1. What is a Voltage Divider?

A voltage divider is a simple circuit that produces an output voltage (V_out) that is a fraction of its input voltage (V_in). It consists of two resistors connected in series, with the output voltage taken from the connection between them.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage divider formula:

Where:

• \( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (volts)
• \( R1 \) — First resistor value (ohms)
• \( R2 \) — Second resistor value (ohms)

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

3. Importance of Voltage Division

Details: Voltage dividers are fundamental circuits used in electronics for signal conditioning, reference voltage generation, sensor interfacing, and many other applications where a specific voltage level is needed.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter input voltage in volts, and both resistor values in ohms. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if R1 and R2 are equal?
A: If R1 = R2, the output voltage will be exactly half of the input voltage (V_out = V_in/2).

Q2: Can I use this for AC voltages?
A: Yes, the voltage divider formula works for both DC and AC circuits, though for AC you need to consider the impedance rather than just resistance.

Q3: What is the maximum current through the divider?
A: The current through the divider is I = V_in/(R1 + R2). Make sure your resistors can handle this current.

Q4: When is a voltage divider not appropriate?
A: When you need to supply significant current to a load, as the load will affect the output voltage. In such cases, a voltage regulator is better.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically exact, but real-world results depend on resistor tolerance, temperature effects, and load conditions.