Resistors serve multiple purposes in electronics: protecting components from excessive current, creating voltage dividers (including potentiometers), and forming parts of larger circuits like Wheatstone bridges. Their resistance can vary based on strain, temperature, and moisture. In this exercise, you will learn to use a multimeter for measuring resistor values and voltage in voltage divider circuits, as well as how to properly connect and use a potentiometer to measure voltage changes when its knob is turned.
Warning: Before connecting power, always verify that VCC and ground connections are correct. Incorrect connections may cause a short circuit. In any circumstance, the potentiometer should not get heated up. If you cannot touch it, something is seriously wrong.
Common practice: In the circuit diagram, VCC (or V+) represents the positive voltage supply, GND (or V-) represents the ground/zero voltage reference, and Signal represents the output voltage that varies between VCC and GND as the potentiometer knob is turned.
