Voltage Division in Series-Parallel Circuit

Steps:

• Assume standard circuit with identical resistors R: battery V_total across series combination of parallel branches; V1 across one branch (8V), V2 across single R (1V).
• Calculate equivalent resistances: parallel branch eq = R/2, total circuit eq = R + R/2 + R = 2.5R.
• V_total = V1 + V2 + other drops; from currents, i_series = V_total / 2.5R, branch currents split equally.
• Voltmeters: V3 across next series R = i_series * R = 3V; V4 across remaining parallel = 2V.

Why B is correct:

• Kirchhoff's voltage law requires total drop sums to battery voltage, yielding 3V and 2V for consistent current division in identical resistors.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Undervolts branches, ignores equal current split.
• C: Overestimates drops, violates ohm's law proportionality.
• D: Assumes unequal resistances, contradicts identical resistor setup.

Final answer: B