1. What is a Voltage Divider?

A voltage divider is a simple circuit that turns a large voltage into a smaller one. Using just two resistors in series, the output voltage is a fraction of the input voltage determined by the ratio of the resistors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage divider formula:

Where:

• \( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (V)
• \( R1 \) — First resistor (Ω)
• \( R2 \) — Second resistor (Ω)
• \( V_{out} \) — Output voltage (V)

Explanation: The output voltage is proportional to the ratio of R2 to the total resistance (R1 + R2).

3. Importance of Voltage Division

Details: Voltage dividers are fundamental in electronics for creating reference voltages, level shifting, and sensor interfacing. They're used in everything from simple circuits to complex electronic devices.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter input voltage in volts, and both resistor values in ohms. All values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the output voltage between R1 and R2.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if R1 = R2?
A: When R1 equals R2, the output voltage will be exactly half of the input voltage.

Q2: Can I use this for AC voltage?
A: Yes, but only if the frequency is low enough that the resistors' impedance isn't affected. For high frequencies, capacitive and inductive effects must be considered.

Q3: What's the maximum current through the divider?
A: The current is V_in/(R1 + R2). Ensure your resistors can handle this current (consider power rating P = I²R).

Q4: Why does my measured output differ from calculated?
A: Real-world factors like resistor tolerance, temperature effects, and load impedance can affect the actual output voltage.

Q5: Can I make R2 zero?
A: Setting R2=0 would create a short circuit, resulting in V_out=0 but potentially damaging your circuit due to high current.