Potential divider
A circuit configuration in which a single voltage source is divided into smaller voltages by arranging resistors in series. The output voltage across part of the series is related to the total voltage and the resistance ratios. A potential divider consisting of resistors R₁ and R₂ in series across voltage V produces output voltage V_out = V × R₂/(R₁ + R₂) across R₂.
Formula
V_out = V × R₂ / (R₁ + R₂)
Real World
The volume knob on a guitar amplifier is a potentiometer acting as a variable potential divider, allowing the player to tap off any fraction of the signal voltage between zero and maximum.
Exam Focus
When a load resistor is added in parallel with R₂, calculate the combined parallel resistance first, then re-apply the potential divider formula.
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