Creating a voltage divider is a common application of resistors in electronics projects. By placing two resistors in series in a circuit, it is possible to achieve a desired voltage drop. Let’s explore how this works and how to calculate the voltage using the formula V * (R2 / (R1 + R2)).
To begin, visualize the circuit setup with two resistors connected in series as shown in the image below.
When measuring the voltage drop after the first resistor, it is observed that the voltage is exactly half of the original tension if the resistors have the same resistance value, such as 1kΩ. This can be understood through Kirchhoff’s voltage law, which states that the sum of all voltages around a closed loop in a circuit must equal zero.
Here is an illustration showing the voltage distribution in the circuit:
The voltage difference between the measurement before the first resistor and after the second resistor is equivalent to the voltage provided by the battery, which is approximately 9V in this case.
By doubling the resistance of the second resistor, the voltage drop after the first resistor becomes 3V, while the voltage drop after the second resistor is 6V. This demonstrates that the voltage served to a component can be adjusted by utilizing different resistor values.
Let’s now delve into the mathematical formula for calculating the voltage between the two resistors, with R1 representing the first resistor connected to the positive (+) pole of the battery, and R2 being the second resistor. The formula is as follows:
V * (R2 / (R1 + R2))
In conclusion, constructing a voltage divider using resistors is a useful technique for adjusting voltage levels in electronic circuits. By understanding the principles outlined in Kirchhoff’s voltage law and applying the appropriate resistor values, the voltage drop across specific components can be precisely controlled.