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.

New variation Try interactive challenge Browse templates

Age band:Ages 13-15 Ages 16-18

Choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy. Use your browser’s paper setting for A4 or Letter.

Worksheet StudioPractice pack · Ages 16-18

Potential divider circuits

Take your time. Show your thinking.

1. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 49 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 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 = 49 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 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 = 35 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 30 Ω, R₂ = 70 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 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 = 27 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 15 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 15 Ω, R₂ = 25 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 22 Ω, R₂ = 33 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 28 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 42 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 51 · 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 49 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 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 + 45 = 63 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 63) × 49 V = 35 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 20 = 25 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 25) × 35 V = 28 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 30 + 70 = 100 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (70 ÷ 100) × 50 V = 35 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 30 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 + 30 = 42 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 42) × 56 V = 40 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 18 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 30) × 30 V = 18 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 18 = 27 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 27) × 27 V = 18 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 6 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 10) × 50 V = 30 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 15 Ω and resistor R₂ = 25 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 = 15 + 25 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (25 ÷ 40) × 24 V = 15 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 22 + 33 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (33 ÷ 55) × 20 V = 12 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 28 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (28 ÷ 40) × 40 V = 28 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 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 = 12 + 24 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 36) × 24 V = 16 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 42 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (42 ÷ 60) × 40 V = 28 V.

12 questions · Seed 51 · 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 49 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 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 = 49 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 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 = 35 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 30 Ω, R₂ = 70 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 30 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 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 = 27 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 15 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 15 Ω, R₂ = 25 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 22 Ω, R₂ = 33 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 28 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 42 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 51 · 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 49 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 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 + 45 = 63 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 63) × 49 V = 35 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 20 = 25 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 25) × 35 V = 28 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 30 + 70 = 100 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (70 ÷ 100) × 50 V = 35 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 30 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 + 30 = 42 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (30 ÷ 42) × 56 V = 40 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 18 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 30) × 30 V = 18 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 18 = 27 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 27) × 27 V = 18 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 6 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 10) × 50 V = 30 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 15 Ω and resistor R₂ = 25 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 = 15 + 25 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (25 ÷ 40) × 24 V = 15 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 22 + 33 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (33 ÷ 55) × 20 V = 12 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 28 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (28 ÷ 40) × 40 V = 28 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 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 = 12 + 24 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 36) × 24 V = 16 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 42 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (42 ÷ 60) × 40 V = 28 V.

12 questions · Seed 51 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification