Investigating the Characteristics of Components

To measure the variation of current with potential difference for a component, either a potential divider circuit or a variable resistor can be used to vary the current from a maximum to a minimum.The advantage of using a potential divider is the current through the component can be reduced to zero.The current is plotted on the y-axis against the potential difference on the x-axis.Both circuits require an ammeter placed in series with the component and a voltmeter placed in parallel with the component.Variable ResistorVaries current.Potential Divider or PotentiometerVaries potential difference.