Final answer:
A potentiometer is a null measurement device used for measuring potentials or voltages. It can be used to sense the linear motion or position of an object that moves in a straight line by attaching the potentiometer to the object. The change in potentiometer's output voltage can be used to determine the position or motion of the object.
Step-by-step explanation:
A potentiometer is a null measurement device used for measuring potentials or voltages. It consists of a long wire resistor connected to a voltage source that passes a constant current through it. By making contact at varying locations along the wire, a variable potential can be obtained.
For linear motion or position sensing, potentiometers can be attached to an object that moves in a straight line. As the object moves, the shaft of the potentiometer also moves, changing its position and providing a corresponding change in the potentiometer's output voltage. This change in voltage can be used to determine the position or motion of the object.