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 56 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 16 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 8 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 4 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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 = 15 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 42 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 90 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 42 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 27 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 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 = 72 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 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 = 4 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 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 = 12 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 63 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 = 63 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 25 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 Ω and resistor R₂ = 56 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 50 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 56 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 55 · 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 56 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.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 16 + 40 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 56) × 56 V = 40 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 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 = 4 + 8 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (8 ÷ 12) × 18 V = 12 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 12 + 12 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 24) × 4 V = 2 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 20 = 25 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 25) × 15 V = 12 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 42 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
63 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 42 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (42 ÷ 60) × 90 V = 63 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 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 = 12 + 24 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 36) × 27 V = 18 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 Ω and resistor R₂ = 40 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 = 24 + 40 = 64 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 64) × 72 V = 45 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 + 12 = 16 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 16) × 40 V = 30 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 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 = 3 + 6 = 9 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 9) × 12 V = 8 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 Ω and resistor R₂ = 40 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 = 24 + 40 = 64 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 64) × 56 V = 35 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 63 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.
45 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 10 + 25 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (25 ÷ 35) × 63 V = 45 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 Ω and resistor R₂ = 56 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 = 24 + 56 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (56 ÷ 80) × 50 V = 35 V.

12 questions · Seed 55 · 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 56 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 16 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 8 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 4 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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 = 15 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 42 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 90 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 42 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 27 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 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 = 72 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 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 = 4 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 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 = 12 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 63 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 = 63 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 25 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 Ω and resistor R₂ = 56 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 50 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 56 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 55 · 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 56 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.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 16 + 40 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 56) × 56 V = 40 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 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 = 4 + 8 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (8 ÷ 12) × 18 V = 12 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 12 + 12 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 24) × 4 V = 2 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 20 = 25 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 25) × 15 V = 12 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 42 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
63 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 42 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (42 ÷ 60) × 90 V = 63 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 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 = 12 + 24 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 36) × 27 V = 18 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 Ω and resistor R₂ = 40 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 = 24 + 40 = 64 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 64) × 72 V = 45 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 + 12 = 16 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 16) × 40 V = 30 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 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 = 3 + 6 = 9 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 9) × 12 V = 8 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 Ω and resistor R₂ = 40 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 = 24 + 40 = 64 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 64) × 56 V = 35 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 63 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.
45 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 10 + 25 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (25 ÷ 35) × 63 V = 45 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 Ω and resistor R₂ = 56 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 = 24 + 56 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (56 ÷ 80) × 50 V = 35 V.

12 questions · Seed 55 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification