Past exam of the physics 2 paper of the University of Oxford / 2013 resit / 3 / i

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 $A$, $V_o=A(V_{+}-V_{-})$; a finite unsaturated output therefore requires $V_{-}\simeq V_{+}=0$. ThusThis 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.