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 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 15 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 28 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 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 = 35 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 50 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 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 = 100 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 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 = 45 V · R₁ = 14 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 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 = 72 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 7 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 7 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 25 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 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 = 42 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 = 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 104733 · 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 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 15 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
21 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 15 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 20) × 28 V = 21 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 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.
25 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 50 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (50 ÷ 70) × 35 V = 25 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 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 = 6 + 9 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 15) × 40 V = 24 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 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.
70 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 21 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 30) × 100 V = 70 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 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 = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 14 V = 10 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 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.
27 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 14 + 21 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 35) × 45 V = 27 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 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.
45 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 72 V = 45 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 7 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
7 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 7 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (7 ÷ 14) × 14 V = 7 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 30 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 10 + 30 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 40) × 24 V = 18 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 9 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 15) × 25 V = 15 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 50 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (50 ÷ 70) × 42 V = 30 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 30 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 50) × 40 V = 24 V.

12 questions · Seed 104733 · 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 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 15 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 28 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 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 = 35 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 50 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 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 = 100 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 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 = 45 V · R₁ = 14 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 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 = 72 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 7 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 7 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 25 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 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 = 42 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 = 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 104733 · 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 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 15 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
21 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 15 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 20) × 28 V = 21 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 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.
25 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 50 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (50 ÷ 70) × 35 V = 25 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 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 = 6 + 9 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 15) × 40 V = 24 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 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.
70 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 21 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 30) × 100 V = 70 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 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 = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 14 V = 10 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 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.
27 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 14 + 21 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 35) × 45 V = 27 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 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.
45 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 72 V = 45 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 7 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
7 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 7 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (7 ÷ 14) × 14 V = 7 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 30 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 10 + 30 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 40) × 24 V = 18 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 9 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 15) × 25 V = 15 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 50 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (50 ÷ 70) × 42 V = 30 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 30 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 50) × 40 V = 24 V.

12 questions · Seed 104733 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification