Unit 5: Resistors

Question 1

Name three types of fixed resistors.

Answer 1

There are several types of fixed resistors, such as composition carbon, metal film, and wire-wound.

Question 2

What is the advantage of a metal film resistor over a carbon resistor?

Answer 2

Metal film resistors never change their value but are more expensive than carbon resistors.

Question 3

What is the advantage of a wire-wound resistor?

Answer 3

The advantage of wire-wound resistors is their high power ratings.

Question 4

How should tubular wire-wound resistors be mounted and why?

Answer 4

This type of resistor should be mounted vertically and not horizontally. The center of the resistor is hollow for a very good reason. When the resistor is mounted vertically, the heat from the resistor produces a chimney effect and causes air to circulate through the center. This increase of airflow dissipates heat at a faster rate to help keep the resistor from overheating.

Question 5

What is a potentiometer?

Answer 5

A potentiometer is a variable resistor used as a voltage divider.