ScienceAges 13-15

Potential divider circuits

Apply the potential divider equation V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in across two series resistors connected to a DC source. Review suitability for your learners before teaching.

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Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 13-15

Potential divider circuits

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 70 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 36 Ω and resistor R₂ = 84 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 36 Ω, R₂ = 84 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 27 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 32 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 20 Ω and resistor R₂ = 30 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 15 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 80 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 9 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 9 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 20 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 8 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 16 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 20 Ω and resistor R₂ = 50 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 50 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 14 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 14 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 104730 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

View the answer key

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 13-15

Potential divider circuits

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
49 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 21 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 30) × 70 V = 49 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 36 Ω and resistor R₂ = 84 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 36 + 84 = 120 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (84 ÷ 120) × 40 V = 28 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 27 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 27 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 36) × 32 V = 24 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 20 Ω and resistor R₂ = 30 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
9 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 30 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 50) × 15 V = 9 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
50 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 80 V = 50 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 9 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
6 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 18 = 27 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 27) × 9 V = 6 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
16 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 2 + 8 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (8 ÷ 10) × 20 V = 16 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
10 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 8 + 20 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 28) × 14 V = 10 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 2 + 6 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 8) × 16 V = 12 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
25 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 40 V = 25 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 20 Ω and resistor R₂ = 50 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
10 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 50 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (50 ÷ 70) × 14 V = 10 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 14 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 14 + 21 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 35) × 40 V = 24 V.

12 questions · Seed 104730 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 13-15

Potential divider circuits

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 70 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 36 Ω and resistor R₂ = 84 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 36 Ω, R₂ = 84 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 27 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 32 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 20 Ω and resistor R₂ = 30 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 15 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 80 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 9 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 9 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 20 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 8 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 16 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 20 Ω and resistor R₂ = 50 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 50 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 14 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 14 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 104730 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 13-15

Potential divider circuits

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
49 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 21 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 30) × 70 V = 49 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 36 Ω and resistor R₂ = 84 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 36 + 84 = 120 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (84 ÷ 120) × 40 V = 28 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 27 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 27 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 36) × 32 V = 24 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 20 Ω and resistor R₂ = 30 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
9 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 30 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 50) × 15 V = 9 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
50 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 80 V = 50 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 9 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
6 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 18 = 27 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 27) × 9 V = 6 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
16 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 2 + 8 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (8 ÷ 10) × 20 V = 16 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
10 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 8 + 20 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 28) × 14 V = 10 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 2 + 6 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 8) × 16 V = 12 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
25 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 40 V = 25 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 20 Ω and resistor R₂ = 50 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
10 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 50 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (50 ÷ 70) × 14 V = 10 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 14 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 14 + 21 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 35) × 40 V = 24 V.

12 questions · Seed 104730 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification