Thermistor
A resistor whose resistance depends strongly on temperature. Negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors decrease in resistance with increasing temperature; positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors increase in resistance. Thermistors are nonohmic and widely used as temperature sensors.
Real World
The digital thermometer in a Dyson fan heater uses an NTC thermistor in a potential divider; as the room heats up, its resistance falls and the voltage output signal rises, triggering the thermostat cut-off.
Exam Focus
Always state whether the thermistor is NTC or PTC and the direction of resistance change — 'resistance changes with temperature' alone scores zero.
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