Potential dividers (10.3)

What are the required components for a potential divider?

A potential divider is a series circuit with at least two resistors, one being variable (variable resistor, thermistor, LDR)

What are potential dividers based on and what is the equation that links this?

They are based on the ratio of voltages between components:

V_{out(voltmeter reading)} = (R₂V_in)/(R₁ + R₂)

What is a potentiometer?

It is similar to a variable resistor connected as a potential divider to give a continuously variable output voltage

When a potential divider arrangement is used to compare emfs of two sources, its known as a potentiometer

What is a galvanometer?

Galvanometer - sensitive, centre 0 ammeter which is usually analog

When the arrow is facing directly upwards there is no current, this also means no p.d. is flowing through the galvanometer