Key points about using potential dividers
- a voltage divider reduces the voltage in a circuit
- the resistance value of the resistors will set the output voltage
- potential dividers can be two resistors connected in series across a circuit
- it is important to identify potential dividers in a circuit diagram
- variable resistors adjust sensitivity in a potential/voltage divider
What is a potential divider
A potential divider, also known as a voltage divider, is a simple yet essential circuit used to reduce voltage to a desired level. It consists of two resistors connected A way of connecting components in a circuit. A series circuit has all the components in one loop connected by wires, so there is only one route for current to flow. , with the output voltage taken from the junction between them. This setup splits the input voltage into smaller parts, with the division of voltage being proportional to the resistance values of the two resistors.
The resistors in a potential divider can have fixed values, or one may be a variable component like an LDR (light dependent resistor) or a thermistor. These variable resistors allow the output voltage to change in response to environmental conditions, such as light or temperature. This makes potential dividers versatile for various applications.
Potential dividers are commonly found in everyday devices like radios, games, and toys. For instance, if you have a 9V battery but need 6V for a part of your circuit, you can use a potential divider to achieve this. By carefully selecting the resistor values, you can ensure the output voltage meets the specific requirements of your circuit.
\(\text{V}_{\text{s}}\) (Supply Voltage): This is the input voltage applied across the series combination of R1 and R2. This is the total voltage applied to the circuit.
R1 and R2: These are the two resistors connected in series. One end of R1 is connected to the positive terminal of the supply voltage (\(\text{V}_{\text{s}}\)), and the other end is connected to one end of R2. These resistors divide the supply voltage into two parts.
0V (Ground): The other end of R2 is connected to the ground (0V).
The output voltage\((\text{V}_{\text{out}})\) is taken from the junction between R1 and R2. The voltage measured across R2, which is a fraction of the total supply voltage.
The output voltage \((\text{V}_{\text{out}})\) depends on the values of the two resistors (R1 and R2).
By picking the right resistor values, you can make \(\text{V}_{\text{out}}\) be any part of the input voltage (\(\text{V}_{\text{s}}\)) that you want.
Test yourself
More on Electronic control systems
Find out more by working through a topic
- count8 of 8
- count2 of 8
- count3 of 8
