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 40 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 56 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 48 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 10 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 48 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 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 = 60 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 20 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 50 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 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 = 7 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 28 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 100 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 28 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 7 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 7 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 11 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 16 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 11 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 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 = 6 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 4 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 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 = 16 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 21 Ω and resistor R₂ = 49 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 60 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 49 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 104736 · 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 40 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.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 24 + 56 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (56 ÷ 80) × 40 V = 28 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 12 = 16 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 16) × 24 V = 18 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 48 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 = 12 + 48 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (48 ÷ 60) × 10 V = 8 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 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.
42 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 21 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 30) × 60 V = 42 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 20 Ω and resistor R₂ = 50 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 = 20 + 50 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (50 ÷ 70) × 56 V = 40 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 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 = 7 + 21 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 28) × 40 V = 30 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 28 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 = 12 + 28 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (28 ÷ 40) × 100 V = 70 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 7 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 = 7 + 7 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (7 ÷ 14) × 14 V = 7 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 11 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 = 11 + 11 = 22 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (11 ÷ 22) × 16 V = 8 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 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.
3 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 4 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (4 ÷ 8) × 6 V = 3 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 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 = 7 + 21 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 28) × 16 V = 12 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 21 Ω and resistor R₂ = 49 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 = 21 + 49 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (49 ÷ 70) × 60 V = 42 V.

12 questions · Seed 104736 · 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 40 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 56 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 48 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 10 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 48 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 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 = 60 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 20 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 50 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 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 = 7 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 28 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 100 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 28 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 7 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 7 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 11 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 16 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 11 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 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 = 6 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 4 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 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 = 16 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 21 Ω and resistor R₂ = 49 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 60 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 49 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 104736 · 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 40 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.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 24 + 56 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (56 ÷ 80) × 40 V = 28 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 12 = 16 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 16) × 24 V = 18 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 48 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 = 12 + 48 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (48 ÷ 60) × 10 V = 8 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 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.
42 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 21 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 30) × 60 V = 42 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 20 Ω and resistor R₂ = 50 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 = 20 + 50 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (50 ÷ 70) × 56 V = 40 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 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 = 7 + 21 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 28) × 40 V = 30 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 28 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 = 12 + 28 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (28 ÷ 40) × 100 V = 70 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 7 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 = 7 + 7 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (7 ÷ 14) × 14 V = 7 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 11 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 = 11 + 11 = 22 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (11 ÷ 22) × 16 V = 8 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 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.
3 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 4 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (4 ÷ 8) × 6 V = 3 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 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 = 7 + 21 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 28) × 16 V = 12 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 21 Ω and resistor R₂ = 49 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 = 21 + 49 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (49 ÷ 70) × 60 V = 42 V.

12 questions · Seed 104736 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification