Practice Test 1 - AP Physics 2

20 questions. Answer them in any order, then submit to see your score and every explanation.

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1. In a single closed loop, a $12\text{ V}$ battery (positive terminal on the left) is in series with $R_1=3.0\,\Omega$ and $R_2=5.0\,\Omega$. Conventional current $I$ is clockwise. Traverse the loop clockwise starting at the battery's negative terminal. Use the sign convention: crossing a battery from $-$ to $+$ is $+\mathcal{E}$, from $+$ to $-$ is $-\mathcal{E}$; crossing a resistor in the direction of current is $-IR$, opposite is $+IR$. Which equation correctly represents Kirchhoff's loop rule for this loop (energy conservation)?
2. A $9\,\text{V}$ ideal battery drives a circuit where $R_1=3\,\Omega$ is in series with a parallel network between junctions J and K. In Branch 1, $R_2=2\,\Omega$; in Branch 2, $R_3=5\,\Omega$. The branches rejoin at K and return to the battery. Which statement correctly compares the voltage drops across $R_2$ and $R_3$?
3. A student says an electromagnetic wave in vacuum consists of an oscillating electric field that creates a magnetic field, and the magnetic field creates the electric field, with both fields perpendicular to the direction of travel. Which statement best describes electromagnetic waves?
4. Water waves in a ripple tank travel at a constant speed set by the water depth. The period of the wave is changed from $T$ to $3T$ by adjusting the source. Which statement correctly relates the new wavelength to the original wavelength?
5. Two waves travel in different media. Wave 1 has speed $v_1$ and frequency $f_1$; wave 2 has speed $2v_1$ and the same frequency $f_1$. Which statement best describes the wavelengths?
6. A train horn emits a constant tone as the train moves away from a person standing still. Compared to when the train is not moving, the person hears a frequency that is
7. A $1.5\,\text{V}$ ideal battery charges a capacitor $C=2.0\,\mu\text{F}$, then is removed. Define the system as the capacitor only. The capacitor is then connected to an identical uncharged capacitor in parallel. Which statement correctly describes what happens to the electric potential energy stored in the capacitors?
8. A beam travels in air and enters water at $35^\circ$ to the normal. Water has the higher refractive index ($n_{water} > n_{air}$). Which option correctly describes the refraction direction at the boundary?
9. A polarized electromagnetic wave travels in vacuum. The electric field oscillates only along $\hat y$, while the magnetic field oscillates only along $\hat z$. Which statement is correct?
10. A student shines red light of very high intensity on a metal surface and observes no photoelectrons. Switching to dim blue light causes immediate emission of electrons. The student keeps the metal and setup unchanged. Which reasoning best accounts for the change?
11. A wire segment lies along the +y direction and carries $I$ upward. It is in a uniform magnetic field that points in the +y direction. Which statement best describes the magnetic force on the wire?
12. X-rays of wavelength $\lambda$ scatter from electrons initially at rest. A student finds $\Delta\lambda$ depends on scattering angle but not on the target material. Which conclusion about light is supported by this wavelength change behavior?
13. Two point charges $+2q$ and $-q$ are separated by $d$. If the distance is reduced to $\tfrac{1}{2}d$ with charges unchanged, the force magnitude becomes
14. A gas in a sealed cylinder with a movable piston is the system. Use $\Delta U=Q-W$ ($Q>0$ into gas, $W>0$ by gas). During a process, the gas does $W=+80\ \text{J}$, and its internal energy increases by $\Delta U=+20\ \text{J}$. Which statement correctly describes the heat transfer $Q$?
15. A wave pulse on a string reaches a boundary where the string is fixed to a wall. The boundary condition changes the end's displacement to zero. Which statement best describes the reflected pulse?
16. A diverging lens with focal length magnitude $|f|=20\ \text{cm}$ is placed in air. An upright object is located $60\ \text{cm}$ to the left of the lens. Ray tracing shows refracted rays diverge and their backward extensions intersect on the left side of the lens. Which statement best describes the image?
17. A composite bar has two equal-length sections in series, X then Y, same area. $k_X$ is larger than $k_Y$. Ends are held at fixed temperatures. Where is the temperature gradient larger?
18. A capacitor is connected to an ideal $5.0\,\text{V}$ battery and reaches steady state. If the plate separation is doubled while still connected, which statement best describes the charge on the capacitor?
19. A nucleus of $^{40}_{19}\text{K}$ becomes $^{40}_{20}\text{Ca}$ with no change in mass number. Which particle is emitted?
20. The magnetic flux through a loop decreases linearly from $+3\,\text{mWb}$ to $0$ over $2\,\text{s}$, while the loop's area and orientation are constant. Which statement correctly describes the induced current's magnetic field direction during the decrease?

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