What is the main purpose of a voltage divider?

The main purpose of a voltage divider is to reduce voltage levels to a desired value. A voltage divider is typically made up of two resistors connected in series, where the input voltage is applied across the entire series and the output voltage is taken from the junction of the two resistors. By adjusting the resistance values, you can achieve specific voltage drops across each resistor, allowing you to set the output voltage at the desired level relative to the input voltage.

Voltage dividers are quite useful in various applications, such as generating reference voltages for circuits, scaling down voltages to fit the input range of a microcontroller, or in sensor applications where a specific voltage is needed for proper functioning. They do not amplify voltage; rather, they distribute the input voltage across the resistors according to their resistance values.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of a voltage divider. Amplifying voltage levels would require an operational amplifier, while converting AC to DC involves rectification, which is not related to the function of a voltage divider. Measuring resistance involves different concepts typically associated with ohmmeters or similar measuring devices, which also do not relate to the principle of a voltage divider.