rheostat
Date: circa 1920
Inventory Number: 2006-1-0006
Classification: Rheostat
Subject:
Maker: Central Scientific Company (1889 - 2000)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
13.1 × 36.2 × 10.1 cm (5 3/16 × 14 1/4 × 4 in.)
Material:
Bibliography:
Physics Apparatus Catalog
College & University Physics Apparatus catalog
Description:
A device consisting of a cylinder held horizontally by a metal frame, with large electrical connectors at its ends. Above the cylinder, also held by the metal frame, is a metal bar from which hangs a large electric contact that touches the cylinder. This contact can slide from one side to the other.
Signedon top of slider: MADE IN U.S.A. / CENTRAL SCIENTIFIC Co. / AMP. .38 2920 OHM / CENCO RHEOSTAT / BOSTON CHICAGO TORONTO / NEW YORK LOS ANGELES
FunctionA rheostat functions as a variable resistance or as a voltage divider.
If one end of the metal cylinder and the electrical contact that slides above are connected to a circuit, the rheostat works as a variable resistance. It can be altered by moving the point of contact on the cylinder. If one connects the other end of the cylinder, the movable contact becomes a voltage divider: one can get from the movable contact any voltage between those at the two ends of the cylinder.
If one end of the metal cylinder and the electrical contact that slides above are connected to a circuit, the rheostat works as a variable resistance. It can be altered by moving the point of contact on the cylinder. If one connects the other end of the cylinder, the movable contact becomes a voltage divider: one can get from the movable contact any voltage between those at the two ends of the cylinder.