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 21 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 21 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 48 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 = 48 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 35 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 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 = 16 V · R₁ = 27 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. 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
5. 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
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 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 = 16 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 30 Ω, R₂ = 70 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 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 = 25 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 28 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 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 = 4 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 4 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 4 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 4 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 61 · 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 21 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 6 + 12 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 18) × 21 V = 14 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 48 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 21 + 35 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (35 ÷ 56) × 48 V = 30 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 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.
10 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 27 + 45 = 72 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 72) × 16 V = 10 V.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 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.
8 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 6 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 12) × 16 V = 8 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 30 + 70 = 100 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (70 ÷ 100) × 40 V = 28 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
20 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 14 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 21) × 30 V = 20 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 28 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 = 7 + 28 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (28 ÷ 35) × 25 V = 20 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 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 + 24 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 30) × 50 V = 40 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 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 = 10 + 10 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 20) × 4 V = 2 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 4 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 = 4 + 4 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (4 ÷ 8) × 4 V = 2 V.

12 questions · Seed 61 · 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 21 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 21 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 48 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 = 48 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 35 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 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 = 16 V · R₁ = 27 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. 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
5. 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
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 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 = 16 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 30 Ω, R₂ = 70 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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 = 30 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 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 = 25 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 28 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 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 = 4 V · R₁ = 10 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 4 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 4 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 4 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 61 · 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 21 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 12 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 = 6 + 12 = 18 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 18) × 21 V = 14 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 48 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 21 + 35 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (35 ÷ 56) × 48 V = 30 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 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.
10 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 27 + 45 = 72 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 72) × 16 V = 10 V.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 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.
8 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 6 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 12) × 16 V = 8 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
28 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 30 + 70 = 100 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (70 ÷ 100) × 40 V = 28 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 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.
20 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 14 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 21) × 30 V = 20 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 25 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 7 Ω and resistor R₂ = 28 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 = 7 + 28 = 35 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (28 ÷ 35) × 25 V = 20 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 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 + 24 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 30) × 50 V = 40 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 10 Ω and resistor R₂ = 10 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 = 10 + 10 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 20) × 4 V = 2 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 4 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 4 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 = 4 + 4 = 8 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (4 ÷ 8) × 4 V = 2 V.

12 questions · Seed 61 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification