Rotary Potentiometers, RheostatsRotary potentiometers and rheostats are types of variable resistors that are used to adjust the resistance in a circuit. Both types of devices consist of a resistive element, such as a strip of resistive material, and a rotating shaft or contact that can be used to vary the resistance. The main difference between rotary potentiometers and rheostats is in the way that they are used. Rotary potentiometers are typically used as a voltage divider, where the resistance is adjusted to divide the input voltage into a specific ratio, while rheostats are typically used as a variable resistor, where the resistance is adjusted to control the flow of current in a circuit. Both types of devices are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including audio and video equipment, industrial controls, and test and measurement equipment.