AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism Quick Review: Unit 11 Electric Circuits

AP Physics C EM Quick Review

Unit 11: Current & Direct-Current Circuits

AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism Review (11.1 – 11.4)

Section 11.1

Electric Current

Electric current \( I \) is the rate of flow of charge: \( I = \displaystyle\frac{dQ}{dt} \). In a conductor, it is related to drift velocity \( v_d \) by \( I = nq v_d A \).

Q1: A current in a wire varies with time according to \( I(t) = 4t^3 + 2 \), where \( I \) is in Amperes and \( t \) is in seconds. How much charge passes through a cross-section of the wire from \( t = 0 \) to \( t = 2 \text{ s} \)?
  • (A) \( 10 \text{ C} \)
  • (B) \( 18 \text{ C} \)
  • (C) \( 20 \text{ C} \)
  • (D) \( 34 \text{ C} \)
\( Q = \int_{0}^{2} I(t) dt = \int_{0}^{2} (4t^3 + 2) dt = [t^4 + 2t]_{0}^{2} \).
\( Q = (2^4 + 2(2)) – 0 = 16 + 4 = 20 \text{ C} \).
Correct Answer: C
Q2: A copper wire of cross-sectional area \( A \) carries a current \( I \). If the wire is replaced by another copper wire with half the diameter carrying the same current, how does the drift velocity \( v_d \) change?
  • (A) It remains the same.
  • (B) It doubles.
  • (C) It quadruples.
  • (D) It decreases by a factor of 4.
\( I = nqv_d A \). Since \( I \) and \( nq \) are constant, \( v_d \propto \displaystyle\frac{1}{A} \).
If diameter \( d \rightarrow d/2 \), then Area \( A \propto d^2 \rightarrow A/4 \).
Since area is 1/4th, drift velocity must be 4 times larger to maintain the same current.
Correct Answer: C
Q3: Which of the following best describes the motion of “free” electrons in a conductor when no external electric field is applied?
  • (A) They are stationary.
  • (B) They move in straight lines at high speeds.
  • (C) They move with a net drift velocity in one direction.
  • (D) They move with high speeds in random directions with zero net displacement.
In the absence of a field, electrons undergo thermal motion at very high speeds, but because the motion is random, the average velocity (drift velocity) is zero.
Correct Answer: D
Q4: The current density \( J \) in a cylindrical wire of radius \( R \) varies with radial distance \( r \) as \( J = \displaystyle\frac{J_0 r}{R} \). What is the total current \( I \) in the wire?
  • (A) \( J_0 \pi R^2 \)
  • (B) \( \displaystyle\frac{2}{3} J_0 \pi R^2 \)
  • (C) \( \displaystyle\frac{1}{3} J_0 \pi R^2 \)
  • (D) \( \displaystyle\frac{1}{2} J_0 \pi R^2 \)
\( I = \int J dA = \int_{0}^{R} \left(\displaystyle\frac{J_0 r}{R}\right) (2\pi r dr) = \displaystyle\frac{2\pi J_0}{R} \int_{0}^{R} r^2 dr \).
\( I = \displaystyle\frac{2\pi J_0}{R} \left[\displaystyle\frac{r^3}{3}\right]_{0}^{R} = \displaystyle\frac{2}{3} J_0 \pi R^2 \).
Correct Answer: B
Q5: A lightning bolt carries a current of \( 20,000 \text{ A} \) for a duration of \( 100 \text{ \(\mu\)s} \). How many electrons are transferred in this event?
  • (A) \( 1.25 \times 10^{19} \)
  • (B) \( 1.25 \times 10^{20} \)
  • (C) \( 2.0 \times 10^{24} \)
  • (D) \( 1.25 \times 10^{16} \)
\( Q = I \Delta t = (20,000 \text{ A})(100 \times 10^{-6} \text{ s}) = 2 \text{ C} \).
Number of electrons \( n = Q/e = 2 / (1.6 \times 10^{-19}) = 1.25 \times 10^{19} \).
Correct Answer: A
Section 11.2

Simple Circuits

Real batteries have internal resistance \( r \). Terminal voltage is \( V = \varepsilon – Ir \). Kirchhoff’s rules allow for the analysis of complex networks.

Q1: A battery with EMF \( \varepsilon \) and internal resistance \( r \) is connected to an external resistor \( R \). The terminal voltage of the battery is exactly \( \varepsilon / 2 \). What is the value of \( R \)?
  • (A) \( r/2 \)
  • (B) \( r \)
  • (C) \( 2r \)
  • (D) \( 4r \)
\( V = \varepsilon – Ir = I R \).
Since \( V = \varepsilon/2 \), the voltage drop across the internal resistance must also be \( \varepsilon/2 \).
Therefore, \( Ir = IR \), which implies \( R = r \).
Correct Answer: B
Q2: In a single-loop circuit containing two batteries with EMFs \( \varepsilon_1 \) and \( \varepsilon_2 \) (pointing in opposite directions) and a resistor \( R \), Kirchhoff’s Loop Rule is a statement of the conservation of:
  • (A) Charge
  • (B) Mass
  • (C) Energy
  • (D) Momentum
The Loop Rule states that the sum of potential differences around a closed loop is zero. Since potential is energy per unit charge, this is a direct application of the law of conservation of energy.
Correct Answer: C
Q3: Three identical resistors are connected in parallel. This combination is then connected in series with a fourth identical resistor. What is the equivalent resistance if each resistor is \( 12 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \)?
  • (A) \( 3 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \)
  • (B) \( 16 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \)
  • (C) \( 36 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \)
  • (D) \( 48 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \)
Parallel part: \( R_p = 12 / 3 = 4 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \).
Total: \( R_{eq} = R_p + 12 = 4 + 12 = 16 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \).
Correct Answer: B
Q4: As more resistors are added in parallel to an existing parallel circuit connected to an ideal voltage source, the total current from the source:
  • (A) Increases
  • (B) Decreases
  • (C) Remains the same
  • (D) Decreases for the first few, then increases
Adding a resistor in parallel provides an additional path for current, which decreases the total equivalent resistance of the circuit. By Ohm’s Law (\( I = V/R \)), as \( R \) decreases, \( I \) increases.
Correct Answer: A
Q5: An ideal voltmeter and an ideal ammeter are used to measure a resistor. If they are accidentally swapped (voltmeter in series, ammeter in parallel), what happens?
  • (A) The circuit operates normally.
  • (B) The ammeter likely blows a fuse; the voltmeter reads nearly the source EMF.
  • (C) The ammeter reads the EMF; the voltmeter reads zero.
  • (D) Both meters will read zero.
An ammeter has zero resistance and will short out the component it is parallel to, drawing massive current. A voltmeter has infinite resistance and will block nearly all current in the series branch, measuring the full source voltage.
Correct Answer: B
Section 11.3

Resistance, Resistivity, and Ohm’s Law

Resistance depends on geometry and material property: \( R = \rho \displaystyle\frac{L}{A} \). Ohm’s Law \( V = IR \) applies only to ohmic materials where \( \rho \) is independent of \( E \).

Q1: A cylindrical wire of resistance \( R \) is uniformally stretched until its length is tripled. If the volume and resistivity remain constant, what is the new resistance?
  • (A) \( 3R \)
  • (B) \( 6R \)
  • (C) \( 9R \)
  • (D) \( 27R \)
Volume \( V = AL \) is constant. If \( L \rightarrow 3L \), then \( A \rightarrow A/3 \).
Resistance \( R = \rho \displaystyle\frac{L}{A} \). New resistance \( R’ = \rho \displaystyle\frac{3L}{A/3} = 9 \left(\rho \displaystyle\frac{L}{A}\right) = 9R \).
Correct Answer: C
Q2: Two wires, X and Y, are made of the same material. Wire X has twice the length and half the radius of Wire Y. What is the ratio of the resistance of Wire X to Wire Y?
  • (A) \( 2:1 \)
  • (B) \( 4:1 \)
  • (C) \( 8:1 \)
  • (D) \( 16:1 \)
\( R \propto \displaystyle\frac{L}{r^2} \).
\( \displaystyle\frac{R_X}{R_Y} = \left(\displaystyle\frac{L_X}{L_Y}\right) \left(\displaystyle\frac{r_Y}{r_X}\right)^2 = (2) \times (2)^2 = 8 \).
Correct Answer: C
Q3: Which of the following graphs of Current (\( I \)) vs. Voltage (\( V \)) represents a non-ohmic device whose resistance increases as voltage increases?
  • (A) A straight line through the origin.
  • (B) A curve that is concave upward (slope increases).
  • (C) A curve that is concave downward (slope decreases).
  • (D) A horizontal line.
Resistance \( R = V/I \). On an \( I \) vs. \( V \) graph, the slope is \( 1/R \). If resistance increases, the slope must decrease. Thus, the curve is concave downward.
Correct Answer: C
Q4: The resistivity of a typical metal increases with temperature primarily because:
  • (A) The number of free electrons increases.
  • (B) The amplitude of lattice vibrations increases, leading to more frequent collisions.
  • (C) The cross-sectional area of the wire expands.
  • (D) The metal becomes a superconductor.
Higher temperatures cause ions in the lattice to vibrate more violently, which increases the probability that a drifting electron will collide with one, thereby increasing resistivity.
Correct Answer: B
Q5: A potential difference of \( 12 \text{ V} \) is applied across a wire of length \( 2 \text{ m} \) and radius \( 1 \text{ mm} \). If the current is \( 2 \text{ A} \), what is the resistivity of the material?
  • (A) \( 9.4 \times 10^{-6} \text{ \(\Omega\)\(\cdot\)m} \)
  • (B) \( 1.5 \times 10^{-5} \text{ \(\Omega\)\(\cdot\)m} \)
  • (C) \( 3.0 \times 10^{-6} \text{ \(\Omega\)\(\cdot\)m} \)
  • (D) \( 9.4 \times 10^{-5} \text{ \(\Omega\)\(\cdot\)m} \)
\( R = V/I = 12/2 = 6 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \).
\( \rho = \displaystyle\frac{RA}{L} = \displaystyle\frac{6 \times \pi (0.001)^2}{2} = 3\pi \times 10^{-6} \approx 9.42 \times 10^{-6} \text{ \(\Omega\)\(\cdot\)m} \).
Correct Answer: A
Section 11.4

Electric Power

Power dissipated in a resistor is \( P = IV = I^2 R = \displaystyle\frac{V^2}{R} \). For maximum power transfer to a load, the load resistance must equal the internal resistance of the source.

Q1: Two lightbulbs are rated at \( 60 \text{ W} \) and \( 100 \text{ W} \) when connected to a \( 120 \text{ V} \) source. If they are connected in series to the same \( 120 \text{ V} \) source, which bulb is brighter?
  • (A) The \( 100 \text{ W} \) bulb.
  • (B) The \( 60 \text{ W} \) bulb.
  • (C) They have the same brightness.
  • (D) Neither bulb will light up.
\( R = V^2 / P \). The \( 60 \text{ W} \) bulb has higher resistance. In series, current \( I \) is the same. Since \( P = I^2 R \), the higher resistance (\( 60 \text{ W} \)) bulb dissipates more power and shines brighter.
Correct Answer: B
Q2: A battery with EMF \( \varepsilon \) and internal resistance \( r \) is connected to a variable resistor \( R \). At what value of \( R \) is the power dissipation in the internal resistance a maximum?
  • (A) \( R = 0 \)
  • (B) \( R = r \)
  • (C) \( R \rightarrow \infty \)
  • (D) \( R = \varepsilon / r \)
Power in internal resistance is \( P_r = I^2 r \). This is maximized when the current \( I \) is maximized. Since \( I = \varepsilon / (R + r) \), current is maximum when external resistance \( R = 0 \).
Correct Answer: A
Q3: A heating element is designed to produce \( 1200 \text{ W} \) at \( 240 \text{ V} \). If the line voltage drops to \( 200 \text{ V} \), what is the new power output (assuming resistance is constant)?
  • (A) \( 833 \text{ W} \)
  • (B) \( 1000 \text{ W} \)
  • (C) \( 1440 \text{ W} \)
  • (D) \( 1200 \text{ W} \)
\( P \propto V^2 \).
\( P_{new} = 1200 \times \left(\displaystyle\frac{200}{240}\right)^2 = 1200 \times \left(\displaystyle\frac{5}{6}\right)^2 = 1200 \times \displaystyle\frac{25}{36} = 833.3 \text{ W} \).
Correct Answer: A
Q4: A circuit consists of a \( 12 \text{ V} \) battery and three resistors in parallel: \( 10 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \), \( 20 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \), and \( 30 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \). What is the total power dissipated by the circuit?
  • (A) \( 6.5 \text{ W} \)
  • (B) \( 14.4 \text{ W} \)
  • (C) \( 26.4 \text{ W} \)
  • (D) \( 44.0 \text{ W} \)
\( P_{total} = \sum \displaystyle\frac{V^2}{R_i} = \displaystyle\frac{144}{10} + \displaystyle\frac{144}{20} + \displaystyle\frac{144}{30} \).
\( P_{total} = 14.4 + 7.2 + 4.8 = 26.4 \text{ W} \).
Correct Answer: C
Q5: A real power source with internal resistance \( r \) delivers power to a load \( R \). What is the efficiency (\( P_{load} / P_{total} \)) of the circuit when the power delivered to the load is maximized?
  • (A) \( 25\% \)
  • (B) \( 50\% \)
  • (C) \( 75\% \)
  • (D) \( 100\% \)
Maximum power transfer occurs when \( R = r \). Total power is \( I^2(R+r) = I^2(2R) \). Load power is \( I^2R \). Efficiency \( = (I^2R) / (2I^2R) = 0.5 \) or \( 50\% \).
Correct Answer: B

Current & Circuits Recap

Current\( I = \displaystyle\frac{dQ}{dt} \)
Drift Velocity\( I = nqv_dA \)
Ohm’s Law\( V = IR \)
Resistivity\( R = \rho \displaystyle\frac{L}{A} \)
Power\( P = IV = I^2R \)
Terminal V\( V = \varepsilon – Ir \)

Unit 11: Complex DC Circuits & RC Circuits

AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism Review (11.5 – 11.8)

Section 11.5

Compound Direct Current Circuits

Compound circuits involve combinations of series and parallel components. Analysis requires simplifying the network step-by-step to find equivalent resistance \( R_{eq} \) and total current \( I_{total} \).

Q1: A network consists of a \( 12 \text{ V} \) battery and four resistors. Resistor \( R_1 = 4 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \) is in series with a parallel combination of \( R_2 = 6 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \) and \( R_3 = 3 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \). This entire set is in parallel with \( R_4 = 6 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \). What is the equivalent resistance of the entire circuit?
  • (A) \( 2 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \)
  • (B) \( 3 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \)
  • (C) \( 4 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \)
  • (D) \( 6 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \)
Step 1: Parallel \( R_2, R_3 \Rightarrow R_{23} = \displaystyle\frac{6 \times 3}{6+3} = 2 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \).
Step 2: Series with \( R_1 \Rightarrow R_{123} = 4 + 2 = 6 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \).
Step 3: Parallel with \( R_4 \Rightarrow R_{eq} = \displaystyle\frac{6 \times 6}{6+6} = 3 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \).
Correct Answer: B
Q2: In the previous circuit, what is the total power dissipated by the resistor \( R_2 = 6 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \)?
  • (A) \( 0.67 \text{ W} \)
  • (B) \( 1.33 \text{ W} \)
  • (C) \( 2.67 \text{ W} \)
  • (D) \( 4.00 \text{ W} \)
\( I_{total} = \displaystyle\frac{12 \text{ V}}{3 \text{ \(\Omega\)}} = 4 \text{ A} \). The current splits equally between the two main branches (\( R_{123}=6 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \) and \( R_4=6 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \)), so \( 2 \text{ A} \) flows through \( R_1 \).
Voltage drop across \( R_1 = 2 \text{ A} \times 4 \text{ \(\Omega\)} = 8 \text{ V} \). Remaining voltage for \( R_2 \) and \( R_3 = 12 – 8 = 4 \text{ V} \).
Power in \( R_2 = \displaystyle\frac{V^2}{R_2} = \displaystyle\frac{4^2}{6} = \displaystyle\frac{16}{6} = 2.67 \text{ W} \).
Correct Answer: C
Q3: A bridge circuit has four resistors in a diamond shape. If the bridge is balanced, which of the following must be true about the potential difference between the midpoints of the two parallel branches?
  • (A) It is equal to the source EMF.
  • (B) It is equal to half the source EMF.
  • (C) It is zero.
  • (D) It depends on the internal resistance of the battery.
A balanced bridge (like a Wheatstone bridge) means the ratio of resistances in the two branches is equal, resulting in identical potentials at the junction points. Thus, the potential difference \( \Delta V \) between them is zero.
Correct Answer: C
Q4: If a wire of zero resistance is connected across a resistor in a compound circuit (a “short”), what is the immediate effect on the current in the rest of the circuit?
  • (A) The current through the shorted resistor increases.
  • (B) The total current from the source decreases.
  • (C) The total equivalent resistance of the circuit increases.
  • (D) The total current from the source increases.
By shorting a resistor, you provide a path with zero resistance. This effectively removes that resistor from the network, decreasing the overall \( R_{eq} \). Since \( I = \displaystyle\frac{V}{R_{eq}} \), the total current increases.
Correct Answer: D
Q5: Two identical resistors \( R \) are connected in series to a battery. A third identical resistor is then connected in parallel with one of the resistors. The total power dissipated by the circuit:
  • (A) Increases
  • (B) Decreases
  • (C) Remains the same
  • (D) Becomes zero
Original \( R_{eq} = 2R \). After adding parallel resistor: \( R_{eq}’ = R + \left(\displaystyle\frac{R \times R}{R+R}\right) = 1.5R \). Since resistance decreased, total current increases, and since \( P = \displaystyle\frac{V^2}{R_{eq}} \), total power increases.
Correct Answer: A
Section 11.6

Kirchhoff’s Loop Rule

The Loop Rule states that the sum of all potential differences around any closed loop must be zero: \( \sum \Delta V = 0 \). This is a consequence of the conservation of energy.

Q1: When traversing a loop in the direction of the current, the potential change across a resistor of resistance \( R \) is:
  • (A) \( +IR \)
  • (B) \( -IR \)
  • (C) \( 0 \)
  • (D) \( -\varepsilon \)
Current flows from higher potential to lower potential. Traversing a resistor in the direction of the current results in a potential drop, denoted by \( -IR \).
Correct Answer: B
Q2: In a multi-loop circuit, if you traverse a battery from its negative terminal to its positive terminal, the potential change is:
  • (A) \( -\varepsilon \)
  • (B) \( +\varepsilon \)
  • (C) \( -Ir \)
  • (D) \( 0 \)
The positive terminal is at a higher potential than the negative terminal by an amount equal to the EMF (\( \varepsilon \)). Moving from negative to positive is a potential gain.
Correct Answer: B
Q3: A loop contains a \( 10 \text{ V} \) battery, a \( 2 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \) resistor, and a \( 3 \text{ \(\Omega\)} \) resistor. If a second battery of \( 5 \text{ V} \) is added in the opposite orientation, the current in the loop is:
  • (A) \( 3 \text{ A} \)
  • (B) \( 1 \text{ A} \)
  • (C) \( 0.5 \text{ A} \)
  • (D) \( 2 \text{ A} \)
Loop equation: \( +10 – I(2) – I(3) – 5 = 0 \Rightarrow 5 = 5I \Rightarrow I = 1 \text{ A} \).
Correct Answer: B
Q4: Two points, A and B, are in a circuit. If the potential at A is \( 12 \text{ V} \) and you move through a resistor (\( R=2 \text{ \(\Omega\)}, I=3 \text{ A} \) in your direction) and then a battery (\( \varepsilon=6 \text{ V} \), from positive to negative), what is the potential at B?
  • (A) \( 0 \text{ V} \)
  • (B) \( 6 \text{ V} \)
  • (C) \( 12 \text{ V} \)
  • (D) \( 24 \text{ V} \)
\( V_B = V_A – IR – \varepsilon = 12 – (3 \times 2) – 6 = 12 – 6 – 6 = 0 \text{ V} \).
Correct Answer: A
Q5: Why must the sum of potential differences around a closed loop be zero?
  • (A) Because charge is conserved.
  • (B) Because the electric field is conservative.
  • (C) Because Ohm’s Law is universal.
  • (D) Because current must be constant in a loop.
The electric force is a conservative force. This means the work done in moving a charge around a closed path is zero, which implies the total change in potential energy (and thus potential) is zero.
Correct Answer: B
Section 11.7

Kirchhoff’s Junction Rule

The Junction Rule states that the total current entering a junction must equal the total current leaving it: \( \sum I_{in} = \sum I_{out} \). This is based on the conservation of charge.

Q1: At a junction, three wires meet. Wire 1 carries \( 5 \text{ A} \) toward the junction, and Wire 2 carries \( 2 \text{ A} \) away from the junction. What is the current in Wire 3?
  • (A) \( 3 \text{ A} \) toward the junction
  • (B) \( 3 \text{ A} \) away from the junction
  • (C) \( 7 \text{ A} \) toward the junction
  • (D) \( 7 \text{ A} \) away from the junction
\( \sum I_{in} = \sum I_{out} \). If we assume Wire 3 is “out”: \( 5 = 2 + I_3 \Rightarrow I_3 = 3 \text{ A} \). Positive result confirms the “away” direction.
Correct Answer: B
Q2: Kirchhoff’s Junction Rule is mathematically equivalent to which of the following principles in fluid dynamics?
  • (A) Bernoulli’s Principle
  • (B) Archimedes’ Principle
  • (C) The Equation of Continuity
  • (D) Pascal’s Principle
The Equation of Continuity states that the mass flow rate into a volume equals the flow rate out, assuming no accumulation. This is exactly analogous to the flow of charge (current) at a junction.
Correct Answer: C
Q3: In a complex circuit, you solve for a branch current and get \( I = -2.5 \text{ A} \). What does the negative sign indicate?
  • (A) The current is decreasing over time.
  • (B) The actual current flows in the opposite direction to your assumed arrow.
  • (C) There is a calculation error; current must be positive.
  • (D) The branch contains a battery being charged.
In Kirchhoff’s analysis, we assume directions for currents. A negative numerical result simply means the physical flow of charge is opposite to the direction initially chosen for the calculation.
Correct Answer: B
Q4: A junction has five wires. Currents entering are \( I_1 = 2 \text{ A} \) and \( I_2 = 4 \text{ A} \). Currents leaving are \( I_3 = 1 \text{ A} \) and \( I_4 = 3 \text{ A} \). What is \( I_5 \)?
  • (A) \( 2 \text{ A} \) entering
  • (B) \( 2 \text{ A} \) leaving
  • (C) \( 10 \text{ A} \) entering
  • (D) \( 0 \text{ A} \)
\( \text{In: } 2 + 4 = 6 \text{ A} \). \( \text{Out: } 1 + 3 = 4 \text{ A} \). To balance, \( I_5 \) must be \( 2 \text{ A} \) leaving.
Correct Answer: B
Q5: Which condition must be met for the Junction Rule to be strictly valid at a point in a circuit?
  • (A) The junction must be at zero potential.
  • (B) There must be no accumulation of charge at the junction.
  • (C) The resistors must be Ohmic.
  • (D) The circuit must be in a vacuum.
Current is defined as the rate of flow of charge. If charge were accumulating at the junction, the net current would not be zero. For steady-state DC circuits, we assume \( \displaystyle\frac{dq}{dt} = 0 \) at the node itself.
Correct Answer: B
Section 11.8

Resistor Capacitor (RC) Circuits

RC circuits exhibit time-dependent behavior. The time constant \( \tau = RC \) determines the rate of charging or discharging. charging: \( q(t) = C\varepsilon(1 – e^{-t/\tau}) \); discharging: \( q(t) = Q_0 e^{-t/\tau} \).

Q1: A capacitor \( C \) is initially uncharged and is connected in series with a resistor \( R \) and a battery \( \varepsilon \). At the instant the switch is closed (\( t=0 \)), the current in the circuit is:
  • (A) \( 0 \)
  • (B) \( \varepsilon / R \)
  • (C) \( \varepsilon / (R + 1/C) \)
  • (D) Infinite
At \( t=0 \), the uncharged capacitor has zero voltage (\( V_c = q/C = 0 \)). It acts like a short circuit (a simple wire). Thus, the entire battery voltage drops across the resistor: \( I = \displaystyle\frac{\varepsilon}{R} \).
Correct Answer: B
Q2: After a very long time (\( t \rightarrow \infty \)), what is the charge on the capacitor in the previous charging circuit?
  • (A) \( 0 \)
  • (B) \( \varepsilon / R \)
  • (C) \( C \varepsilon \)
  • (D) \( \varepsilon / (RC) \)
As \( t \rightarrow \infty \), the capacitor is fully charged and current stops (\( I = 0 \)). The potential difference across the capacitor then equals the battery EMF. Thus, \( q = C V_c = C \varepsilon \).
Correct Answer: C
Q3: A charged capacitor is discharging through a resistor. How many time constants (\( \tau \)) does it take for the charge to drop to approximately \( 37\% \) of its initial value?
  • (A) \( 0.37 \tau \)
  • (B) \( 1 \tau \)
  • (C) \( 2 \tau \)
  • (D) \( 5 \tau \)
Discharge formula: \( q(t) = Q_0 e^{-t/\tau} \). At \( t = \tau \), \( q = Q_0 e^{-1} \approx 0.368 Q_0 \), which is roughly \( 37\% \).
Correct Answer: B
Q4: In a charging RC circuit, which graph correctly represents the power dissipated by the resistor as a function of time?
  • (A) A horizontal line
  • (B) A line with a positive slope starting at the origin
  • (C) An exponential decay curve
  • (D) An exponential growth curve leveling off
\( P_R = I^2 R \). Since current \( I(t) = \left(\displaystyle\frac{\varepsilon}{R}\right)e^{-t/\tau} \) decays exponentially, the power \( P_R \propto e^{-2t/\tau} \) also decays exponentially to zero.
Correct Answer: C
Q5: If you double both the resistance \( R \) and the capacitance \( C \) in a circuit, how does the time constant change?
  • (A) It stays the same.
  • (B) It doubles.
  • (C) It quadruples.
  • (D) It is halved.
\( \tau = RC \). If \( R \rightarrow 2R \) and \( C \rightarrow 2C \), then \( \tau’ = (2R)(2C) = 4RC = 4\tau \).
Correct Answer: C

Compound & RC Circuits Recap

Loop Rule\( \sum \Delta V = 0 \)
Junction Rule\( \sum I_{in} = \sum I_{out} \)
Time Constant\( \tau = RC \)
Charging Q\( q(t) = C\varepsilon(1-e^{-t/\tau}) \)
Discharging I\( I(t) = I_0 e^{-t/\tau} \)
Steady State\( I_{cap} = 0 \text{ (as } t \rightarrow \infty) \)

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