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.

New variation Try interactive challenge Browse templates

Age band:Ages 13-15 Ages 16-18

Choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy. Use your browser’s paper setting for A4 or Letter.

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Potential divider circuits

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 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 = 28 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 28 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 22 Ω and resistor R₂ = 55 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 22 Ω, R₂ = 55 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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 = 70 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 56 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 32 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 50 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 32 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 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 = 2 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 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 = 35 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 48 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 = 48 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 35 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 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 = 100 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 104739 · 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 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 27 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
21 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 27 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 36) × 28 V = 21 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 28 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 = 7 + 28 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (28 ÷ 35) × 20 V = 16 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 22 Ω and resistor R₂ = 55 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 = 22 + 55 = 77 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (55 ÷ 77) × 14 V = 10 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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.
49 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 24 + 56 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (56 ÷ 80) × 70 V = 49 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 32 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 = 8 + 32 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (32 ÷ 40) × 50 V = 40 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 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 = 2 + 6 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 8) × 12 V = 9 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 14 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 20) × 50 V = 35 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 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.
25 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 15 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 21) × 35 V = 25 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 27 = 45 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 45) × 30 V = 18 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 48 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 24 + 40 = 64 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 64) × 48 V = 30 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
21 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 9 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 15) × 35 V = 21 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 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.
70 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 21 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 30) × 100 V = 70 V.

12 questions · Seed 104739 · 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 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 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 = 28 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 28 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 22 Ω and resistor R₂ = 55 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 22 Ω, R₂ = 55 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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 = 70 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 56 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 32 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 50 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 32 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 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 = 2 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 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 = 35 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 48 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 = 48 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 35 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 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 = 100 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 104739 · 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 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 27 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
21 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 27 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 36) × 28 V = 21 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 28 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 = 7 + 28 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (28 ÷ 35) × 20 V = 16 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 22 Ω and resistor R₂ = 55 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 = 22 + 55 = 77 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (55 ÷ 77) × 14 V = 10 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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.
49 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 24 + 56 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (56 ÷ 80) × 70 V = 49 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 32 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 = 8 + 32 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (32 ÷ 40) × 50 V = 40 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 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 = 2 + 6 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 8) × 12 V = 9 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 14 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 20) × 50 V = 35 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 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.
25 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 15 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 21) × 35 V = 25 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 27 = 45 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 45) × 30 V = 18 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 48 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 24 + 40 = 64 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 64) × 48 V = 30 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
21 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 9 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 15) × 35 V = 21 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 100 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.
70 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 21 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 30) × 100 V = 70 V.

12 questions · Seed 104739 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification