I can't figure out what resistance values to use....

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating resistance values for a potentiometer in a voltage divider circuit. Participants are exploring the correct approach to determine the output voltages based on given resistor values and the configuration of the potentiometer. The scope includes technical explanations and calculations related to electronics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about using resistance values in a voltage divider formula, citing specific resistor values (R1 = 330Ω, R2 = 470Ω) and the range of the potentiometer (1Ω to 1000Ω).
  • Another participant calculates the output voltage based on the potentiometer's position, indicating that the upper and lower resistances change depending on the wiper's position.
  • Some participants request to see calculations from the original poster before providing assistance, suggesting that their understanding of the circuit may be flawed.
  • A later reply clarifies that the potentiometer is not functioning as a variable resistor in this configuration, asserting that its value remains constant at 1000Ω and that the output can be modeled with two resistors based on the wiper's position.
  • It is noted that the circuit can be modeled differently depending on the wiper's position, leading to different total resistance values for the voltage divider calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach to calculating the resistance values and output voltages. There are competing views on how the potentiometer is wired and its effect on the circuit.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the circuit configuration and the role of the potentiometer are not fully clarified, leading to potential misunderstandings in calculations. The discussion also highlights the importance of accurately modeling the circuit based on the potentiometer's position.

Megatronlol
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BCk2QVg
I started an electronics program recently and I am a month into it so I am quite new at this. I have a problem involving a potentiometer and I don't understand how to compute the voltages because I don't know what I am supposed to use for my resistance values.

I know that in series the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistors. I assume that since R1 = 330Ω and R2 = 470Ω that I am taking the pot from 1Ω to 1000Ω and using a minimum value of 801Ω and a maximum of 1800Ω and using my voltage divider formula but that answers that I get don't match the measured values from the lab. In the lab I measured a maximum voltage of 8.13V and a minimum voltage of 2.65V. Can anyone offer any insight as to what resistor values I would be using for my voltage divider formula and why those values? Thanks.

https://imgur.com/a/BCk2QVg here is a link to the problem and circuit

upload_2018-10-7_17-19-16.png
 

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When the pot is at the top of its travel, the upper resistance of the divider is 330R and the lower 1470R So the output voltage will be 10 x Lower/(Upper + Lower).
When the pot is at the bottom of its travel, the upper resistance is 1330R and the lower resistance is 470R, and the output voltage can be calculated in the same way.
 
You need to show us your calculations before we are allowed to help.
 
anorlunda said:
You need to show us your calculations before we are allowed to help.

Normally I would agree but they have shown they don't understand how the pot is working in this circuit with the following, so their calculations are going to be totally wrong.

Megatronlol said:
I know that in series the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistors. I assume that since R1 = 330Ω and R2 = 470Ω that I am taking the pot from 1Ω to 1000Ω and using a minimum value of 801Ω and a maximum of 1800Ω and using my voltage divider formula

That's wrong. The pot is NOT wired up as a variable resistor.

The value of the pot doesn't actually change in this circuit. It's value is a constant 1000R but when you move the wiper the fraction "below" the wiper (which is the output node) compared to "above" it changes. So for example with the wiper in the middle the pot (alone) can be modeled as two 500R resistors.

The whole circuit could then be modeled as (a different) two resistors which can be used in the potential divider equation.

330+500 = 830R
and
470+500 = 970R

Obviously your numbers would be different because they don't ask for the voltage with the wiper in the middle.
 

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