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how to apply the potential divider formula

How do you apply the potential divider formula? I never know what resistor to assign as R1 or R2. It's just fluke if I get the answer correct..

the equation is: vout=vin x R1(R1+R2)

Thanks people
Reply 1
Avatar for crc290
crc290
14
Your equation is incorrect. It should be: Vout=Vin×R1R1+R2V_{out}=\frac{V_{in} \times R_{1}}{R_{1}+R_{2}}

R1 is the resistor which comes after the divider. R2 is the resistor which comes before the divider.

See this diagram:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f4/Impedance_Voltage_divider.png

Replace Z1 with R2 and Z2 with R1

Hope this helps
Original post by crc290
Your equation is incorrect. It should be: Vout=Vin×R1R1+R2V_{out}=\frac{V_{in} \times R_{1}}{R_{1}+R_{2}}

R1 is the resistor which comes after the divider. R2 is the resistor which comes before the divider.

See this diagram:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f4/Impedance_Voltage_divider.png

Replace Z1 with R2 and Z2 with R1

Hope this helps
you are a life saver! thank you!
Reply 3
Avatar for crc290
crc290
14
Original post by polaritymolecule
you are a life saver! thank you!


You're welcome :smile:

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