Skip to ContentGo to accessibility pageKeyboard shortcuts menu
OpenStax Logo
University Physics Volume 2

Conceptual Questions

University Physics Volume 2Conceptual Questions
Search for key terms or text.

Conceptual Questions

14.1 Mutual Inductance

1.

Show that NΦm/INΦm/I and ε/(dI/dt),ε/(dI/dt), which are both expressions for self-inductance, have the same units.

2.

A 10-H inductor carries a current of 20 A. Describe how a 50-V emf can be induced across it.

3.

The ignition circuit of an automobile is powered by a 12-V battery. How are we able to generate large voltages with this power source?

4.

When the current through a large inductor is interrupted with a switch, an arc appears across the open terminals of the switch. Explain.

14.2 Self-Inductance and Inductors

5.

Does self-inductance depend on the value of the magnetic flux? Does it depend on the current through the wire? Correlate your answers with the equation NΦm=LI.NΦm=LI.

6.

Would the self-inductance of a 1.0 m long, tightly wound solenoid differ from the self-inductance per meter of an infinite, but otherwise identical, solenoid?

7.

Discuss how you might determine the self-inductance per unit length of a long, straight wire.

8.

The self-inductance of a coil is zero if there is no current passing through the windings. True or false?

9.

How does the self-inductance per unit length near the center of a solenoid (away from the ends) compare with its value near the end of the solenoid?

14.3 Energy in a Magnetic Field

10.

Show that LI2/2LI2/2 has units of energy.

14.4 RL Circuits

11.

Use Lenz’s law to explain why the initial current in the RL circuit of Figure 14.12(b) is zero.

12.

When the current in the RL circuit of Figure 14.12(b) reaches its final value ε/R,ε/R, what is the voltage across the inductor? Across the resistor?

13.

Does the time required for the current in an RL circuit to reach any fraction of its steady-state value depend on the emf of the battery?

14.

An inductor is connected across the terminals of a battery. Does the current that eventually flows through the inductor depend on the internal resistance of the battery? Does the time required for the current to reach its final value depend on this resistance?

15.

At what time is the voltage across the inductor of the RL circuit of Figure 14.12(b) a maximum?

16.

In the simple RL circuit of Figure 14.12(b), can the emf induced across the inductor ever be greater than the emf of the battery used to produce the current?

17.

If the emf of the battery of Figure 14.12(b) is reduced by a factor of 2, by how much does the steady-state energy stored in the magnetic field of the inductor change?

18.

A steady current flows through a circuit with a large inductive time constant. When a switch in the circuit is opened, a large spark occurs across the terminals of the switch. Explain.

19.

Describe how the currents through R1andR2R1andR2 shown below vary with time after switch S is closed.

Figure shows a circuit with resistor R1 connected in series with battery epsilon, through open switch S. R1 is parallel to resistor R2 and inductor L.
20.

Discuss possible practical applications of RL circuits.

14.5 Oscillations in an LC Circuit

21.

Do Kirchhoff’s rules apply to circuits that contain inductors and capacitors?

22.

Can a circuit element have both capacitance and inductance?

23.

In an LC circuit, what determines the frequency and the amplitude of the energy oscillations in either the inductor or capacitor?

14.6 RLC Series Circuits

24.

When a wire is connected between the two ends of a solenoid, the resulting circuit can oscillate like an RLC circuit. Describe what causes the capacitance in this circuit.

25.

Describe what effect the resistance of the connecting wires has on an oscillating LC circuit.

26.

Suppose you wanted to design an LC circuit with a frequency of 0.01 Hz. What problems might you encounter?

27.

A radio receiver uses an RLC circuit to pick out particular frequencies to listen to in your house or car without hearing other unwanted frequencies. How would someone design such a circuit?

PreviousNext
Order a print copy
Citation/Attribution

This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission.

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/university-physics-volume-2/pages/1-introduction
  • 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/university-physics-volume-2/pages/1-introduction
Citation information

© Jan 27, 2025 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.