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 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 16 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 28 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 56 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 48 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. 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
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 7 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 18 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 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 = 45 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 22 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 21 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 22 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 49 · 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 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 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 = 6 + 18 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 24) × 16 V = 12 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 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 + 18 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 24) × 28 V = 21 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
21 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 24 + 56 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (56 ÷ 80) × 30 V = 21 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 48 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (48 ÷ 60) × 30 V = 24 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 14 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 = 7 + 14 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 21) × 30 V = 20 V.
6. 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.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 40 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 = 10 + 40 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 50) × 20 V = 16 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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.
10 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 7 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (7 ÷ 14) × 20 V = 10 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 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 = 9 + 18 = 27 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 27) × 18 V = 12 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 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.
27 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 9 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 15) × 45 V = 27 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 22 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
14 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 11 + 22 = 33 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (22 ÷ 33) × 21 V = 14 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 6 + 12 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 18) × 18 V = 12 V.

12 questions · Seed 49 · 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 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 16 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 28 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 56 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 48 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. 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
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 7 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 18 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 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 = 45 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 22 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 21 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 22 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 49 · 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 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 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 = 6 + 18 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 24) × 16 V = 12 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 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 + 18 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 24) × 28 V = 21 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
21 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 24 + 56 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (56 ÷ 80) × 30 V = 21 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 48 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (48 ÷ 60) × 30 V = 24 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 14 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 = 7 + 14 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 21) × 30 V = 20 V.
6. 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.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 40 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 = 10 + 40 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 50) × 20 V = 16 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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.
10 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 7 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (7 ÷ 14) × 20 V = 10 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 9 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 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 = 9 + 18 = 27 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 27) × 18 V = 12 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 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.
27 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 9 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 15) × 45 V = 27 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 21 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 22 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
14 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 11 + 22 = 33 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (22 ÷ 33) × 21 V = 14 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 6 + 12 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 18) × 18 V = 12 V.

12 questions · Seed 49 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification