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 = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 5 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 16 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 5 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 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 = 45 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 27 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 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 = 90 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 56 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. 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
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. 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
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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 = 15 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 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 = 27 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 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 = 32 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 53 · 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 = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 5 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
8 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 5 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (5 ÷ 10) × 16 V = 8 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 15 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 21) × 56 V = 40 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 3 + 12 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 15) × 45 V = 36 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 27 + 45 = 72 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 72) × 24 V = 15 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 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.
63 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 24 + 56 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (56 ÷ 80) × 90 V = 63 V.
6. 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.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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.
16 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 14 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 21) × 24 V = 16 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 27 = 45 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 45) × 30 V = 18 V.
9. 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.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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.
10 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 18 = 27 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 27) × 15 V = 10 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 10 + 20 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 30) × 27 V = 18 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 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.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 27 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 36) × 32 V = 24 V.

12 questions · Seed 53 · 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 = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 5 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 16 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 5 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 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 = 45 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 27 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 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 = 90 V · R₁ = 24 Ω, R₂ = 56 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. 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
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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 = 24 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. 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
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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 = 15 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 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 = 27 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 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 = 32 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 27 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 53 · 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 = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 5 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
8 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 5 + 5 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (5 ÷ 10) × 16 V = 8 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 15 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 21) × 56 V = 40 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 45 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 3 + 12 = 15 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 15) × 45 V = 36 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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.
15 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 27 + 45 = 72 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 72) × 24 V = 15 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 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.
63 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 24 + 56 = 80 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (56 ÷ 80) × 90 V = 63 V.
6. 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.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 24 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.
16 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 14 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 21) × 24 V = 16 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 18 + 27 = 45 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 45) × 30 V = 18 V.
9. 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.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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.
10 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 18 = 27 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 27) × 15 V = 10 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 10 + 20 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 30) × 27 V = 18 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 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.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 27 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (27 ÷ 36) × 32 V = 24 V.

12 questions · Seed 53 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification