HW4

What does a resistor's power rating tell us?

A resistor's power rating tells us the amount of heat that ust be dissipated by the resistor.

Define a variable resistor.

A variable resistor is a resistor where values can be changed or varied over a range.

Name three other types of fixed resistors.

Carbon film resistor, metal glaze resistor, and wire-wound resistor.

What may happen to a composition carbon resistor if it is overheated or as it ages?

Carbon resistors will change their value with age or if they are overheated.

can the value of a fixed resistor be changed or adjusted?

No the value of a fixed resistor can not be changed or adjusted

On a 3 band resistor, what is the resistance tolerance worth?

On a 3 band resistor, the resistance tolerance is worth +/- 20%

On a 4 band resistor, what does the 3rd band tell us? The 4th band?

On a 4 band resistor, the 3rd band tells us the number value. The 4th band is the tolerance band.

Give 2 other names for a variable resistor.

Potentiometer, and rheostat.

The physical size of a resistor determines its ________ rating

Power

Hollow core wire-wound resistors should be mounted horizontally or vertically? Why?

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.

What is the disadvantage of a metal film resistor versus a composition carbon resistor?

The disadvantage a metal film resistor has versus the composition carbon resistor is that it costs more.

What is the most common type of a fixed resistor?

The most common type of a fixed resistors are composition carbon resistor.

Which resistor type is good for high power ratings?

The resistor type that is good for high power ratings is the wire-wound resistor.

What are two basic uses of resistors in a circuit?

Two basic uses of resistors in a circuit are to limit the flow of current through the circuit and is to produce a voltage divider

Can gold and silver be used as multipliers? What do they signify if used this way?

Yes gold and silver can be used as multipliers. If used this way it means to divide the combined first two numbers by two.

What advantages does a metal film resistor have over a carbon composition resistor?

the advantages that a metal film resistor has over a carbon composition resistor is that they don't change their value with age and their tolerance is better than the carbon resistor.