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 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
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. 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
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 8 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 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 = 8 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 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 = 35 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 30 Ω and resistor R₂ = 70 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 30 V · R₁ = 30 Ω, R₂ = 70 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 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 = 25 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 33 Ω, R₂ = 55 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 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 = 64 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 35 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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 = 70 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 49 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 77 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 30 V · R₁ = 33 Ω, R₂ = 77 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 43 · 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 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.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 21 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 28) × 24 V = 18 V.
3. 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.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 8 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 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 = 9 + 9 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 18) × 8 V = 4 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 8 + 12 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 20) × 35 V = 21 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 30 Ω and resistor R₂ = 70 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 = 30 + 70 = 100 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (70 ÷ 100) × 30 V = 21 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 27 = 45 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 45) × 25 V = 15 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 55 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 = 33 + 55 = 88 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (55 ÷ 88) × 24 V = 15 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 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.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 21 + 35 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (35 ÷ 56) × 64 V = 40 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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.
49 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 21 + 49 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (49 ÷ 70) × 70 V = 49 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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.
6 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 30 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 50) × 10 V = 6 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 77 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 = 33 + 77 = 110 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (77 ÷ 110) × 30 V = 21 V.

12 questions · Seed 43 · 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 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
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. 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
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 8 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 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 = 8 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 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 = 35 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 30 Ω and resistor R₂ = 70 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 30 V · R₁ = 30 Ω, R₂ = 70 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 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 = 25 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 33 Ω, R₂ = 55 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 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 = 64 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 35 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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 = 70 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 49 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 20 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 77 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 30 V · R₁ = 33 Ω, R₂ = 77 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 43 · 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 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.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 21 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 28) × 24 V = 18 V.
3. 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.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 8 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 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 = 9 + 9 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 18) × 8 V = 4 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 8 + 12 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 20) × 35 V = 21 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 30 Ω and resistor R₂ = 70 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 = 30 + 70 = 100 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (70 ÷ 100) × 30 V = 21 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 27 = 45 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 45) × 25 V = 15 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 55 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 = 33 + 55 = 88 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (55 ÷ 88) × 24 V = 15 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 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.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 21 + 35 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (35 ÷ 56) × 64 V = 40 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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.
49 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 21 + 49 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (49 ÷ 70) × 70 V = 49 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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.
6 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 20 + 30 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 50) × 10 V = 6 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 33 Ω and resistor R₂ = 77 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 = 33 + 77 = 110 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (77 ÷ 110) × 30 V = 21 V.

12 questions · Seed 43 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification