Which formula is used to calculate the output voltage in a potential divider?

The correct formula to calculate the output voltage in a potential divider is Vout = R2/(R1 + R2) × Vsupply. This formula represents how the total voltage supplied (Vsupply) is divided across two resistors (R1 and R2) in a series circuit.

In a potential divider, the resistors are connected in series, which means the total voltage is distributed according to the resistance values. The fraction of the total voltage that appears across R2 is proportional to its resistance compared to the total resistance (R1 + R2). Therefore, when we calculate Vout using the ratio of R2 over the total resistance (R1 + R2), we determine how much of the input voltage is dropped across R2 specifically. This is foundational in electronic circuits where specific voltage levels are necessary for components to function correctly.

Understanding this principle is crucial for designing circuits that require specific voltage outputs from a higher supplied voltage, which is often the case in sensor applications, signal conditioning, and more in electronics.