Potential Dividers

Potential Dividers – two or more resistances in series connected to a source of fixed potential difference. The source potential difference is divided between the resistors, as they are in series with each other. A potential divider can be used to supply a potential difference of any value between zero and the source potential difference.

Potentiometers – a variable potential divider, in which a sliding contact can be moved along to change the potential difference.