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 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 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 = 28 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 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 = 6 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 3 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 15 Ω, R₂ = 25 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 36 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 = 36 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. 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
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 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 = 28 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 32 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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 = 70 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 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 = 60 V · R₁ = 36 Ω, R₂ = 84 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 36 Ω, R₂ = 84 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 59 · 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 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 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 + 20 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 28) × 28 V = 20 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 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.
3 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 3 = 6 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (3 ÷ 6) × 6 V = 3 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 15 + 25 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (25 ÷ 40) × 56 V = 35 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 36 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.
27 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 18 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 24) × 36 V = 27 V.
5. 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.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 15 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 = 5 + 15 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 20) × 28 V = 21 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 4 + 12 = 16 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 16) × 20 V = 15 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 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 = 7 + 21 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 28) × 32 V = 24 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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.
50 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 70 V = 50 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 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.
42 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 36 + 84 = 120 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (84 ÷ 120) × 60 V = 42 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 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 = 2 + 6 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 8) × 40 V = 30 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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.
14 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 36 + 84 = 120 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (84 ÷ 120) × 20 V = 14 V.

12 questions · Seed 59 · 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 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 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 = 28 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 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 = 6 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 3 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 15 Ω, R₂ = 25 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 36 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 = 36 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. 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
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 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 = 28 V · R₁ = 5 Ω, R₂ = 15 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 32 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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 = 70 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 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 = 60 V · R₁ = 36 Ω, R₂ = 84 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 36 Ω, R₂ = 84 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 59 · 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 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 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 + 20 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 28) × 28 V = 20 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 6 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.
3 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 3 = 6 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (3 ÷ 6) × 6 V = 3 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 15 + 25 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (25 ÷ 40) × 56 V = 35 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 36 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.
27 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 18 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 24) × 36 V = 27 V.
5. 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.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 5 Ω and resistor R₂ = 15 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 = 5 + 15 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (15 ÷ 20) × 28 V = 21 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 4 + 12 = 16 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 16) × 20 V = 15 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 21 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 = 7 + 21 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 28) × 32 V = 24 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 70 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.
50 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 70 V = 50 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 60 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.
42 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 36 + 84 = 120 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (84 ÷ 120) × 60 V = 42 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 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 = 2 + 6 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 8) × 40 V = 30 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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.
14 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 36 + 84 = 120 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (84 ÷ 120) × 20 V = 14 V.

12 questions · Seed 59 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification