Voltage Distribution in a Potential Divider Circuit

In summary, the conversation is discussing a potential divider and how moving the contact X towards P affects the potential difference and bulbs. The person originally thought the answer was A but was corrected. They are now confused about the potential difference across lamp 1 and are asking for further guidance with specific questions about the battery voltage, voltage at node P, voltage at slider X, and voltage on each side of lamp 1.
  • #1
Muhammad Danish
70
7

Homework Statement


upload_2018-5-18_22-49-21.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


When we will move the contact X towards P, the potential difference should be maximum across the potential divider. I work out A as my answer but I think it is wrong.
 

Attachments

  • upload_2018-5-18_22-49-21.png
    upload_2018-5-18_22-49-21.png
    8.9 KB · Views: 1,048
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Muhammad Danish said:
I work out A as my answer but I think it is wrong.
Yes, that is incorrect.
Muhammad Danish said:
When we will move the contact X towards P, the potential difference should be maximum across the potential divider.
True, but how does this affect the bulbs? What is the potential difference across lamp 1 when you connect X to P?
 
  • #3
cnh1995 said:
Yes, that is incorrect.

True, but how does this affect the bulbs? What is the potential difference across lamp 1 when you connect X to P?
This is where my confusion is..
 
  • #4
Muhammad Danish said:
This is where my confusion is..
@cnh1995 Can you guide me further?
 
  • #5
Let's say the battery is 12v.
What is the voltage at node P?
What is the voltage on the slider X when it's at P?
What is the voltage on each side of lamp 1?
What is the difference between each side of lamp 1?
 
Question 1: What is a potential divider circuit?

A potential divider circuit is a type of electrical circuit that uses resistors to divide a voltage into smaller portions. It is commonly used in electronic devices such as sensors, amplifiers, and power supplies.

Question 2: How does a potential divider circuit work?

A potential divider circuit works by using two or more resistors in series to divide a voltage. The output voltage is determined by the ratio of the resistances of the resistors and the input voltage. This allows for a specific voltage to be obtained from a larger input voltage.

Question 3: What are the components of a potential divider circuit?

The components of a potential divider circuit include a power supply, two or more resistors, and a load. The power supply provides the input voltage, the resistors divide the voltage, and the load consumes the output voltage.

Question 4: What are the applications of a potential divider circuit?

Potential divider circuits are commonly used in electronic devices to provide a specific voltage level. They are also used in sensors to measure changes in resistance, and in amplifiers to control the gain of a signal.

Question 5: How do I calculate the output voltage in a potential divider circuit?

The output voltage in a potential divider circuit can be calculated using the formula Vout = Vin * (R2 / (R1 + R2)), where Vin is the input voltage, R1 and R2 are the resistances of the two resistors, and Vout is the output voltage. This formula assumes that the load has a very high resistance compared to R2, so it can be neglected.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
355
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
540
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
238
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
767
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
917
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
863
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
354
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
971
Back
Top