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 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 44 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 20 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 44 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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 = 70 V · R₁ = 16 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 16 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 20 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 16 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 44 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 = 44 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 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 = 27 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 4 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 21 Ω and resistor R₂ = 35 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 80 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 35 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 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 = 14 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 60 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 36 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 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 = 12 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 16 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 30 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 16 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 8 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 56 · 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 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 44 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
16 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 11 + 44 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (44 ÷ 55) × 20 V = 16 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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.
50 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 16 + 40 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 56) × 70 V = 50 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 16 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
16 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 16 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (16 ÷ 20) × 20 V = 16 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 44 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 = 11 + 44 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (44 ÷ 55) × 30 V = 24 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 4 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 = 2 + 4 = 6 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (4 ÷ 6) × 27 V = 18 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 12 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 15) × 50 V = 40 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 21 Ω and resistor R₂ = 35 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 = 21 + 35 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (35 ÷ 56) × 80 V = 50 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 Ω and resistor R₂ = 60 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 = 24 + 60 = 84 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (60 ÷ 84) × 14 V = 10 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 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 = 24 + 36 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (36 ÷ 60) × 30 V = 18 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 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.
9 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 15 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 20) × 12 V = 9 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 16 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 = 4 + 16 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (16 ÷ 20) × 30 V = 24 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 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 = 2 + 8 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (8 ÷ 10) × 30 V = 24 V.

12 questions · Seed 56 · 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 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 44 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 20 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 44 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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 = 70 V · R₁ = 16 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 16 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 20 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 16 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 44 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 = 44 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 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 = 27 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 4 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 21 Ω and resistor R₂ = 35 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 80 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 35 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 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 = 14 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 60 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 36 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 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 = 12 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 16 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 30 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 16 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 8 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 56 · 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 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 44 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
16 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 11 + 44 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (44 ÷ 55) × 20 V = 16 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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.
50 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 16 + 40 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 56) × 70 V = 50 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 16 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
16 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 16 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (16 ÷ 20) × 20 V = 16 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 44 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 = 11 + 44 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (44 ÷ 55) × 30 V = 24 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 4 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 = 2 + 4 = 6 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (4 ÷ 6) × 27 V = 18 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 12 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 15) × 50 V = 40 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 21 Ω and resistor R₂ = 35 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 = 21 + 35 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (35 ÷ 56) × 80 V = 50 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 Ω and resistor R₂ = 60 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 = 24 + 60 = 84 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (60 ÷ 84) × 14 V = 10 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 24 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 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 = 24 + 36 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (36 ÷ 60) × 30 V = 18 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 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.
9 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 15 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 20) × 12 V = 9 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 16 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 = 4 + 16 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (16 ÷ 20) × 30 V = 24 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 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 = 2 + 8 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (8 ÷ 10) × 30 V = 24 V.

12 questions · Seed 56 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification