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 45 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 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 = 45 V · R₁ = 16 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. 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
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 3 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 3 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 36 Ω and resistor R₂ = 84 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 30 V · R₁ = 36 Ω, R₂ = 84 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 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 = 14 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 28 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 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 = 10 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 42 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 33 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 33 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 9 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 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 = 9 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 16 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. 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

12 questions · Seed 104740 · 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 45 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
27 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 16 + 24 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 40) × 45 V = 27 V.
2. 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.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 3 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 = 3 + 3 = 6 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (3 ÷ 6) × 14 V = 7 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 36 Ω and resistor R₂ = 84 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 = 36 + 84 = 120 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (84 ÷ 120) × 30 V = 21 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 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.
7 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 12 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 24) × 14 V = 7 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 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 = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 28 V = 20 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 56 V = 35 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 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 = 10 + 20 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 30) × 15 V = 10 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 42 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (42 ÷ 60) × 50 V = 35 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 33 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 = 11 + 33 = 44 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (33 ÷ 44) × 40 V = 30 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 9 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 16 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
6 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 8 + 16 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (16 ÷ 24) × 9 V = 6 V.
12. 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.

12 questions · Seed 104740 · 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 45 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 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 = 45 V · R₁ = 16 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. 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
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 3 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 14 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 3 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 36 Ω and resistor R₂ = 84 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 30 V · R₁ = 36 Ω, R₂ = 84 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 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 = 14 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 28 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 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 = 10 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 42 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 33 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 33 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 9 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 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 = 9 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 16 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. 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

12 questions · Seed 104740 · 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 45 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
27 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 16 + 24 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 40) × 45 V = 27 V.
2. 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.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 3 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 = 3 + 3 = 6 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (3 ÷ 6) × 14 V = 7 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 36 Ω and resistor R₂ = 84 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 = 36 + 84 = 120 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (84 ÷ 120) × 30 V = 21 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 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.
7 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 12 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 24) × 14 V = 7 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 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 = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 28 V = 20 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 56 V = 35 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 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 = 10 + 20 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 30) × 15 V = 10 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 42 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (42 ÷ 60) × 50 V = 35 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 33 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 = 11 + 33 = 44 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (33 ÷ 44) × 40 V = 30 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 9 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 16 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
6 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 8 + 16 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (16 ÷ 24) × 9 V = 6 V.
12. 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.

12 questions · Seed 104740 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification