Carbon composition resistors are resistors composed of carbon, usually mixed with some other form of material such as a binder, and are designed to resist the flow of electrical current. These resistors are fairly inexpensive and are commonly used in electronic circuits. The resistive material in a carbon composition resistor can be made up of many different combinations of materials and the resistor can be made with many different physical characteristics. The resistive element of a carbon composition resistor is usually made up of graphite and carbon particles which are held together by an organic-based binder. The resistive material is then coated with silver, allowing for better heat dissipation and improved accuracy. Carbon composition resistors are typically available in fixed resistors, such as values of 10O to 1MO. They can also come in variable resistors, such as potentiometers and rheostats. Carbon composition resistors are commonly used in electrical circuits due to their economical price, high power rating and low temperature coefficient. Carbon composition resistors tend to have a lower breakdown voltage than wirewound resistors and are less susceptible to vibration and shock, making them better suited for the demanding environment of automotive and industrial applications.