ScienceAges 16-18

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 16-18

Potential divider circuits

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 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 = 14 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 4 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 64 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 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 = 6 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 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 = 25 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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 = 70 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 42 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 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 = 90 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 56 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 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 = 25 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 60 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 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 = 72 V · R₁ = 36 Ω, R₂ = 60 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 2 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 4 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 2 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 104734 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

View the answer key

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Potential divider circuits

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 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.
7 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 4 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (4 ÷ 8) × 14 V = 7 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 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 = 3 + 9 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 12) × 40 V = 30 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 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 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 64 V = 40 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 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.
4 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 12 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 18) × 6 V = 4 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 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.
20 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 12 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 15) × 25 V = 20 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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.
49 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 42 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (42 ÷ 60) × 70 V = 49 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 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.
63 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 24 + 56 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (56 ÷ 80) × 90 V = 63 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 30 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 50) × 25 V = 15 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 15 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 = 6 + 15 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 21) × 56 V = 40 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 14 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
42 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 14 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 20) × 60 V = 42 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 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.
45 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 36 + 60 = 96 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (60 ÷ 96) × 72 V = 45 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 2 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 = 2 + 2 = 4 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (2 ÷ 4) × 4 V = 2 V.

12 questions · Seed 104734 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Potential divider circuits

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 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 = 14 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 4 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 64 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 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 = 6 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 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 = 25 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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 = 70 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 42 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 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 = 90 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 56 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 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 = 25 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 60 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 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 = 72 V · R₁ = 36 Ω, R₂ = 60 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 2 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 4 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 2 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 104734 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification

Worksheet StudioAnswer key · Ages 16-18

Potential divider circuits

Answers and reasoning. Review before teaching.

1. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 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.
7 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 4 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (4 ÷ 8) × 14 V = 7 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 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 = 3 + 9 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 12) × 40 V = 30 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 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 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 64 V = 40 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 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.
4 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 12 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 18) × 6 V = 4 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 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.
20 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 12 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 15) × 25 V = 20 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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.
49 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 42 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (42 ÷ 60) × 70 V = 49 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 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.
63 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 24 + 56 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (56 ÷ 80) × 90 V = 63 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 30 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 50) × 25 V = 15 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 15 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 = 6 + 15 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 21) × 56 V = 40 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 14 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
42 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 14 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 20) × 60 V = 42 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 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.
45 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 36 + 60 = 96 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (60 ÷ 96) × 72 V = 45 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 2 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 = 2 + 2 = 4 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (2 ÷ 4) × 4 V = 2 V.

12 questions · Seed 104734 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification