What is the purpose of a potential divider?

The purpose of a potential divider is to divide the input voltage into smaller, proportional voltages using two or more resistors connected in series. When an input voltage is applied across the series combination of resistors, the voltage drop across each resistor is determined by its resistance value, following Ohm's Law. This allows for specific voltages to be taken from the junction of the resistors for use in other parts of a circuit.

In practical applications, potential dividers are often used to lower voltage levels to suit the operating requirements of various circuit components, such as sensors or microcontrollers, making them essential in voltage control and measurement tasks. The output voltage can be adjusted by changing the resistor values, making potential dividers highly versatile in a variety of electronic applications.