Skip to ContentGo to accessibility pageKeyboard shortcuts menu
OpenStax Logo
College Physics for AP® Courses

Test Prep for AP® Courses

College Physics for AP® CoursesTest Prep for AP® Courses
Table of contents
  1. Preface
  2. 1 Introduction: The Nature of Science and Physics
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 1.1 Physics: An Introduction
    3. 1.2 Physical Quantities and Units
    4. 1.3 Accuracy, Precision, and Significant Figures
    5. 1.4 Approximation
    6. Glossary
    7. Section Summary
    8. Conceptual Questions
    9. Problems & Exercises
  3. 2 Kinematics
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 2.1 Displacement
    3. 2.2 Vectors, Scalars, and Coordinate Systems
    4. 2.3 Time, Velocity, and Speed
    5. 2.4 Acceleration
    6. 2.5 Motion Equations for Constant Acceleration in One Dimension
    7. 2.6 Problem-Solving Basics for One Dimensional Kinematics
    8. 2.7 Falling Objects
    9. 2.8 Graphical Analysis of One Dimensional Motion
    10. Glossary
    11. Section Summary
    12. Conceptual Questions
    13. Problems & Exercises
    14. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  4. 3 Two-Dimensional Kinematics
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 3.1 Kinematics in Two Dimensions: An Introduction
    3. 3.2 Vector Addition and Subtraction: Graphical Methods
    4. 3.3 Vector Addition and Subtraction: Analytical Methods
    5. 3.4 Projectile Motion
    6. 3.5 Addition of Velocities
    7. Glossary
    8. Section Summary
    9. Conceptual Questions
    10. Problems & Exercises
    11. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  5. 4 Dynamics: Force and Newton's Laws of Motion
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 4.1 Development of Force Concept
    3. 4.2 Newton's First Law of Motion: Inertia
    4. 4.3 Newton's Second Law of Motion: Concept of a System
    5. 4.4 Newton's Third Law of Motion: Symmetry in Forces
    6. 4.5 Normal, Tension, and Other Examples of Force
    7. 4.6 Problem-Solving Strategies
    8. 4.7 Further Applications of Newton's Laws of Motion
    9. 4.8 Extended Topic: The Four Basic Forces—An Introduction
    10. Glossary
    11. Section Summary
    12. Conceptual Questions
    13. Problems & Exercises
    14. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  6. 5 Further Applications of Newton's Laws: Friction, Drag, and Elasticity
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 5.1 Friction
    3. 5.2 Drag Forces
    4. 5.3 Elasticity: Stress and Strain
    5. Glossary
    6. Section Summary
    7. Conceptual Questions
    8. Problems & Exercises
    9. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  7. 6 Gravitation and Uniform Circular Motion
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 6.1 Rotation Angle and Angular Velocity
    3. 6.2 Centripetal Acceleration
    4. 6.3 Centripetal Force
    5. 6.4 Fictitious Forces and Non-inertial Frames: The Coriolis Force
    6. 6.5 Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation
    7. 6.6 Satellites and Kepler's Laws: An Argument for Simplicity
    8. Glossary
    9. Section Summary
    10. Conceptual Questions
    11. Problems & Exercises
    12. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  8. 7 Work, Energy, and Energy Resources
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 7.1 Work: The Scientific Definition
    3. 7.2 Kinetic Energy and the Work-Energy Theorem
    4. 7.3 Gravitational Potential Energy
    5. 7.4 Conservative Forces and Potential Energy
    6. 7.5 Nonconservative Forces
    7. 7.6 Conservation of Energy
    8. 7.7 Power
    9. 7.8 Work, Energy, and Power in Humans
    10. 7.9 World Energy Use
    11. Glossary
    12. Section Summary
    13. Conceptual Questions
    14. Problems & Exercises
    15. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  9. 8 Linear Momentum and Collisions
    1. Connection for AP® courses
    2. 8.1 Linear Momentum and Force
    3. 8.2 Impulse
    4. 8.3 Conservation of Momentum
    5. 8.4 Elastic Collisions in One Dimension
    6. 8.5 Inelastic Collisions in One Dimension
    7. 8.6 Collisions of Point Masses in Two Dimensions
    8. 8.7 Introduction to Rocket Propulsion
    9. Glossary
    10. Section Summary
    11. Conceptual Questions
    12. Problems & Exercises
    13. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  10. 9 Statics and Torque
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 9.1 The First Condition for Equilibrium
    3. 9.2 The Second Condition for Equilibrium
    4. 9.3 Stability
    5. 9.4 Applications of Statics, Including Problem-Solving Strategies
    6. 9.5 Simple Machines
    7. 9.6 Forces and Torques in Muscles and Joints
    8. Glossary
    9. Section Summary
    10. Conceptual Questions
    11. Problems & Exercises
    12. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  11. 10 Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 10.1 Angular Acceleration
    3. 10.2 Kinematics of Rotational Motion
    4. 10.3 Dynamics of Rotational Motion: Rotational Inertia
    5. 10.4 Rotational Kinetic Energy: Work and Energy Revisited
    6. 10.5 Angular Momentum and Its Conservation
    7. 10.6 Collisions of Extended Bodies in Two Dimensions
    8. 10.7 Gyroscopic Effects: Vector Aspects of Angular Momentum
    9. Glossary
    10. Section Summary
    11. Conceptual Questions
    12. Problems & Exercises
    13. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  12. 11 Fluid Statics
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 11.1 What Is a Fluid?
    3. 11.2 Density
    4. 11.3 Pressure
    5. 11.4 Variation of Pressure with Depth in a Fluid
    6. 11.5 Pascal’s Principle
    7. 11.6 Gauge Pressure, Absolute Pressure, and Pressure Measurement
    8. 11.7 Archimedes’ Principle
    9. 11.8 Cohesion and Adhesion in Liquids: Surface Tension and Capillary Action
    10. 11.9 Pressures in the Body
    11. Glossary
    12. Section Summary
    13. Conceptual Questions
    14. Problems & Exercises
    15. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  13. 12 Fluid Dynamics and Its Biological and Medical Applications
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 12.1 Flow Rate and Its Relation to Velocity
    3. 12.2 Bernoulli’s Equation
    4. 12.3 The Most General Applications of Bernoulli’s Equation
    5. 12.4 Viscosity and Laminar Flow; Poiseuille’s Law
    6. 12.5 The Onset of Turbulence
    7. 12.6 Motion of an Object in a Viscous Fluid
    8. 12.7 Molecular Transport Phenomena: Diffusion, Osmosis, and Related Processes
    9. Glossary
    10. Section Summary
    11. Conceptual Questions
    12. Problems & Exercises
    13. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  14. 13 Temperature, Kinetic Theory, and the Gas Laws
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 13.1 Temperature
    3. 13.2 Thermal Expansion of Solids and Liquids
    4. 13.3 The Ideal Gas Law
    5. 13.4 Kinetic Theory: Atomic and Molecular Explanation of Pressure and Temperature
    6. 13.5 Phase Changes
    7. 13.6 Humidity, Evaporation, and Boiling
    8. Glossary
    9. Section Summary
    10. Conceptual Questions
    11. Problems & Exercises
    12. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  15. 14 Heat and Heat Transfer Methods
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 14.1 Heat
    3. 14.2 Temperature Change and Heat Capacity
    4. 14.3 Phase Change and Latent Heat
    5. 14.4 Heat Transfer Methods
    6. 14.5 Conduction
    7. 14.6 Convection
    8. 14.7 Radiation
    9. Glossary
    10. Section Summary
    11. Conceptual Questions
    12. Problems & Exercises
    13. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  16. 15 Thermodynamics
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 15.1 The First Law of Thermodynamics
    3. 15.2 The First Law of Thermodynamics and Some Simple Processes
    4. 15.3 Introduction to the Second Law of Thermodynamics: Heat Engines and Their Efficiency
    5. 15.4 Carnot’s Perfect Heat Engine: The Second Law of Thermodynamics Restated
    6. 15.5 Applications of Thermodynamics: Heat Pumps and Refrigerators
    7. 15.6 Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics: Disorder and the Unavailability of Energy
    8. 15.7 Statistical Interpretation of Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics: The Underlying Explanation
    9. Glossary
    10. Section Summary
    11. Conceptual Questions
    12. Problems & Exercises
    13. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  17. 16 Oscillatory Motion and Waves
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 16.1 Hooke’s Law: Stress and Strain Revisited
    3. 16.2 Period and Frequency in Oscillations
    4. 16.3 Simple Harmonic Motion: A Special Periodic Motion
    5. 16.4 The Simple Pendulum
    6. 16.5 Energy and the Simple Harmonic Oscillator
    7. 16.6 Uniform Circular Motion and Simple Harmonic Motion
    8. 16.7 Damped Harmonic Motion
    9. 16.8 Forced Oscillations and Resonance
    10. 16.9 Waves
    11. 16.10 Superposition and Interference
    12. 16.11 Energy in Waves: Intensity
    13. Glossary
    14. Section Summary
    15. Conceptual Questions
    16. Problems & Exercises
    17. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  18. 17 Physics of Hearing
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 17.1 Sound
    3. 17.2 Speed of Sound, Frequency, and Wavelength
    4. 17.3 Sound Intensity and Sound Level
    5. 17.4 Doppler Effect and Sonic Booms
    6. 17.5 Sound Interference and Resonance: Standing Waves in Air Columns
    7. 17.6 Hearing
    8. 17.7 Ultrasound
    9. Glossary
    10. Section Summary
    11. Conceptual Questions
    12. Problems & Exercises
    13. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  19. 18 Electric Charge and Electric Field
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 18.1 Static Electricity and Charge: Conservation of Charge
    3. 18.2 Conductors and Insulators
    4. 18.3 Conductors and Electric Fields in Static Equilibrium
    5. 18.4 Coulomb’s Law
    6. 18.5 Electric Field: Concept of a Field Revisited
    7. 18.6 Electric Field Lines: Multiple Charges
    8. 18.7 Electric Forces in Biology
    9. 18.8 Applications of Electrostatics
    10. Glossary
    11. Section Summary
    12. Conceptual Questions
    13. Problems & Exercises
    14. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  20. 19 Electric Potential and Electric Field
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 19.1 Electric Potential Energy: Potential Difference
    3. 19.2 Electric Potential in a Uniform Electric Field
    4. 19.3 Electrical Potential Due to a Point Charge
    5. 19.4 Equipotential Lines
    6. 19.5 Capacitors and Dielectrics
    7. 19.6 Capacitors in Series and Parallel
    8. 19.7 Energy Stored in Capacitors
    9. Glossary
    10. Section Summary
    11. Conceptual Questions
    12. Problems & Exercises
    13. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  21. 20 Electric Current, Resistance, and Ohm's Law
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 20.1 Current
    3. 20.2 Ohm’s Law: Resistance and Simple Circuits
    4. 20.3 Resistance and Resistivity
    5. 20.4 Electric Power and Energy
    6. 20.5 Alternating Current versus Direct Current
    7. 20.6 Electric Hazards and the Human Body
    8. 20.7 Nerve Conduction–Electrocardiograms
    9. Glossary
    10. Section Summary
    11. Conceptual Questions
    12. Problems & Exercises
    13. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  22. 21 Circuits, Bioelectricity, and DC Instruments
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 21.1 Resistors in Series and Parallel
    3. 21.2 Electromotive Force: Terminal Voltage
    4. 21.3 Kirchhoff’s Rules
    5. 21.4 DC Voltmeters and Ammeters
    6. 21.5 Null Measurements
    7. 21.6 DC Circuits Containing Resistors and Capacitors
    8. Glossary
    9. Section Summary
    10. Conceptual Questions
    11. Problems & Exercises
    12. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  23. 22 Magnetism
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 22.1 Magnets
    3. 22.2 Ferromagnets and Electromagnets
    4. 22.3 Magnetic Fields and Magnetic Field Lines
    5. 22.4 Magnetic Field Strength: Force on a Moving Charge in a Magnetic Field
    6. 22.5 Force on a Moving Charge in a Magnetic Field: Examples and Applications
    7. 22.6 The Hall Effect
    8. 22.7 Magnetic Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor
    9. 22.8 Torque on a Current Loop: Motors and Meters
    10. 22.9 Magnetic Fields Produced by Currents: Ampere’s Law
    11. 22.10 Magnetic Force between Two Parallel Conductors
    12. 22.11 More Applications of Magnetism
    13. Glossary
    14. Section Summary
    15. Conceptual Questions
    16. Problems & Exercises
    17. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  24. 23 Electromagnetic Induction, AC Circuits, and Electrical Technologies
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 23.1 Induced Emf and Magnetic Flux
    3. 23.2 Faraday’s Law of Induction: Lenz’s Law
    4. 23.3 Motional Emf
    5. 23.4 Eddy Currents and Magnetic Damping
    6. 23.5 Electric Generators
    7. 23.6 Back Emf
    8. 23.7 Transformers
    9. 23.8 Electrical Safety: Systems and Devices
    10. 23.9 Inductance
    11. 23.10 RL Circuits
    12. 23.11 Reactance, Inductive and Capacitive
    13. 23.12 RLC Series AC Circuits
    14. Glossary
    15. Section Summary
    16. Conceptual Questions
    17. Problems & Exercises
    18. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  25. 24 Electromagnetic Waves
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 24.1 Maxwell’s Equations: Electromagnetic Waves Predicted and Observed
    3. 24.2 Production of Electromagnetic Waves
    4. 24.3 The Electromagnetic Spectrum
    5. 24.4 Energy in Electromagnetic Waves
    6. Glossary
    7. Section Summary
    8. Conceptual Questions
    9. Problems & Exercises
    10. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  26. 25 Geometric Optics
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 25.1 The Ray Aspect of Light
    3. 25.2 The Law of Reflection
    4. 25.3 The Law of Refraction
    5. 25.4 Total Internal Reflection
    6. 25.5 Dispersion: The Rainbow and Prisms
    7. 25.6 Image Formation by Lenses
    8. 25.7 Image Formation by Mirrors
    9. Glossary
    10. Section Summary
    11. Conceptual Questions
    12. Problems & Exercises
    13. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  27. 26 Vision and Optical Instruments
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 26.1 Physics of the Eye
    3. 26.2 Vision Correction
    4. 26.3 Color and Color Vision
    5. 26.4 Microscopes
    6. 26.5 Telescopes
    7. 26.6 Aberrations
    8. Glossary
    9. Section Summary
    10. Conceptual Questions
    11. Problems & Exercises
    12. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  28. 27 Wave Optics
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 27.1 The Wave Aspect of Light: Interference
    3. 27.2 Huygens's Principle: Diffraction
    4. 27.3 Young’s Double Slit Experiment
    5. 27.4 Multiple Slit Diffraction
    6. 27.5 Single Slit Diffraction
    7. 27.6 Limits of Resolution: The Rayleigh Criterion
    8. 27.7 Thin Film Interference
    9. 27.8 Polarization
    10. 27.9 *Extended Topic* Microscopy Enhanced by the Wave Characteristics of Light
    11. Glossary
    12. Section Summary
    13. Conceptual Questions
    14. Problems & Exercises
    15. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  29. 28 Special Relativity
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 28.1 Einstein’s Postulates
    3. 28.2 Simultaneity And Time Dilation
    4. 28.3 Length Contraction
    5. 28.4 Relativistic Addition of Velocities
    6. 28.5 Relativistic Momentum
    7. 28.6 Relativistic Energy
    8. Glossary
    9. Section Summary
    10. Conceptual Questions
    11. Problems & Exercises
    12. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  30. 29 Introduction to Quantum Physics
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 29.1 Quantization of Energy
    3. 29.2 The Photoelectric Effect
    4. 29.3 Photon Energies and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
    5. 29.4 Photon Momentum
    6. 29.5 The Particle-Wave Duality
    7. 29.6 The Wave Nature of Matter
    8. 29.7 Probability: The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
    9. 29.8 The Particle-Wave Duality Reviewed
    10. Glossary
    11. Section Summary
    12. Conceptual Questions
    13. Problems & Exercises
    14. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  31. 30 Atomic Physics
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 30.1 Discovery of the Atom
    3. 30.2 Discovery of the Parts of the Atom: Electrons and Nuclei
    4. 30.3 Bohr’s Theory of the Hydrogen Atom
    5. 30.4 X Rays: Atomic Origins and Applications
    6. 30.5 Applications of Atomic Excitations and De-Excitations
    7. 30.6 The Wave Nature of Matter Causes Quantization
    8. 30.7 Patterns in Spectra Reveal More Quantization
    9. 30.8 Quantum Numbers and Rules
    10. 30.9 The Pauli Exclusion Principle
    11. Glossary
    12. Section Summary
    13. Conceptual Questions
    14. Problems & Exercises
    15. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  32. 31 Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 31.1 Nuclear Radioactivity
    3. 31.2 Radiation Detection and Detectors
    4. 31.3 Substructure of the Nucleus
    5. 31.4 Nuclear Decay and Conservation Laws
    6. 31.5 Half-Life and Activity
    7. 31.6 Binding Energy
    8. 31.7 Tunneling
    9. Glossary
    10. Section Summary
    11. Conceptual Questions
    12. Problems & Exercises
    13. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  33. 32 Medical Applications of Nuclear Physics
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 32.1 Medical Imaging and Diagnostics
    3. 32.2 Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation
    4. 32.3 Therapeutic Uses of Ionizing Radiation
    5. 32.4 Food Irradiation
    6. 32.5 Fusion
    7. 32.6 Fission
    8. 32.7 Nuclear Weapons
    9. Glossary
    10. Section Summary
    11. Conceptual Questions
    12. Problems & Exercises
    13. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  34. 33 Particle Physics
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 33.1 The Yukawa Particle and the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle Revisited
    3. 33.2 The Four Basic Forces
    4. 33.3 Accelerators Create Matter from Energy
    5. 33.4 Particles, Patterns, and Conservation Laws
    6. 33.5 Quarks: Is That All There Is?
    7. 33.6 GUTs: The Unification of Forces
    8. Glossary
    9. Section Summary
    10. Conceptual Questions
    11. Problems & Exercises
    12. Test Prep for AP® Courses
  35. 34 Frontiers of Physics
    1. Connection for AP® Courses
    2. 34.1 Cosmology and Particle Physics
    3. 34.2 General Relativity and Quantum Gravity
    4. 34.3 Superstrings
    5. 34.4 Dark Matter and Closure
    6. 34.5 Complexity and Chaos
    7. 34.6 High-Temperature Superconductors
    8. 34.7 Some Questions We Know to Ask
    9. Glossary
    10. Section Summary
    11. Conceptual Questions
    12. Problems & Exercises
  36. A | Atomic Masses
  37. B | Selected Radioactive Isotopes
  38. C | Useful Information
  39. D | Glossary of Key Symbols and Notation
  40. Answer Key
    1. Chapter 1
    2. Chapter 2
    3. Chapter 3
    4. Chapter 4
    5. Chapter 5
    6. Chapter 6
    7. Chapter 7
    8. Chapter 8
    9. Chapter 9
    10. Chapter 10
    11. Chapter 11
    12. Chapter 12
    13. Chapter 13
    14. Chapter 14
    15. Chapter 15
    16. Chapter 16
    17. Chapter 17
    18. Chapter 18
    19. Chapter 19
    20. Chapter 20
    21. Chapter 21
    22. Chapter 22
    23. Chapter 23
    24. Chapter 24
    25. Chapter 25
    26. Chapter 26
    27. Chapter 27
    28. Chapter 28
    29. Chapter 29
    30. Chapter 30
    31. Chapter 31
    32. Chapter 32
    33. Chapter 33
    34. Chapter 34
  41. Index

21.1 Resistors in Series and Parallel

1.
A circuit is shown as a rectangle with an extra line connecting the top and bottom having resistor Y. The top of this circuit has a 2-volt battery to the left of the Y resistor line, the left side of this circuit has a point P marked and then a 14-volt battery, the bottom has a resistor X to the left of the Y resistor line, and the right side has a resistor Z.
Figure 21.60

The figure above shows a circuit containing two batteries and three identical resistors with resistance R. Which of the following changes to the circuit will result in an increase in the current at point P? Select two answers.

  1. Reversing the connections to the 14 V battery.
  2. Removing the 2 V battery and connecting the wires to close the left loop.
  3. Rearranging the resistors so all three are in series.
  4. Removing the branch containing resistor Z.
2.

In a circuit, a parallel combination of six 1.6-kΩ resistors is connected in series with a parallel combination of four 2.4-kΩ resistors. If the source voltage is 24 V, what will be the percentage of total current in one of the 2.4-kΩ resistors?

  1. 10%
  2. 12%
  3. 20%
  4. 25%
3.

If the circuit in the previous question is modified by removing some of the 1.6 kΩ resistors, the total current in the circuit is 24 mA. How many resistors were removed?

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
4.
A circuit is shown that has nothing on the top or bottom, a battery to the left, and 2R resistor on the right. Additionally, there is an R resistor connecting the top and bottom of the circuit between the left and right sides of the circuit.
Figure 21.61

Two resistors, with resistances R and 2R are connected to a voltage source as shown in this figure. If the power dissipated in R is 10 W, what is the power dissipated in 2R?

  1. 1 W
  2. 2.5 W
  3. 5 W
  4. 10 W
5.

In a circuit, a parallel combination of two 20-Ω and one 10-Ω resistors is connected in series with a 4-Ω resistor. The source voltage is 36 V.

  1. Find the resistor(s) with the maximum current.
  2. Find the resistor(s) with the maximum voltage drop.
  3. Find the power dissipated in each resistor and hence the total power dissipated in all the resistors. Also find the power output of the source. Are they equal or not? Justify your answer.
  4. Will the answers for questions (a) and (b) differ if a 3 Ω resistor is added in series to the 4 Ω resistor? If yes, repeat the question(s) for the new resistor combination.
  5. If the values of all the resistors and the source voltage are doubled, what will be the effect on the current?

21.2 Electromotive Force: Terminal Voltage

6.

Suppose there are two voltage sources – Sources A and B – with the same emfs but different internal resistances, i.e., the internal resistance of Source A is lower than Source B. If they both supply the same current in their circuits, which of the following statements is true?

  1. External resistance in Source A’s circuit is more than Source B’s circuit.
  2. External resistance in Source A’s circuit is less than Source B’s circuit.
  3. External resistance in Source A’s circuit is the same as Source B’s circuit.
  4. The relationship between external resistances in the two circuits can’t be determined.
7.

Calculate the internal resistance of a voltage source if the terminal voltage of the source increases by 1 V when the current supplied decreases by 4 A? Suppose this source is connected in series (in the same direction) to another source with a different voltage but same internal resistance. What will be the total internal resistance? How will the total internal resistance change if the sources are connected in the opposite direction?

21.3 Kirchhoff’s Rules

8.

An experiment was set up with the circuit diagram shown. Assume R1 = 10 Ω, R2 = R3 = 5 Ω, r = 0 Ω and E = 6 V.

A circuit is drawn with points a, b, and c across the top from left to right and points h, g, and f across the bottom from left to right. Segment ah from top to bottom has a battery with voltage E and a resistor with resistance r. Segment bg from top to bottom has point i, a resistor marked R1, and point j. Segment cf from top to bottom has resistor with resistance R2, point d, point e, and a resistor with resistance R3.
Figure 21.62

  1. One of the steps to examine the set-up is to test points with the same potential. Which of the following points can be tested?

    1. Points b, c and d.
    2. Points d, e and f.
    3. Points f, h and j.
    4. Points a, h and i.

  2. At which three points should the currents be measured so that Kirchhoff’s junction rule can be directly confirmed?

    1. Points b, c and d.
    2. Points d, e and f.
    3. Points f, h and j.
    4. Points a, h and i.

  3. If the current in the branch with the voltage source is upward and currents in the other two branches are downward, i.e. Ia = Ii + Ic, identify which of the following can be true? Select two answers.

    1. Ii = Ij - If
    2. Ie = Ih - Ii
    3. Ic = Ij - Ia
    4. Id = Ih - Ij

  4. The measurements reveal that the current through R1 is 0.5 A and R3 is 0.6 A. Based on your knowledge of Kirchoff’s laws, confirm which of the following statements are true.

    1. The measured current for R1 is correct but for R3 is incorrect.
    2. The measured current for R3 is correct but for R1 is incorrect.
    3. Both the measured currents are correct.
    4. Both the measured currents are incorrect.

  5. The graph shown in the following figure is the energy dissipated at R1 as a function of time.

    Plot of t versus E with a solid line drawn from the origin O to (E1, t1).
    Figure 21.63

    Which of the following shows the graph for energy dissipated at R2 as a function of time?

    1. Plot of t versus E with a solid line drawn from the origin O to (2E1, t1).
      Figure 21.64
    2. Plot of t versus E with a solid line drawn from the origin O to (E1, t1).
      Figure 21.65
    3. Plot of t versus E with a solid line drawn from the origin O to (E1/2, t1).
      Figure 21.66
    4. Plot of t versus E with a solid line drawn from the origin O to (E1/4, t1).
      Figure 21.67
9.

For this question, consider the circuit shown in the following figure.

Circuit that across the top from left to right goes point b, battery with voltage E1, point c, resistor with resistance r1, and point d; across the middle goes point a, battery with voltage E2, point k, resistor with resistance r2, point l, resistor with resistance R2, and point e; across the bottom goes point j, battery with voltage E3, point i, resistor with resistance r3, and point h; along the left side from top to bottom goes a resistor with resistance R1, point a, and a resistor with resistance R3; and along the right side goes a resistor with resistance R5, point e, a resistor with resistance r4, point f, a battery with voltage E4, and point g. Additionally, there are three arrows showing the direction of the current: one between point a and the resistor with resistance R1 pointing up; another between point a and the battery with voltage E2 pointing right; and another between point j and the resistor with resistance R3 pointing up.
Figure 21.68

  1. Assuming that none of the three currents (I1, I2, and I3) are equal to zero, which of the following statements is false?

    1. I3 = I1 + I2 at point a.
    2. I2 = I3 - I1 at point e.
    3. The current through R3 is equal to the current through R5.
    4. The current through R1 is equal to the current through R5.

  2. Which of the following statements is true?

    1. E1 + E2 + I1R1 - I2R2 + I1r1 - I2r2 + I1R5 = 0
    2. - E1 + E2 + I1R1 - I2R2 + I1r1 - I2r2 - I1R5 = 0
    3. E1 - E2 - I1R1 + I2R2 - I1r1 + I2r2 - I1R5 = 0
    4. E1 + E2 - I1R1 + I2R2 - I1r1 + I2r2 + I1R5 = 0

  3. If I1 = 5 A and I3 = -2 A, which of the following statements is false?

    1. The current through R1 will flow from a to b and will be equal to 5 A.
    2. The current through R3 will flow from a to j and will be equal to 2 A.
    3. The current through R5 will flow from d to e and will be equal to 5 A.
    4. None of the above.

  4. If I1 = 5 A and I3 = -2 A, I2 will be equal to

    1. 3 A
    2. -3 A
    3. 7 A
    4. -7 A
10.
A circuit with nothing on the top or bottom, but a battery marked E on the left, a resistor marked R1 in the middle, and a resistor marked R2 on the right.
Figure 21.69

In an experiment this circuit is set up. Three ammeters are used to record the currents in the three vertical branches (with R1, R2, and E). The readings of the ammeters in the resistor branches (i.e. currents in R1 and R2) are 2 A and 3 A respectively.

  1. Find the equation obtained by applying Kirchhoff’s loop rule in the loop involving R1 and R2.
  2. What will be the reading of the third ammeter (i.e. the branch with E)? If E were replaced by 3E, how would this reading change?
  3. If the original circuit is modified by adding another voltage source (as shown in the following circuit), find the readings of the three ammeters.
A circuit a battery marked E on the left, a resistor marked R1 in the middle, and a resistor marked R2 on the right. There is nothing on the bottom, and on the top, there is a battery marked 2E between the two resistors.
Figure 21.70
11.
Circuit with a battery with voltage E1 and resistor with resistance r1 across the top from left to right; point A, a resistor with resistance R1, and point B across the middle; and a battery marked E2 and a resistor with resistance r2 across the bottom. Additionally, on the left, from top to bottom there is a resistor with resistance R2 and point A; on the right, from top to bottom there is point B and a resistor with resistance R3.
Figure 21.71

In this circuit, assume the currents through R1, R2 and R3 are I1, I2 and I3 respectively and all are flowing in the clockwise direction.

  1. Find the equation obtained by applying Kirchhoff’s junction rule at point A.
  2. Find the equations obtained by applying Kirchhoff’s loop rule in the upper and lower loops.
  3. Assume R1 = R2 = 6 Ω, R3 = 12 Ω, r1 = r2 = 0 Ω, E1 = 6 V and E2 = 4 V. Calculate I1, I2 and I3.
  4. For the situation in which E2 is replaced by a closed switch, repeat parts (a) and (b). Using the values for R1, R2, R3, r1 and E1 from part (c) calculate the currents through the three resistors.
  5. For the circuit in part (d) calculate the output power of the voltage source and across all the resistors. Examine if energy is conserved in the circuit.
  6. A student implemented the circuit of part (d) in the lab and measured the current though one of the resistors as 0.19 A. According to the results calculated in part (d) identify the resistor(s). Justify any difference in measured and calculated value.

21.6 DC Circuits Containing Resistors and Capacitors

12.

A battery is connected to a resistor and an uncharged capacitor. The switch for the circuit is closed at t = 0 s.

  1. While the capacitor is being charged, which of the following is true?

    1. Current through and voltage across the resistor increase.
    2. Current through and voltage across the resistor decrease.
    3. Current through and voltage across the resistor first increase and then decrease.
    4. Current through and voltage across the resistor first decrease and then increase.

  2. When the capacitor is fully charged, which of the following is NOT zero?

    1. Current in the resistor.
    2. Voltage across the resistor.
    3. Current in the capacitor.
    4. None of the above.
13.

An uncharged capacitor C is connected in series (with a switch) to a resistor R1 and a voltage source E. Assume E = 24 V, R1 = 1.2 kΩ and C = 1 mF.

  1. What will be the current through the circuit as the switch is closed? Draw a circuit diagram and show the direction of current after the switch is closed. How long will it take for the capacitor to be 99% charged?
  2. After full charging, this capacitor is connected in series to another resistor, R2 = 1 kΩ. What will be the current in the circuit as soon as it’s connected? Draw a circuit diagram and show the direction of current. How long will it take for the capacitor voltage to reach 3.24 V?
PreviousNext
Order a print copy

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Citation/Attribution

Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Attribution information
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, then you must include on every physical page the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/college-physics-ap-courses/pages/1-connection-for-ap-r-courses
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a digital format, then you must include on every digital page view the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/college-physics-ap-courses/pages/1-connection-for-ap-r-courses
Citation information

© Mar 3, 2022 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.