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 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 8 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 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 = 8 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. 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
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 14 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 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 = 90 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 28 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 63 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 = 63 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 22 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 22 Ω, R₂ = 33 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 27 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 64 V · R₁ = 27 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 25 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 35 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 25 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 8 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 = 8 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 48 · 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 50 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 8 + 12 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 20) × 50 V = 30 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 8 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 15 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 = 5 + 15 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 20) × 8 V = 6 V.
3. 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.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 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 = 6 + 6 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 12) × 14 V = 7 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 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.
63 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 28 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (28 ÷ 40) × 90 V = 63 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 63 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.
45 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 15 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 21) × 63 V = 45 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 22 Ω and resistor R₂ = 33 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 = 22 + 33 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (33 ÷ 55) × 30 V = 18 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 10 + 20 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 30) × 18 V = 12 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 27 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 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 = 27 + 45 = 72 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 72) × 64 V = 40 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 25 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 = 10 + 25 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (25 ÷ 35) × 35 V = 25 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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.
10 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 9 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 18) × 20 V = 10 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 8 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.
6 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 27 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 36) × 8 V = 6 V.

12 questions · Seed 48 · 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 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 8 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 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 = 8 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. 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
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 14 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 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 = 90 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 28 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 63 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 = 63 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 22 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 22 Ω, R₂ = 33 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 27 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 64 V · R₁ = 27 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 25 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 35 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 25 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 8 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 = 8 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 48 · 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 50 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 8 + 12 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 20) × 50 V = 30 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 8 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 15 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 = 5 + 15 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 20) × 8 V = 6 V.
3. 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.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 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 = 6 + 6 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 12) × 14 V = 7 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 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.
63 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 28 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (28 ÷ 40) × 90 V = 63 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 63 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.
45 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 15 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 21) × 63 V = 45 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 22 Ω and resistor R₂ = 33 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 = 22 + 33 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (33 ÷ 55) × 30 V = 18 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 10 + 20 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 30) × 18 V = 12 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 64 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 27 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 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 = 27 + 45 = 72 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 72) × 64 V = 40 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 25 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 = 10 + 25 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (25 ÷ 35) × 35 V = 25 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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.
10 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 9 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 18) × 20 V = 10 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 8 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.
6 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 27 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 36) × 8 V = 6 V.

12 questions · Seed 48 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification