Voltage Divider - Understanding Two Circuits

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of voltage dividers and the difference between a single rail supply and a split supply. It also explores the idea of negative terminals being connected to ground and the potential difference between ground and negative voltage. The conversation concludes with some additional considerations about power supplies and their connections to ground.
  • #1
autopsygreen
3
0
Very silly doubt...If say I had a voltage divider circuit with 2 equal Resistance say R applied between
1.V=5v and ground
2.V=5V and V=-5V
Whats the answers and what the difference?
I guess the answer for the 1 Q will be (5/2)...
Please explain the second ...Thank you
 
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  • #2
(5v - -5v)/2

0v
 
  • #3
What confuses me is then why is the negative terminal said to be connected to ground.
Shouldnt that mean the ground and -5v are at same potential
 
  • #4
autopsygreen said:
What confuses me is then why is the negative terminal said to be connected to ground.
Shouldnt that mean the ground and -5v are at same potential

depends on if its a single rail supply...

+5V and GND (0V or negative line of power supply)

or a split supply where you have say...

+5V, 0V, -5V where the 0V rail may be connectd to GND via the PSU case and mains earth


take a 12V battery, you have a + and - terminal --- from a circuit point of view the - terminal can be called 0V

now take a mains sourced 12V power supply, you have a +12V rail and a -(neg) 0V rail.
that negative rail may be floating ie. not connected to the case of the equip. Or it may be connected to the case and that case is also connected to GND via the Earth lead of the mains cable.

just a few random thoughts ;)

Dave
 
  • #5
By stipulating a +5 and -5V supply, you are implying that there is a 'zero volts' somewhere in the power supplies, connected to ground which defines their voltages wrt ground.
 

Related to Voltage Divider - Understanding Two Circuits

1. What is a voltage divider?

A voltage divider is a type of circuit that divides a voltage into smaller parts. It consists of two or more resistors connected in series, with the output voltage being the voltage drop across one of the resistors.

2. How does a voltage divider work?

A voltage divider works by using resistors in series to create a voltage drop. The output voltage is determined by the ratio of the resistance of the two resistors, with the output voltage being a fraction of the input voltage.

3. What are the applications of a voltage divider?

Voltage dividers have a wide range of applications, including regulating voltage levels, measuring voltage, and biasing transistors in electronic circuits. They are also commonly used in sensors and power supplies.

4. How do you calculate the output voltage of a voltage divider?

The output voltage of a voltage divider can be calculated using the voltage divider formula: Vout = Vin * (R2 / (R1 + R2)), where Vin is the input voltage and R1 and R2 are the resistances of the two resistors in series.

5. What are the limitations of a voltage divider?

One limitation of a voltage divider is that the output voltage is affected by changes in the input voltage, as well as changes in temperature and the load connected to the circuit. Additionally, voltage dividers are not suitable for high current applications due to the resistors used.

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