Final answer:
A potentiometer is a relative sensor that measures angular displacement based on the voltage output, while an encoder is an absolute sensor that uses digital pulses to determine the exact angle of rotation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an experiment comparing the potentiometer and encoder angle readings, both sensors measure angular displacement but with different approaches.
A potentiometer is a simple rotary resistor that provides a variable voltage output based on the angle of rotation. It essentially acts as a voltage divider, and the angle can be determined by measuring the voltage across it. The measurement is relative, meaning it gives the position with respect to a starting point, but does not provide absolute position information.
On the other hand, an encoder is a more complex device that uses digital pulses to determine the angle of rotation. It provides absolute position information, meaning it gives the exact angle of rotation from a known reference point.
When comparing the measurement of angular displacement using an absolute and a relative sensor, it is important to consider the application and requirements. An absolute sensor provides accurate and reliable absolute position information, while a relative sensor may be sufficient for some applications where precise absolute position is not necessary.