LED dimmer with potentiometer

What it does:

This circuit allows you to adjust the brightness of an LED by turning a potentiometer.

Components Needed:

• Green LED (1)
• Potentiometer (1k) (1)
• 1kΩ Resistor (1)
• Battery (1)
• Breadboard (1)
• Jumper Wires

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Place the LED on the breadboard (long leg = anode, short leg = cathode).
2. Connect the anode of the LED to one end of the 1kΩ resistor.
3. Place the potentiometer on the breadboard.
4. Connect one end of the potentiometer to the other end of the resistor.
5. Connect the wiper (middle terminal) of the potentiometer to the anode of the LED.
6. Connect the cathode of the LED to the negative terminal of the battery.
7. Connect one side terminal of the potentiometer to the positive terminal of the battery.
8. Turn the potentiometer to adjust the LED’s brightness.

How It Works:

• The potentiometer acts as a variable resistor. When you adjust it, you change the amount of resistance in the circuit, which controls how much current flows to the LED.
• When the potentiometer is set to a low resistance, more current flows through the LED, making it bright.
• When the potentiometer is set to a high resistance, less current flows through the LED, making it dim.
• The 1kΩ resistor limits the current to a safe level for the LED, preventing it from burning out.
• By turning the potentiometer, you are adjusting the current flow, allowing you to dim or brighten the LED.