Battery; Open switch; Lamp; Fuse; Ammeter; Voltmeter; Resistor; Variable resistor; Thermistor; LDR; Diode; LED. Resistors and related components use the European rectangular style.
A component whose resistance can be adjusted to control the current and potential difference in a circuit.
Specification 10.2, 10.12, 10.16, 10.21 · Paper 2
A component whose resistance can be adjusted.
Revise: Circuit DiagramsA fixed resistor provides resistance, whereas a variable resistor has an adjustment arrow and can be set to different resistances. A lamp is shown as a circle with a cross and a motor as a circle with M. The circle containing A is an ammeter, which measures current; the circle containing V is a voltmeter, which measures potential difference.
A resistor whose resistance can be changed manually, usually by moving a slider or turning a dial.
A component whose resistance can be adjusted to change the current in a circuit.
A resistor whose resistance can be adjusted, allowing the current and potential difference in a circuit to be changed safely.
Specification P3.2b, P3.2k · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
Revise: Circuit diagramsA variable resistor uses the resistor symbol with an additional diagonal arrow, showing that its resistance can be changed. Changing its resistance can be used to control the current in a circuit.
A resistor whose resistance can be adjusted to change the current in a circuit.
When explaining the effect of a variable resistor, give the complete chain: increase the variable resistance → increase the total circuit resistance → decrease the current.
A variable resistor is adjusted by a person using a slider or dial; do not describe it as detecting temperature or changing automatically like a thermistor.
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