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Op-Amp Golden Rules Visualizer

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Description

This MicroSim walks through the two golden rules of ideal op-amps using an inverting amplifier circuit.

Golden Rule Statement Why it holds
Virtual Short \(V_+ = V_-\) Negative feedback drives the output to equalise the two inputs
No Input Current \(I_+ = I_- = 0\) Ideal op-amp has infinite input impedance

Step-through mode (4 steps): 1. Input voltage applied through Ri 2. Negative feedback minimises \(V_+ - V_-\) 3. Virtual ground: \(V_- = 0\,\text{V}\) (enforced, not wired) 4. Output settles: \(V_{out} = -V_{in} \times R_f/R_i\)

Controls: Vin slider (±5 V), Rf/Ri gain ratio slider (1–20), Prev/Next step buttons.