The voltage divider rule is a principle in electronics that states the voltage across a series circuit is divided between the resistors in proportion to their resistance values. It is used to calculate the output voltage in a voltage divider circuit.
The voltage divider rule is derived from Ohm's law, which states that the current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points. By rearranging Ohm's law, we can derive the voltage divider formula V2 = (R2 / (R1 + R2)) * V1, where V1 is the input voltage and V2 is the output voltage.
The voltage divider rule assumes that the resistors are connected in series, there is no current leakage, and the internal resistance of the source is negligible. It also assumes that the resistors are of equal quality and have a linear relationship between voltage and current.
The voltage divider rule is most commonly used for simple series circuits with only resistors. It can also be applied to more complex circuits as long as the resistors are connected in series. However, it may not be accurate for circuits with non-linear elements, such as diodes or transistors.
The voltage divider rule is a theoretical calculation and does not account for real-world factors such as internal resistance of the source or temperature changes. Therefore, it may not be completely accurate in practical applications. However, it is a useful approximation for simple circuits and can provide a good estimate of the output voltage.