What is a potentiometer commonly used for?

A potentiometer is a variable resistor commonly used in a variety of electronic applications to adjust voltage levels. It accomplishes this by changing its resistance in response to the position of a wiper that moves along a resistive element. This adjustment can help modulate the voltage output to different circuits, making it essential for tasks such as tuning audio equipment, controlling brightness in lighting systems, or regulating speed in motors.

The correct association with adjusting voltage levels highlights the potentiometer's role in providing a fine-tuning mechanism to achieve the desired signal strength. This function is critical in circuits where precise control over voltage is necessary for optimal performance.