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 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 16 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. 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
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 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 = 14 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 16 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 33 Ω, R₂ = 55 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 3 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 4 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 3 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 27 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 22 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 30 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 22 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 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 = 21 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 45 · 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 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 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 = 16 + 24 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 40) × 40 V = 24 V.
2. 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.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 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 = 18 + 45 = 63 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 63) × 14 V = 10 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 6 + 10 = 16 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 16) × 16 V = 10 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 33 + 55 = 88 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (55 ÷ 88) × 24 V = 15 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 3 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
2 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 3 = 6 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (3 ÷ 6) × 4 V = 2 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
32 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 12 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 15) × 40 V = 32 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 27 + 45 = 72 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 72) × 56 V = 35 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 22 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
20 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 11 + 22 = 33 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (22 ÷ 33) × 30 V = 20 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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.
6 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 30 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 50) × 10 V = 6 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 21 V = 15 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 21 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 30) × 40 V = 28 V.

12 questions · Seed 45 · 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 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 16 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. 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
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 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 = 14 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 16 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 33 Ω, R₂ = 55 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 3 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 4 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 3 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 27 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 22 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 30 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 22 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 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 = 21 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 45 · 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 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 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 = 16 + 24 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 40) × 40 V = 24 V.
2. 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.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 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 = 18 + 45 = 63 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 63) × 14 V = 10 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 6 + 10 = 16 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 16) × 16 V = 10 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 33 + 55 = 88 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (55 ÷ 88) × 24 V = 15 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 3 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
2 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 3 = 6 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (3 ÷ 6) × 4 V = 2 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
32 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 12 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 15) × 40 V = 32 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 27 + 45 = 72 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 72) × 56 V = 35 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 22 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
20 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 11 + 22 = 33 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (22 ÷ 33) × 30 V = 20 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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.
6 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 30 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 50) × 10 V = 6 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 21 V = 15 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 21 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 30) × 40 V = 28 V.

12 questions · Seed 45 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification