3.5.1.5 - Potential Divider

Question 1

What is a potential divider

Answer 1

A circuit with several resistors in series connected across a voltage source used to produce a required fraction of the source potential difference which remains constant

Question 2

How can u make a potential divider supply a variable potential difference

Answer 2

By using a variable resistor as one of the resistors in series therefore by varying the resistance across it you can vary the potential difference output

Question 3

How can an LDR be used to trigger certain events

Answer 3

If light intensity falls the resistance across it increases so the circuit current decreases and the resistance across r2 decreases so the pd out decreases

Question 4

What if you want the effect reversed

Answer 4

Switch the LDR and the resistor therefore the pd would increase as light intensity decreased