What type of resistor is most commonly used where high accuracy is not essential?

Carbon resistors are widely used in various electronic applications, primarily because of their low cost and adequate performance in many situations where precision is not critical. They are made by mixing carbon with a binder to form a resistive material, which can be easily fabricated into various shapes and sizes. Their resistive properties are sufficient for most general purposes, making them suitable for applications where high accuracy and tolerance are not paramount.

In contrast, wire wound resistors are typically used in applications that require higher accuracy and power handling, due to their ability to have very precise resistance values and better thermal stability. Variable resistors and potentiometers are designed to allow for adjustment of resistance within a circuit, which implies a need for more precision and control, thus making them less appropriate for applications where high accuracy is not essential.