Hi. I tried looking up how a Potentiometer works (I looked everywhere) and I can't find it. So far, all I know is that they are a three terminal resistor, but I don't even know what that means. So I was wondering, how do they work, and how do volume controls act like a Potentiometer, or rheostat?

pots(potentiometer) are as you say a veriable resister na dim alot of aplications dont use the 3rd wire. as for volume controls, it depends, some use pots some rheostats, but to my knowledge its more likely a pot. i cant go any deeper than that, ill let sme a bit cleverer than me take it further lol

You didn't look very hard then, as they're explained seemingly everywhere... Also, look up voltage divider.

Quote from tristancliffe :

You didn't look very hard then, as they're explained seemingly everywhere... Also, look up voltage divider.

Oh. For one of my science assignments, I am supposed to describe how volume controls act as rheostats. I should try looking up voltage divider.

You're doing basic EE in science class?

Quote from Forbin :

You're doing basic EE in science class?

IDK what EE, but right now we are focusing on Electricity and Magnetism. Oh, I got that assignment done, too. Now, I have to do an assignment on Superconductors.

Quote from GrIp DrIvEr :

IDK what EE, but right now we are focusing on Electricity and Magnetism. Oh, I got that assignment done, too. Now, I have to do an assignment on Superconductors.

Reminds me of a year ago, do not want.

EE = Electrical Engineering

I have a BS in EE. I probably use it more in my hobby (motorcycle racing) than my job (technical sales).