1. What is the Voltage Divider Equation?

The voltage divider equation calculates the output voltage (V2) in a simple two-resistor circuit. It's a fundamental principle in electronics used to derive a fraction of the input voltage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage divider equation:

Where:

• \( V1 \) — Input voltage (V)
• \( R1 \) — First resistor (Ω)
• \( R2 \) — Second resistor (Ω)
• \( V2 \) — Output voltage (V)

Explanation: The equation shows that 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 essential in electronic circuits for creating reference voltages, level shifting, and sensor interfacing. They're fundamental to many analog circuits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter input voltage in volts, both resistor values in ohms. All values must be positive numbers. The output will be the voltage across R2.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if R1 = R2?
A: The output voltage will be exactly half of the input voltage (V2 = V1/2).

Q2: Can I use this for AC voltages?
A: Yes, but only if the frequency is low enough that capacitive effects can be ignored. For high frequencies, impedance must be considered.

Q3: What's the maximum current through the divider?
A: I = V1/(R1 + R2). Ensure resistors can handle this current and power dissipation (P = I²R).

Q4: When is this approximation invalid?
A: When significant current is drawn from V2 (load resistance is comparable to R2), use Thevenin equivalent for more accurate results.

Q5: Can I make R1 or R2 zero?
A: R1=0 would short V1 to ground (dangerous). R2=0 would make V2=0. Both cases are impractical and potentially destructive.