Potentiometers values

[diodead]

I understand the function of pots as a resistor and all, but what I'm missing is, how would one select a value for one?
I've seen common use for 100k A and B. But when is it where I would select 5K as opposed to 500K?
I'm assuming (dangerously) it's the same process as selecting the right resistor,
Could someone drop some science on me?

[RnFR]

yes. depending on how you set them up, pots are either variable resistors or variable voltage dividers. a normal volume control is a voltage divider, a pot set up from lug 1 to lug 2 or something similar is a variable resistor.

this seems like a good link-

http://www.bcae1.com/potentio.htm

and here's a video-



in order to understand what size pots to use, you have to understand what a voltage divider does, and what changing resistor values will do. it all depends on the part of the circuit they are used in.

[diodead]

Thanks for the link! I'm still waiting for an Ah-Ha moment where I understand .