What is the theory behind voltage dividers and current dividers?

In summary, a voltage divider is formed when two resistances are connected in series across a battery, with the output voltage being a fraction of the input voltage. In an operational amplifier circuit, by choosing appropriate resistances, the input voltage can be controlled to a desired fraction of the total voltage. This works because the current through the resistances is the same, resulting in different voltages across each resistance. The theory and equations behind voltage and current dividers are explained in depth in the book "The Art of Electronics" by Horowitz and Hill.
  • #1
logearav
338
0
friends,
what is the role of potential or voltage divider in a circuit? in an operational amplifier circuit, while applying inputs to non inverting input, when two resistances are connected are connected across the battery they said to form a voltage divider. if the first resistance is r3 and second one is r4 which is grounded, the equivalent equation is r4/(r3+r4). what is the theory involved in voltage divider and current divider? also what is the theory behind this equation. help in this regard will be greatly appreciated. please refer my attachment provided
 

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  • #2
By choosing an appropriate R3 and R4 you can make the +input of the op-amp any desired fraction of V2.
It works because the current through R3 and R4 is the same, so the voltages across them will be I*R3 and I*R4. The current is equal to V2/(R3+R4), so the voltages across R3 and R4
will be
V2*R3/(R3+R4) and V2*R4/(R3+R4)
 
  • #3
Hi Logearav
There is a wonderful text which very simply explains the things you seem to want to know:
Authors: Horowitz and Hill
Title: The Art of Electronics.
 
  • #4
thanks a lot members
 

1. What is a voltage divider?

A voltage divider is a circuit that is used to divide a voltage into smaller parts. It consists of two or more resistors connected in series, with the output voltage being taken from the junction between the resistors.

2. How does a voltage divider work?

A voltage divider works by using Ohm's law, which states that the voltage across a resistor is equal to the current flowing through it multiplied by its resistance. By adjusting the values of the resistors, the output voltage can be controlled.

3. What is the purpose of a voltage divider?

The purpose of a voltage divider is to create a smaller output voltage from a larger input voltage. This is useful in many electronic devices, such as sensors and amplifiers, where a specific voltage level is required.

4. How do you calculate the output voltage of a voltage divider?

The output voltage of a voltage divider can be calculated using the formula Vout = Vin * (R2 / (R1 + R2)), where Vin is the input voltage and R1 and R2 are the values of the resistors in the circuit.

5. What are the applications of a voltage divider?

A voltage divider has various applications in electronics, such as in sensors, analog-to-digital converters, and power supplies. It is also commonly used in circuits that require a specific voltage level, such as audio amplifiers and voltage regulators.

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