9702 · 10.3
Potential dividers
Ever wondered how a single power source can supply different voltages to various parts of a circuit? Enter **potential dividers**! These fundamental circuits allow you to **split** an input voltage into smaller, desired output voltages. They are crucial for powering sensitive components and for creating sensor-based systems, demonstrating a clever application of Ohm's Law and series circuits. This pilot aligns with **Senpai Corner** AS notes (2025–2027) for topic **10.3**.
Need to know
What you need to know
- According to Kirchhoff’s Second Law, the potential difference across a power source is divided when two resistors are connected in series.
- The larger the resistance the larger the voltage share (the big eater gets more pie!).
- A potentiometer is a type of variable resistor used as a potential divider.
- In the diagram above, the total resistance of the potentiometer is R.
- When the slider is moved it divides R into R1 and R2.
Explanation
Potential dividers
- According to Kirchhoff’s Second Law, the potential difference across a power source is divided when two resistors are connected in series.
- The larger the resistance the larger the voltage share (the big eater gets more pie!).
- A potentiometer is a type of variable resistor used as a potential divider.
- In the diagram above, the total resistance of the potentiometer is R.