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.

New variation Try interactive challenge Browse templates

Age band:Ages 13-15 Ages 16-18

Choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy. Use your browser’s paper setting for A4 or Letter.

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 = 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 = 16 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 72 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 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 = 32 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 35 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 16 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 36 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 16 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 2 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 20 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 2 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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 = 15 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 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 = 42 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 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 = 28 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 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 = 12 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 3 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 70 · 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 = 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 18 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 24) × 16 V = 12 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
45 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 72 V = 45 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 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.
20 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 21 + 35 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (35 ÷ 56) × 32 V = 20 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 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 + 36 = 48 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (36 ÷ 48) × 16 V = 12 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 16 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (16 ÷ 20) × 50 V = 40 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 2 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 = 2 + 2 = 4 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (2 ÷ 4) × 20 V = 10 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 24 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 30) × 15 V = 12 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 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 = 18 + 45 = 63 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 63) × 42 V = 30 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 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 = 12 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 56 V = 35 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 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.
21 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 12 = 16 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 16) × 28 V = 21 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 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 = 8 + 24 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 32) × 12 V = 9 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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.
5 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 3 = 6 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (3 ÷ 6) × 10 V = 5 V.

12 questions · Seed 70 · 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 = 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 = 16 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 18 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 72 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 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 = 32 V · R₁ = 21 Ω, R₂ = 35 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 16 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 36 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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 = 50 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 16 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 2 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
V_in = 20 V · R₁ = 2 Ω, R₂ = 2 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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 = 15 V · R₁ = 6 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 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 = 42 V · R₁ = 18 Ω, R₂ = 45 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 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 = 56 V · R₁ = 12 Ω, R₂ = 20 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 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 = 28 V · R₁ = 4 Ω, R₂ = 12 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 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 = 12 V · R₁ = 8 Ω, R₂ = 24 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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 = 10 V · R₁ = 3 Ω, R₂ = 3 Ω · V_out = [R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)] × V_in

12 questions · Seed 70 · 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 = 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 18 = 24 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (18 ÷ 24) × 16 V = 12 V.
2. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 72 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 Ω are connected in series. Using V_out = (R₂ ÷ (R₁ + R₂)) × V_in, calculate the potential difference across R₂.
45 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 12 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 72 V = 45 V.
3. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 32 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.
20 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 21 + 35 = 56 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (35 ÷ 56) × 32 V = 20 V.
4. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 16 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 36 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 + 36 = 48 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (36 ÷ 48) × 16 V = 12 V.
5. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 50 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.
40 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 16 = 20 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (16 ÷ 20) × 50 V = 40 V.
6. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 20 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 2 Ω and resistor R₂ = 2 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 = 2 + 2 = 4 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (2 ÷ 4) × 20 V = 10 V.
7. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 15 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.
12 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 6 + 24 = 30 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 30) × 15 V = 12 V.
8. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 42 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 18 Ω and resistor R₂ = 45 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 = 18 + 45 = 63 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (45 ÷ 63) × 42 V = 30 V.
9. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 56 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 12 Ω and resistor R₂ = 20 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 = 12 + 20 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (20 ÷ 32) × 56 V = 35 V.
10. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 28 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.
21 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 4 + 12 = 16 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (12 ÷ 16) × 28 V = 21 V.
11. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 12 V DC supply, resistor R₁ = 8 Ω and resistor R₂ = 24 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 = 8 + 24 = 32 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (24 ÷ 32) × 12 V = 9 V.
12. In a potential divider circuit connected to a 10 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.
5 V
Total resistance R₁ + R₂ = 3 + 3 = 6 Ω. Potential difference across R₂ is V_out = (3 ÷ 6) × 10 V = 5 V.

12 questions · Seed 70 · Age guidance, not curriculum certification