In a potentiometer, if the wire has a uniform cross-section, how does it affect the potential gradient?

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Q: In a potentiometer, if the wire has a uniform cross-section, how does it affect the potential gradient?

Solution: If the wire has a uniform cross-section, the potential gradient remains uniform along its length.

Steps: 7

Step 1: Understand what a potentiometer is. It is a device used to measure voltage by comparing it to a known voltage.
Step 2: Know that the wire in a potentiometer is used to create a potential difference (voltage) along its length.
Step 3: Recognize that a uniform cross-section means the wire has the same thickness throughout its length.
Step 4: Realize that when the wire has a uniform cross-section, the resistance is evenly distributed along the wire.
Step 5: Understand that the potential gradient is the change in voltage per unit length of the wire.
Step 6: Since the resistance is uniform, the voltage drop is also uniform, leading to a consistent potential gradient.
Step 7: Conclude that if the wire has a uniform cross-section, the potential gradient remains uniform along its length.