Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Potential dividers

Potential dividers — practice question

In the circuit diagram shown, XY is a length $L$ of uniform resistance wire. $R_1$ and $R_2$ are unknown resistors. J is a sliding contact that connects the junction of $R_1$ and $R_2$ to positions on XY through a small signal lamp S. To find the ratio $\frac{V_1}{V_2}$ of the potential differences across $R_1$ and $R_2$, a point is located on XY where the lamp is not lit. This point lies a distance $x$ from X. What is the value of the ratio $\frac{V_1}{V_2}$?

  • A$\frac{L}{x}$
  • B$\frac{x}{L}$
  • C$\frac{L - x}{x}$
  • D$\frac{x}{L - x}$

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