TPC Basic Electricity and Electronics Practice Test

The primary function of a potentiometer is to divide a potential difference into two parts. A potentiometer consists of a resistive element and a sliding contact (or wiper), which allows the user to tap into the circuit at any point along its length. This setup effectively varies the resistance and, consequently, divides the voltage across the total length of the resistor. By adjusting the position of the wiper, different voltage values can be obtained, making it useful in applications where precise voltage control or level adjustment is required, such as in volume controls for audio devices or in various calibration settings in electronic circuits.

This ability to create a variable voltage output reflects the fundamental operation of a potentiometer, thereby clarifying why the option focusing on its role in dividing potential differences is the correct choice.