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 6 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 4 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 6 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 4 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 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 = 18 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 48 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 27 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 48 V · R₁ = 27 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 36 Ω and resistor R₂ = 60 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 80 V · R₁ = 36 Ω, R₂ = 60 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 27 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 64 V · R₁ = 27 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 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 = 21 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 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 = 6 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 55 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 72 V · R₁ = 33 Ω, R₂ = 55 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 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 = 42 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 104741 · 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 6 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 4 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
3 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 4 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (4 ÷ 8) × 6 V = 3 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 30 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 = 18 + 30 = 48 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 48) × 24 V = 15 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 30 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 30 = 42 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 42) × 56 V = 40 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 48 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 27 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 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 = 27 + 45 = 72 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 72) × 48 V = 30 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 36 Ω and resistor R₂ = 60 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 = 36 + 60 = 96 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (60 ÷ 96) × 80 V = 50 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 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 = 10 + 20 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 30) × 18 V = 12 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 27 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 27 + 45 = 72 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 72) × 64 V = 40 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 15 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 + 15 = 25 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 25) × 30 V = 18 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 8 + 20 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 28) × 21 V = 15 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
3 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 9 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 18) × 6 V = 3 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 55 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 = 33 + 55 = 88 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (55 ÷ 88) × 72 V = 45 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 42 V = 30 V.

12 questions · Seed 104741 · 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 6 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 4 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 6 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 4 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 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 = 18 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 48 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 27 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 48 V · R₁ = 27 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 36 Ω and resistor R₂ = 60 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 80 V · R₁ = 36 Ω, R₂ = 60 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 27 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 64 V · R₁ = 27 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 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 = 21 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 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 = 6 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 55 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 72 V · R₁ = 33 Ω, R₂ = 55 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 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 = 42 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 104741 · 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 6 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 4 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
3 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 4 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (4 ÷ 8) × 6 V = 3 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 30 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 = 18 + 30 = 48 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 48) × 24 V = 15 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 30 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 30 = 42 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 42) × 56 V = 40 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 48 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 27 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 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 = 27 + 45 = 72 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 72) × 48 V = 30 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 36 Ω and resistor R₂ = 60 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 = 36 + 60 = 96 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (60 ÷ 96) × 80 V = 50 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 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 = 10 + 20 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 30) × 18 V = 12 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 27 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 27 + 45 = 72 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 72) × 64 V = 40 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 15 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 + 15 = 25 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 25) × 30 V = 18 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 8 + 20 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 28) × 21 V = 15 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
3 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 9 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 18) × 6 V = 3 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 55 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 = 33 + 55 = 88 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (55 ÷ 88) × 72 V = 45 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 42 V = 30 V.

12 questions · Seed 104741 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification