Sensitivity of a given potentiometer can be decreased by
Sensitivity of a given potentiometer can be decreased by
increasing the current through the wire.
decreasing the current through the wire.
decreasing the potential gradient along the wire.
increasing the potential gradient along the wire.
Solution
The sensitivity of a potentiometer is directly related to the potential gradient along the wire. Sensitivity refers to the ability of the potentiometer to detect small changes in voltage.
Increasing the current through the wire increases the potential gradient (since V=IR), which improves sensitivity.
Decreasing the current through the wire reduces the potential gradient, decreasing sensitivity.
Decreasing the potential gradient along the wire lowers the sensitivity because it becomes harder to detect small voltage differences.
Increasing the potential gradient along the wire increases sensitivity by making small voltage differences more noticeable.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
(2) decreasing the current through the wire.