A variable resistor is an electrical component that can change the amount of resistance in a circuit. An example of one is a dimmer switch for lights, where you can make the light brighter or dimmer. By turning or sliding a part of the variable resistor, you can control how much electric current flows through the circuit. This makes it useful for adjusting things like volume on a radio, speed on a fan, or light intensity. Understanding how variable resistors work is important in GCSE Physics because it helps explain how electrical devices can be controlled and used safely.
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