How does a potential divider work?

I've always thought that physics is best explained through analogies, and so instead of two resistors we'll imagine two people (our resistors) in Yo Sushi (where plates of sushi represent our voltage). Say the first person, person A, is twice as hungry as person B (A has twice the resistance of B) . This means that for every 3 plates, A will take 2 of them and B will take 1. We can imagine taking the voltage across A, which is counting the number of plates A has. It will always be 2/3 of the total number of plates. Similarly, looking at B will show 1/3 of the plates. A question often asked in exams is what is the voltage 'in between' A and B, a Vout placed between them. This is simply looking at the amount of sushi left on the conveyer belt after A has taken theirs. If A's taking 2/3 of it all, only 1/3 will be left and hence Vout = 1/3. By altering the ratios of the resistances (or how hungry person A is) you can change Vout and that is all there is to a potential divider.

Answered by Adi J. Physics tutor

2788 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

(ii) Describe and explain how the horizontal component of the water jet varies from point X to point Y. (2 marks)


A ball is released from stationary at a great height. Explain how the forces acting on it change before it hits the ground and how these forces affect the velocity of the ball.


What is the function of the control rods in the entire fission reactor proccess?


A ball of mass 0.25 kg is travelling with a velocity of 1.2 m/s when it collides with an identical, stationary ball. After the collision, the two balls move together with the same velocity. How fast are they moving?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences