Two resistors share the 12 V supply. The same current flows through both, so each takes a share of the voltage in proportion to its resistance. The output is the p.d. across R₂. Change either resistor and watch the current and the output respond.
MissionPredict the effect on the output of increasing the output resistor R₂.Streak 0Best 0
Increasing the output resistor R₂ makes the output voltage:
upper R₁5 kΩ
output R₂5 kΩ
current I = V/(R₁+R₂)1.20 mA
p.d. across R₁6.00 V
output Vₒᵤₜ = p.d. across R₂6.00 V
Vₒᵤₜ = V R₂/(R₁ + R₂); the same current flows through both, so a larger R₂ takes a larger share of the 12 V supply.