What is a potential divider?

A potential divider is essentially a series circuit. The characteristics of a series circuit is such that voltage from the source (a battery for example) gets split across the resistors according to the value of the resistances. 

An important consideration here is the value of the resistance. As a basic rule, the greater the resistance value, the greater is the voltage drop across that resistor. 

Mathematically, for a potential divider circuit with two resistances connected in series (say R1 and R2) to a voltage source (say VS), the voltage drop across R1 (VR1) can be found:

VR1 = (R1/(R1+R2))*VS

And likewise the voltage across R2, VR2 can be found:

VR2 = (R2/(R1+R2))*VS

 

MK
Answered by Mehrin K. Physics tutor

5419 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

how do i convert from a sine angle to a cosine angle?


What is the Young's modulus of a material?


State what is meant by resonance and provide some examples where it is crucial.


A conical pendulum is a mass suspended from a point that traces out a horizontal circle. By balancing the weight with the tension in the string, determine the speed of the bob.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning