What is the purpose of a potentiometer in an electrical circuit?

A potentiometer serves to control voltage output in an electrical circuit by allowing the user to adjust the resistance electronically. It is a variable resistor, which means that it can change its resistance based on the position of its wiper. This characteristic enables the potentiometer to vary the voltage that is delivered to different components in the circuit, making it an essential tool for applications requiring flexibility in voltage levels, such as in volume controls for audio equipment or in various calibration settings.

In contrast to other functions, amplifying signals involves boosting power or current, which is typically achieved through different components like transistors. Storing electric charge is the primary role of capacitors, while converting AC to DC is a function reserved for rectifiers. These functionalities are distinct from what a potentiometer is designed to do, thereby highlighting the specific role of controlling voltage output within various circuits.