Question

A 7.1 resistor and a 4.8 resistor are connected in series with a battery. the potential difference across the 4.8 resistor is measured as 12 v. find the potential difference across the battery. v

Answer 1

For resistors in series in a DC circuit, the potential difference is proportional to the resistance.

The voltage V across the 7.1 ohm resistor can be found from the proportion
V/7.1 = 12/4.8
V = 7.1*12/4.8 = 17.75

The potential difference at the battery terminals is the sum of the potential differences across the two series resistors.
Vbatt = 17.75 V + 12 V
Vbatt = 29.75 V