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 49 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 = 49 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 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 = 14 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 90 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 16 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 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 = 27 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 28 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 18 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 8 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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 = 40 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 = 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 30 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 8 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 48 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 = 48 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 65 · 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 = 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 49 V = 35 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 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.
7 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 6 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 12) × 14 V = 7 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 14 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 = 6 + 14 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 20) × 90 V = 63 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 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 = 16 + 24 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 40) × 20 V = 12 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 14 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 21) × 27 V = 18 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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.
14 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 28 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (28 ÷ 40) × 20 V = 14 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 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 = 4 + 8 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (8 ÷ 12) × 18 V = 12 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 22 + 33 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (33 ÷ 55) × 40 V = 24 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 21 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 28) × 40 V = 30 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 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 = 2 + 8 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (8 ÷ 10) × 30 V = 24 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 9 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 12) × 40 V = 30 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 48 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 = 12 + 48 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (48 ÷ 60) × 30 V = 24 V.

12 questions · Seed 65 · 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 = 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 = 49 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 10 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 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 = 14 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 6 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 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 = 90 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 16 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 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 = 27 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 14 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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 = 20 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 28 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 18 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 8 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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 = 40 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 = 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 7 Ω, R₂ = 21 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 30 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 8 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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 = 40 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 9 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 48 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 = 48 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 65 · 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 = 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.
35 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 10 = 14 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (10 ÷ 14) × 49 V = 35 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 14 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.
7 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 6 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (6 ÷ 12) × 14 V = 7 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 90 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 6 Ω and resistor R₂ = 14 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 = 6 + 14 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 20) × 90 V = 63 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 16 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 = 16 + 24 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 40) × 20 V = 12 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 27 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.
18 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 14 = 21 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (14 ÷ 21) × 27 V = 18 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 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.
14 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 28 = 40 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (28 ÷ 40) × 20 V = 14 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 18 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 4 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 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 = 4 + 8 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (8 ÷ 12) × 18 V = 12 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
24 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 22 + 33 = 55 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (33 ÷ 55) × 40 V = 24 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 7 + 21 = 28 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (21 ÷ 28) × 40 V = 30 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 8 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 = 2 + 8 = 10 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (8 ÷ 10) × 30 V = 24 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 40 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.
30 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 9 = 12 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (9 ÷ 12) × 40 V = 30 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 30 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 48 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 = 12 + 48 = 60 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (48 ÷ 60) × 30 V = 24 V.

12 questions · Seed 65 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification