AP Physics 2 : AP Physics 2

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics 2

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Example Questions

Example Question #241 : Electricity And Magnetism

A scientist carves out a cylinder of a new material she developed. It is \(\displaystyle 5.0 cm\) tall, with a radius of \(\displaystyle .80 cm\). She puts electrodes on each face of the cylinder. She determines the resistance to be \(\displaystyle .75\Omega\). What is the resistivity of this new material?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 4.5*10^{-3} \Omega \cdot m\)

\(\displaystyle 1.75 *10^{ -3} \Omega \cdot m\)

 \(\displaystyle 3.0*10^{-3} \Omega\cdot m\)

\(\displaystyle 1.5 *10^{ -3} \Omega \cdot m\)

None of these

Correct answer:

 \(\displaystyle 3.0*10^{-3} \Omega\cdot m\)

Explanation:

Using the relationship:

\(\displaystyle \rho =R\frac{A}{l}\)

Here, \(\displaystyle \rho\) is the resistivity, \(\displaystyle R\) is the resistance, \(\displaystyle A\) is cross sectional area, and \(\displaystyle l\) is the length.

The area of a circle is:

\(\displaystyle A=\pi r^2\)

Substitute:

\(\displaystyle \rho =R\frac{\pi r^2}{l}\)

Plug in given values and solve.

\(\displaystyle \rho =.75\Omega \frac{\pi (.008m)^2}{.05m}\)

\(\displaystyle \rho=3.0 *10^{ -3} \Omega \cdot m\)

Example Question #891 : Ap Physics 2

Consider the circuit:

Circuit_1

What is the rate of power consumption in the circuit if every resistor has a resistance of \(\displaystyle 3\Omega\)?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 21 W\)

\(\displaystyle 15 W\)

\(\displaystyle 12 W\)

\(\displaystyle 24 W\)

\(\displaystyle 18W\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 18W\)

Explanation:

To calculate the power consumption of the circuit, we need to first reduce it to an equivalent circuit with a single resistor. Since each resistor has the same resistance, this solution will keep resistance calculations as multiples of \(\displaystyle R\) until the circuit is fully reduced.

Start with the two branches in parallel. We can condense R3 and R4, then solve for the total resistance of R2, R3, and R4.

\(\displaystyle R_{34}=R+R=2R\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{R_{eq}}=\sum\frac{1}{R} = \frac{1}{R_2}+ \frac{1}{R_{34}}=\frac{1}{R}+\frac{1}{2R} = \frac{3}{2R}\)

\(\displaystyle R_{eq} = \frac{2}{3}R\)

The equivalent circuit now has three resistors in series (R1, Req, and R5), so we can simply add them all up:

\(\displaystyle R_{tot} = R+\frac{2}{3}R+R=\frac{8}{3}R\)

Plug in the value for R:

\(\displaystyle R_{tot}=\frac{8}{3}R=\frac{8}{3}(3\Omega)=8\Omega\)

Now we can use the equation for power:

\(\displaystyle P = IV\)

Substituting in Ohm's law for current, we get:
\(\displaystyle P = \frac{V^2}{R} = \frac{(12V)^2}{8\Omega} = 18W\)

Example Question #2 : Circuit Power

You have 4 resistors, \(\displaystyle A\), \(\displaystyle B\), \(\displaystyle C\), and \(\displaystyle D\), set up like this:

4resistorcircuit

Their resistance are as follows:

\(\displaystyle \begin{align*} A&=1\Omega \\ B&=3\Omega \\ C&=4\Omega \\ D&= 2\Omega \end{align*}\)

If the battery has 8V, what is the total power dissipated through the resistors?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 16W\)

\(\displaystyle 20W\)

\(\displaystyle 4W\)

\(\displaystyle 8W\)

\(\displaystyle 12W\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 16W\)

Explanation:

The equation for power is

\(\displaystyle P=VI\)

In order to get the power, we need the current. To find the current, we need to get the total resistance, and use Ohm's Law (\(\displaystyle V = IR\)).

To find the total resistance, remember the equations for adding resistors is this:

\(\displaystyle (Series)\ R_{tot}&=R_1+R_2+...+R_n\)

\(\displaystyle (Parallel)\ \frac{1}{R_{tot}}&=\frac{1}{R_1}+\frac{1}{R_2}=...=\frac{1}{R_n}\)

Resistors \(\displaystyle A\) and \(\displaystyle B\) are in series, resistors \(\displaystyle AB\) and \(\displaystyle C\) are in parallel, and resistors \(\displaystyle ABC\) and \(\displaystyle D\) are in series.

\(\displaystyle R_{AB}&=1+3\)

\(\displaystyle R_{AB}= 4\)

\(\displaystyle R_{ABC}&=(\frac{1}{R_{AB}}+\frac{1}{R_C})^{-1}\)

\(\displaystyle R_{ABC}= (\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{4})^{-1}\)

\(\displaystyle R_{ABC}= 2\)

\(\displaystyle R_{total}&=R_{ABC}+R_{D}\)

\(\displaystyle R_{total}= 2+2\)

\(\displaystyle R_{total}= 4\)

Now, we can find the current.

\(\displaystyle I&=\frac{V}{R}\)

\(\displaystyle I=\frac{8}{4}\)

\(\displaystyle I= 2\)

Finally, we can find the power.

\(\displaystyle P&=VI\)

\(\displaystyle P=(8)(2)\)

\(\displaystyle P= 16\)

Therefore, the power is 16W (watts).

Example Question #893 : Ap Physics 2

Physics2set1q6

Calculate the power consumed across resistor \(\displaystyle R2\).

\(\displaystyle I_{1}=2A\)

\(\displaystyle I_{2}=1A\)

\(\displaystyle R_{1}=4\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle R_{2}=3\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle C_{1}=2F\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 5W\)

\(\displaystyle 3 W\)

\(\displaystyle 2W\)

\(\displaystyle 4W\)

\(\displaystyle 10W\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 3 W\)

Explanation:

Physics2set1q6

\(\displaystyle I_{1}=2A\)

\(\displaystyle I_{2}=1A\)

\(\displaystyle R_{1}=4\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle R_{2}=3\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle C_{1}=2F\)

To calculate power, we need two of the following three quantities: voltage, current, and resistance.

In this case, since we are lacking the voltage, let's try to find the current.

We can use Kirchoff's junction law to calculate current \(\displaystyle I3\).

The current coming into the junction = the current coming out of the junction.

Let's take a look at the central junction to the right of resistor \(\displaystyle R1\).

\(\displaystyle I_{1}=I_{2}+I_{3}\)

\(\displaystyle 2=I_{3}+1\)

\(\displaystyle I_{3}=1\)

Now that we know \(\displaystyle I\) and \(\displaystyle R\), we can calculate power across the resistor.

\(\displaystyle P={I^2}R=3W\)

Example Question #2 : Circuit Power

Physics2set1q4aPhysics2set1q4b

Elements A-D represent light bulbs.

Which of the following is true about these two circuits? Assume voltage sources have the same value and all the light bulbs are all identical.

Possible Answers:

Bulbs A and B have different brightnesses.

Bulbs C and D have different brightnesses.

Bulb A will be as bright as bulb C, but bulbs B and D will have a different brightness.

Bulbs A and B will be brighter than bulbs C and D.

All bulbs will have the same brightness.

Correct answer:

Bulbs A and B will be brighter than bulbs C and D.

Explanation:

Since bulbs A and B are in parallel, they will have the same voltage, and since the bulbs are identical in resistance, they will have the same current running through them and will be just as bright. 

Let's say the voltage source as a value of \(\displaystyle V\) and each bulb has a resistance of \(\displaystyle R\).

The current going through bulbs A and B is \(\displaystyle \frac{V}{R}\).

However, the current going through bulbs C and D is \(\displaystyle \frac{V}{2R}\).

The current going through bulbs C and D is half as much as the other two, so their brightness will be less.

So, bulbs A and B will be brigher than bulbs C and D.

Example Question #248 : Electricity And Magnetism

Photo 4 1

\(\displaystyle R_A=2\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle R_B=4\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle R_C=6\Omega\)

If the circuit above is connected to a \(\displaystyle 4V\) battery, what is the total power dissipated by the circuit?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle \frac{28}{11}W\)

\(\displaystyle 18W\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{8}{7}W\)

\(\displaystyle 10W\)

\(\displaystyle 14W\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 14W\)

Explanation:

The equation for power dissipated in a circuit is 

\(\displaystyle P=IV\)

The three resistors are in parallel with each other, so the total resistance is 

\(\displaystyle (R_{tot})^{-1}=\left(\frac{1}{R_A}+\frac{1}{R_B}+\frac{1}{R_C}\right)^{-1}\)

\(\displaystyle (R_{tot})^{-1}=\left(\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{8}\right)^{-1}\)

\(\displaystyle R_{tot}= \frac{8}{7}\Omega\)

Use Ohm's law to find current.

\(\displaystyle I&=\frac{V}{R}\)

\(\displaystyle I=\frac{4}{\frac{8}{7}}\)

\(\displaystyle I= 3.5A\)

Finally, solve for power.

\(\displaystyle P=IV\)

\(\displaystyle P=(4)(3.5)\)

\(\displaystyle P= 14W\)

Example Question #242 : Electricity And Magnetism

Combined circuit 

\(\displaystyle V_1 = V_2 = 4.5V\)

\(\displaystyle R_1=R_3=R_4= 3\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle R_2=6\Omega\)

In the circuit above, find the power being dissipaited by \(\displaystyle R_3\).

Possible Answers:

None of these

\(\displaystyle 9W\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{243}{64}W\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{3}{4}W\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{9}{8}W\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \frac{243}{64}W\)

Explanation:

First, find the total resistance of the circuit.

\(\displaystyle R_1\) and \(\displaystyle R_2\) are in parallel, so we find their equivalent resistance by using the following formula:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{R_{1}}+\frac{1}R_{2}=\frac{1}{R_{1+2}}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{6}=\frac{1}{R_{1+2}}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{3}{6}=\frac{1}{R_{1+2}}}\)

\(\displaystyle R_{1+2}=2\Omega\)

Next, add the series resistors together.

\(\displaystyle R_{1+2}+R_3+R_4=R_{total}\)

\(\displaystyle R_{total}=8\Omega\)

Use Ohm's law to find the current in the system.

\(\displaystyle V=IR\)

\(\displaystyle (V_1+V_2)=IR\)

\(\displaystyle 9V=I\cdot 8\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle I=\frac{9}{8}A\)

Because it is not in parallel, the total current in the circuit is equal to the current in \(\displaystyle R_3\).

The equation for power is as follows:

\(\displaystyle P=IV=I^2R\)

\(\displaystyle P=\left(\frac{9}{8}A \right )^2\cdot3\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle P=\frac{243}{64}W\)

 

Example Question #81 : Circuit Properties

Combined circuit

\(\displaystyle V_1 = V_2 = 4.5V\)

\(\displaystyle R_1=R_3=R_4= 3\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle R_2=6\Omega\)

In the circuit above, find the power being dissipated by \(\displaystyle R_2\).

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 9W\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{9}{8}W\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{27}{32}W\)

None of these

\(\displaystyle \frac{27}{64}W\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \frac{27}{32}W\)

Explanation:

First, find the total resistance of the circuit.

\(\displaystyle R_1\) and \(\displaystyle R_2\) are in parallel, so we find their equivalent resistance by using the following formula:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{R_{1}}+\frac{1}R_{2}=\frac{1}{R_{1+2}}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{6}=\frac{1}{R_{1+2}}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{3}{6}=\frac{1}{R_{1+2}}}\)

\(\displaystyle R_{1+2}=2\Omega\)

Next, add the series resistors together.

\(\displaystyle R_{1+2}+R_3+R_4=R_{total}\)

\(\displaystyle R_{total}=8\Omega\)

Use Ohm's law to find the current in the system.

\(\displaystyle V=IR\)

\(\displaystyle (V_1+V_2)=IR\)

\(\displaystyle 9V=I\cdot 8\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle I=\frac{9}{8}A\)

The current through \(\displaystyle R_1\) and \(\displaystyle R_2\) needs to add up to the total current, since they are in parallel.

\(\displaystyle I_1 + I_2 =I_{total}\)

\(\displaystyle I_1 + I_2 =\frac{9}{8}A\)

Also, the voltage drop across them need to be equal, since they are in parallel.

\(\displaystyle V_1=V_2\)

\(\displaystyle I_1R_1=I_2R_2\)

\(\displaystyle I_1\cdot3\Omega=I_2\cdot 6\Omega\)

 Set up a system of equations.

\(\displaystyle I_1\cdot3\Omega=I_2\cdot 6\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle I_1 + I_2 =\frac{9}{8}A\) 

Solve. 

\(\displaystyle I_2=.5I_1\)

\(\displaystyle 3I_2=\frac{9}{8}A\)

\(\displaystyle I_2=\frac{3}{8}A\)

The equation for power is as follows:

\(\displaystyle P=IV=I^2R\)

\(\displaystyle P=\left(\frac{3}{8}A \right )^2\cdot6\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle P=\frac{27}{32}W\)

Example Question #81 : Circuits

Combined circuit

\(\displaystyle V_1 = V_2 = 4.5V\)

\(\displaystyle R_1=R_3=R_4= 3\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle R_2=6\Omega\)

In the circuit above, find the power being dissipated by \(\displaystyle R_1\).

Possible Answers:

None of these

\(\displaystyle \frac{3}{4}W\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{27}{16}W\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{9}{8}W\)

\(\displaystyle 9W\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \frac{27}{16}W\)

Explanation:

First, find the total resistance of the circuit.

\(\displaystyle R_1\) and \(\displaystyle R_2\) are in parallel, so we find their equivalent resistance by using the following formula:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{R_{1}}+\frac{1}R_{2}=\frac{1}{R_{1+2}}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{6}=\frac{1}{R_{1+2}}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{3}{6}=\frac{1}{R_{1+2}}}\)

\(\displaystyle R_{1+2}=2\Omega\)

Next, add the series resistors together.

\(\displaystyle R_{1+2}+R_3+R_4=R_{total}\)

\(\displaystyle R_{total}=8\Omega\)

Use Ohm's law to find the current in the system.

\(\displaystyle V=IR\)

\(\displaystyle (V_1+V_2)=IR\)

\(\displaystyle 9V=I\cdot 8\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle I=\frac{9}{8}A\)

The current through \(\displaystyle R_1\) and \(\displaystyle R_2\) needs to add up to the total current, since they are in parallel.

\(\displaystyle I_1 + I_2 =I_{total}\)

\(\displaystyle I_1 + I_2 =\frac{9}{8}A\)

Also, the voltage drop across them need to be equal, since they are in parallel.

\(\displaystyle V_1=V_2\)

\(\displaystyle I_1R_1=I_2R_2\)

\(\displaystyle I_1\cdot3\Omega=I_2\cdot 6\Omega\)

Set up a system of equations.

\(\displaystyle I_1\cdot3\Omega=I_2\cdot 6\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle I_1 + I_2 =\frac{9}{8}A\)

Solve.

\(\displaystyle I_2=.5I_1\)

\(\displaystyle 1.5I_1=\frac{9}{8}A\)

\(\displaystyle I_1=\frac{3}{4}A\)

The equation for power is as follows:

\(\displaystyle P=IV=I^2R\)

 \(\displaystyle P=\left(\frac{3}{4}A \right )^2\cdot3\Omega\)

 \(\displaystyle P=\frac{27}{16}W\)

Example Question #3 : Circuit Power

Three parallel resistors

\(\displaystyle R_1=R_4=R_5=2\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle R_2=5\Omega\)

\(\displaystyle R_3=6\Omega\)

What can be said about the power being dissipated by \(\displaystyle R_4\) and \(\displaystyle R_5\)?

Possible Answers:

Their values will be equal

\(\displaystyle R_4\) will dissipate more power than \(\displaystyle R_5\)

None of these

It is impossible to tell

\(\displaystyle R_5\) will dissipate more power than \(\displaystyle R_4\)

Correct answer:

Their values will be equal

Explanation:

\(\displaystyle R_4\) and \(\displaystyle R_5\) are in series with each other, therefore, they will have the same current values. They also have the same resistance values. Thus, they will have the same power dissipated, as \(\displaystyle P=I^2R\).

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