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 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 14 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 27 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 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 = 32 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 25 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 25 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 30 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 = 32 V · R₁ = 30 Ω, R₂ = 50 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 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 = 21 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 20 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 36 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 5 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 10 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 5 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 Ω and resistor R₂ = 40 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 42 V · R₁ = 16 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 77 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 100 V · R₁ = 33 Ω, R₂ = 77 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 46 · 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 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 6 + 12 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 18) × 18 V = 12 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 14 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 = 7 + 14 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 21) × 27 V = 18 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 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.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 10 + 30 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 40) × 32 V = 24 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
8 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 20 = 25 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 25) × 10 V = 8 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 25 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 = 10 + 25 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (25 ÷ 35) × 14 V = 10 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 30 Ω and resistor R₂ = 50 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 = 30 + 50 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (50 ÷ 80) × 32 V = 20 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 45 = 63 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 63) × 21 V = 15 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 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 = 12 + 36 = 48 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (36 ÷ 48) × 20 V = 15 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 27 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 = 18 + 27 = 45 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 45) × 10 V = 6 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 5 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
5 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 5 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (5 ÷ 10) × 10 V = 5 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 Ω and resistor R₂ = 40 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 = 16 + 40 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 56) × 42 V = 30 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 77 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 = 33 + 77 = 110 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (77 ÷ 110) × 100 V = 70 V.

12 questions · Seed 46 · 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 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 14 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 27 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 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 = 32 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 25 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 25 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 30 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 = 32 V · R₁ = 30 Ω, R₂ = 50 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 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 = 21 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 20 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 36 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 5 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 10 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 5 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 Ω and resistor R₂ = 40 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 42 V · R₁ = 16 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 77 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 100 V · R₁ = 33 Ω, R₂ = 77 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 46 · 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 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 6 + 12 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 18) × 18 V = 12 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 14 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 = 7 + 14 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 21) × 27 V = 18 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 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.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 10 + 30 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 40) × 32 V = 24 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
8 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 20 = 25 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 25) × 10 V = 8 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 25 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 = 10 + 25 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (25 ÷ 35) × 14 V = 10 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 30 Ω and resistor R₂ = 50 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 = 30 + 50 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (50 ÷ 80) × 32 V = 20 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 45 = 63 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 63) × 21 V = 15 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 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 = 12 + 36 = 48 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (36 ÷ 48) × 20 V = 15 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 27 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 = 18 + 27 = 45 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 45) × 10 V = 6 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 5 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
5 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 5 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (5 ÷ 10) × 10 V = 5 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 Ω and resistor R₂ = 40 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 = 16 + 40 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 56) × 42 V = 30 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 77 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 = 33 + 77 = 110 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (77 ÷ 110) × 100 V = 70 V.

12 questions · Seed 46 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification