Circuit Relationships

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AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism › Circuit Relationships

Questions 1 - 10
1

A simple circuit contains two resistors in parallel, connected to a 20V source. What power is being provided by the source to the circuit?

Explanation

The power supplied to the circuit can be calculated using the equation:

To use this equation, we need to find the equivalent resistance of the circuit. Use the equation for equivalent resistance in parallel:

Now that we have the resistance and the voltage, we can solve for the power.

2

A simple circuit contains two resistors in parallel, connected to a 20V source. What power is being provided by the source to the circuit?

Explanation

The power supplied to the circuit can be calculated using the equation:

To use this equation, we need to find the equivalent resistance of the circuit. Use the equation for equivalent resistance in parallel:

Now that we have the resistance and the voltage, we can solve for the power.

3

A simple circuit consists of a resistor that's connected to a battery. How much power is dissipated by the resistor?

Explanation

One of the formulas for power is . We are given the values of the voltage and resistance.

Using these values, we can solve for power.

4

A simple circuit consists of a resistor that's connected to a battery. How much power is dissipated by the resistor?

Explanation

One of the formulas for power is . We are given the values of the voltage and resistance.

Using these values, we can solve for power.

5

A cicuit with a voltage source of 40V has a resistor and a resistor in series, followed by two resistors in parallel. After the parallel branches rejoin, there is a resistor before the circuit is closed at the voltage source.

What is the current supplied by the source?

Explanation

The current supplied by the source can be calculated using a derivation of Ohm's law:

Start by finding the equivalent resistance of the circuit.

Sum the first two resistors in series:

Calculate the equivalent resistance of the two resistors in parallel:

Now, all of the reistances can be viewed as being in series.

Returning to our current calulation, we can find our final answer:

6

A cicuit with a voltage source of 40V has a resistor and a resistor in series, followed by two resistors in parallel. After the parallel branches rejoin, there is a resistor before the circuit is closed at the voltage source.

What is the current supplied by the source?

Explanation

The current supplied by the source can be calculated using a derivation of Ohm's law:

Start by finding the equivalent resistance of the circuit.

Sum the first two resistors in series:

Calculate the equivalent resistance of the two resistors in parallel:

Now, all of the reistances can be viewed as being in series.

Returning to our current calulation, we can find our final answer:

7

Ps0_resistorcircuit

What is the current delivered to the curcuit by the battery?

Explanation

Using Ohm's law to solve for the value of the current from the battery requires calculation of the equivalent resistance of the circuit.

The resistors R2 and R3 are in parallel with one another. Once combined, their requivalent resistor (R23) is in series with R1.

Ps0_resistorcircuit_2

The equivalent resistance is thus given by:

Use this value and the given voltage to solve for the current in the circuit:

8

Ps0_resistorcircuit

What is the current delivered to the curcuit by the battery?

Explanation

Using Ohm's law to solve for the value of the current from the battery requires calculation of the equivalent resistance of the circuit.

The resistors R2 and R3 are in parallel with one another. Once combined, their requivalent resistor (R23) is in series with R1.

Ps0_resistorcircuit_2

The equivalent resistance is thus given by:

Use this value and the given voltage to solve for the current in the circuit:

9

Three resistors R1, R2, and R3 and the capacitor, C, are connected to an ideal battery V to complete the circuit as shown.

Ps0_capacitorcircuit

After the circuit has been connected for a very long time, the currents in each branch of the circuit are measured to be some values , , and , and the charge on the capacitor some value .

Which of the following equations is a correct expression regarding the voltage of the circuit after a long time?

Explanation

Identifying the sum of the voltage drops and rises (Kirchoff's Loop Law) around the three possible loops of this circuit is the key to answering this question correctly. The following signs can be assigned to each of the circuit elements based on the direction of the currents given.

Ps0_capacitorcircuit_2

Use Ohm's law and the equation for capacitance to derive terms for the voltage across each element of the circuit.

There are three possible paths through the circuit, resulting in three correct equations that could be derived:

Only one of the given answer options matches up correctly to these.

10

Three resistors R1, R2, and R3 and the capacitor, C, are connected to an ideal battery V to complete the circuit as shown.

Ps0_capacitorcircuit

After the circuit has been connected for a very long time, the currents in each branch of the circuit are measured to be some values , , and , and the charge on the capacitor some value .

Which of the following equations is a correct expression regarding the voltage of the circuit after a long time?

Explanation

Identifying the sum of the voltage drops and rises (Kirchoff's Loop Law) around the three possible loops of this circuit is the key to answering this question correctly. The following signs can be assigned to each of the circuit elements based on the direction of the currents given.

Ps0_capacitorcircuit_2

Use Ohm's law and the equation for capacitance to derive terms for the voltage across each element of the circuit.

There are three possible paths through the circuit, resulting in three correct equations that could be derived:

Only one of the given answer options matches up correctly to these.

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