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 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 44 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 20 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 44 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 3 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 12 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 3 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 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 = 12 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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 = 15 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 6 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 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 22 Ω, R₂ = 33 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. 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
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 35 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 7 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 54 · 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 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 44 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 = 11 + 44 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (44 ÷ 55) × 20 V = 16 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 10 + 40 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 50) × 50 V = 40 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 3 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 = 3 + 3 = 6 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (3 ÷ 6) × 12 V = 6 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 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 = 3 + 9 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 12) × 12 V = 9 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 24 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 36) × 18 V = 12 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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.
9 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 6 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 10) × 15 V = 9 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 50 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 22 + 33 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (33 ÷ 55) × 50 V = 30 V.
9. 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.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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.
9 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 9 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 18) × 18 V = 9 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 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 = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 35 V = 25 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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.
5 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 7 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (7 ÷ 14) × 10 V = 5 V.

12 questions · Seed 54 · 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 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 44 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 20 V · R₁ = 11 Ω, R₂ = 44 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 40 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 3 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 12 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 3 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 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 = 12 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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 = 15 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 6 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 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 22 Ω, R₂ = 33 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. 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
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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 = 18 V · R₁ = 9 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 35 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 7 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 54 · 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 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 11 Ω and resistor R₂ = 44 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 = 11 + 44 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (44 ÷ 55) × 20 V = 16 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 10 + 40 = 50 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (40 ÷ 50) × 50 V = 40 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 3 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 = 3 + 3 = 6 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (3 ÷ 6) × 12 V = 6 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 3 Ω and resistor R₂ = 9 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 = 3 + 9 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 12) × 12 V = 9 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 24 = 36 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 36) × 18 V = 12 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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.
9 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 6 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 10) × 15 V = 9 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 50 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 22 + 33 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (33 ÷ 55) × 50 V = 30 V.
9. 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.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 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.
9 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 9 + 9 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 18) × 18 V = 9 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 35 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 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 = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 35 V = 25 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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.
5 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 7 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (7 ÷ 14) × 10 V = 5 V.

12 questions · Seed 54 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification