The potential gradient of a potentiometer wire is the rate of change of potential difference per unit length along the wire. It is denoted by \( K \) and is given by \( K = \frac{V}{L} \), where \( V \) is the potential difference across the wire and \( L \) is the length of the wire. The unit is volts per meter (V/m).
Answer: The potential gradient is the potential difference per unit length of the potentiometer wire, expressed as \( K = \frac{V}{L} \) (unit: V/m).