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Thermistors (AQA GCSE Physics)
Revision Note
Thermistors
- A thermistor is a non-ohmic conductor and a temperature-dependent resistor
- It is represented by the following circuit symbol:
Thermistor circuit symbol
- The resistance of a thermistor changes depending on its temperature
- As the temperature increases the resistance of a thermistor decreases and vice versa
The resistance through a thermistor is dependent on the temperature of it
Applications of Thermistors
- A thermistor is a temperature sensor and is regularly used as a thermostat
- This means it automatically regulates temperature or activates a device when the temperature reaches a certain point
- Therefore, thermistors are found in:
- Ovens
- Refrigerators
- Fire alarms
- Digital thermometers
- Boilers
- They are commonly used to regulate and monitor the temperature in environments where it must be carefully controlled eg. food and beverage factories
A digital thermometer uses a thermistor to display a temperature reading
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