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Glossary Science & Engineering

Voltage divider

A voltage divider is two resistors in series that produce a lower output voltage: `Vout = Vin × R2 / (R1 + R2)`.

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In more detail

From 9 V with 10 kΩ over 5 kΩ you get 3 V. Dividers suit signals, not power: the output sags when a load draws current.

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See also

  • Glossary Resistor
    A resistor is a component that limits current in a circuit, with a value in ohms often shown by coloured bands.
  • Glossary Ohm's law
    Ohm's law states that the current through a conductor equals the voltage across it divided by its resistance: `V = I × R`.
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