Potentiometer as Voltage Divider
Description
This MicroSim animates a potentiometer (variable resistor) connected as a voltage divider. Drag the wiper position slider and observe how the output voltage changes proportionally. The sim displays the resistance values of the upper and lower sections in real time and plots the output voltage versus wiper position to show the linear relationship.
Key Concepts
- A potentiometer is a three-terminal resistor with a sliding or rotating wiper contact.
- When used as a voltage divider, \(V_{out} = V_{in} \times \frac{R_{lower}}{R_{total}}\).
- The output varies linearly from 0 V (wiper at bottom) to \(V_{in}\) (wiper at top).
- Potentiometers are used in volume controls, sensor interfaces, and reference voltage generation.
- Loading effect: connecting a low-impedance load to the wiper changes the effective resistance and shifts the output voltage.