AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 11.2 Simple Circuits Questions

Describe how current, potential difference, batteries, wires, and circuit elements interact to determine the behavior of a simple electric circuit.

Exam points

translate a physical circuit arrangement into a schematic or match a schematic to its topology
predict conducting paths and element behavior when a switch opens or closes a loop
recognise a near-zero-resistance short circuit and predict dangerously large current
design a charging or discharging circuit with the resistor, capacitor, switch, and voltmeter connected correctly

Covered syllabus points

11.2.A—Describe the behavior of a circuit

[Maximum number: 4]

The plates of a certain variable capacitor have an adjustable area. An experiment is performed to study the potential difference across the capacitor as it discharges through a resistor. A circuit is to be constructed with the following available equipment: a single ideal battery of potential difference $\Delta V_{0}$ , a single voltmeter, a single resistor of resistance R, a single uncharged variable capacitor set to capacitance C, and one or more switches as needed.

Figure for Question 1 — AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism

Using the symbols shown, draw a schematic diagram of a circuit that can charge the capacitor and may also be used to study the potential difference across the capacitor as it discharges through the resistor.

The capacitor is fully charged by the battery. At time t=0, the capacitor starts discharging through the resistor.

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Covered syllabus points

Question 1