Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-physics-2-paper-of-the-university-of-oxford/2013-resit/3/i/solution

In the linear inverting amplifier, the non-inverting terminal is grounded and negative feedback connects the output to the inverting terminal. For large open-loop gain , ; a finite unsaturated output therefore requires . Thus
This is a virtual ground: it has approximately ground potential, but it is not a conducting connection to ground. The ideal operational amplifier draws no input current, so input current flows through the feedback resistor. Saturation, loss of feedback, or insufficient bandwidth invalidates the approximation.

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