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 4 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 = 4 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. 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
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 30 Ω and resistor R₂ = 50 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 30 Ω, R₂ = 50 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 22 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 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 = 80 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 49 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 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 = 45 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 16 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 16 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. 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
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 12 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 36 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 50 · 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 4 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.
2 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 6 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 12) × 4 V = 2 V.
2. 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.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 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 = 12 + 18 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 30) × 10 V = 6 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 30 Ω and resistor R₂ = 50 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 = 30 + 50 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (50 ÷ 80) × 40 V = 25 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 11 + 22 = 33 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (22 ÷ 33) × 18 V = 12 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 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.
56 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 21 + 49 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (49 ÷ 70) × 80 V = 56 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 16 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
36 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 16 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (16 ÷ 20) × 45 V = 36 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
20 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 8 + 16 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (16 ÷ 24) × 30 V = 20 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 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 = 3 + 6 = 9 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 9) × 30 V = 20 V.
10. 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.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 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 = 4 + 6 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 10) × 10 V = 6 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 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 = 12 + 36 = 48 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (36 ÷ 48) × 12 V = 9 V.

12 questions · Seed 50 · 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 4 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 = 4 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. 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
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 30 Ω and resistor R₂ = 50 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 40 V · R₁ = 30 Ω, R₂ = 50 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 22 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 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 = 80 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 49 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 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 = 45 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 16 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 16 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. 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
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 12 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 36 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 50 · 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 4 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.
2 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 6 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 12) × 4 V = 2 V.
2. 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.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 18 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 = 12 + 18 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 30) × 10 V = 6 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 30 Ω and resistor R₂ = 50 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 = 30 + 50 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (50 ÷ 80) × 40 V = 25 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 11 + 22 = 33 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (22 ÷ 33) × 18 V = 12 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 80 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.
56 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 21 + 49 = 70 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (49 ÷ 70) × 80 V = 56 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 16 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
36 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 16 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (16 ÷ 20) × 45 V = 36 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
20 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 8 + 16 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (16 ÷ 24) × 30 V = 20 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 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 = 3 + 6 = 9 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 9) × 30 V = 20 V.
10. 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.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 6 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 = 4 + 6 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 10) × 10 V = 6 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 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 = 12 + 36 = 48 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (36 ÷ 48) × 12 V = 9 V.

12 questions · Seed 50 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification