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Rheostat (General Radio)

Physics

The rheostat consists of a flat, rectangular varnished wooden base, on which is mounted a ring with a knob on a short vertical stem emerging from its centre.

Next to the ring are three terminals with threaded caps, each with a thick, insulated wire running to the central ring. From the knob extends a metal clip, which runs across the top of the ring. A black circle on the wood block is marked in white inlaid lettering “1 K”. A metal piece under the knob is marked in red “1 K(omega)”.

Accession Number: 2009.ph.175

Alternative Name:

Primary Materials: Wood, Metal: Copper Alloy, Plastic

Markings:

In the top right corner of the wood block is written in white (paint?) the numeral “II” and the letter “E”.

Dimensions (cm): Height = 7.5, Width = 9, Length = 13.5

Function:

Used for testing varying resistance in electrical demonstrations or experiments.

Condition:

Very Good: The wooden base of the instrument is in good condition. The metal surface of the electric

Associated Instruments:

Manufacturer: General Radio (USA)

Date of Manufacture: c.1915-1950

Provenance: Collection of Dr. Martin Lee.

Additional Information and References:

Historical Notes:

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