Inverting operational amplifier 2026-10-18
Connect a resistor from the input source to the inverting input, a feedback resistor from output to that same input, and ground the non-inverting input. For ideal linear operation the inverting node is a virtual ground. Kirchhoff's current law gives , yielding the displayed voltage gain. The source sees input impedance , even though the amplifier input itself has infinite input impedance.
Past exam of the physics A course of the University of Cambridge 2017 Paper 1 Section A 4 Solution 2026-10-18
Use an inverting operational amplifier. Ground the non-inverting input, connect the source to the inverting input through , and connect from the output back to that same input.
In linear operation the ideal operational amplifier draws no input electric current, and feedback holds the inverting input at the same electric potential as the grounded non-inverting input. This node is a virtual ground. Kirchhoff's current law there givesThe source supplies current , so its input impedance is . The required design is thereforeOnly these two resistors and the single ideal operational amplifier are needed in the signal circuit; its power supplies are implicit. The result assumes an input small enough to keep the output within its linear operating range.
