Physics (AS & A Level) · Feb / March 2018 · Paper 12 · Question 36

A potential divider circuit is constructed with one variable resistor X and one fixed resistor Y, as shown. The potential difference across resistor X is V_X and the potential difference of resistor Y is V_Y. As the resistance of X is increased, what happens to V_X and to V_Y?

1. AV_X falls, V_Y rises
2. BV_X falls, V_Y stays the same
3. CV_X rises, V_Y falls
4. DV_X rises, V_Y stays the same

As printed in the paper