AP Physics 2 : AP Physics 2

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics 2

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Capacitors And Electric Fields

Imagine a capacitor with a magnitude of charge Q on either plate. This capacitor has area A, separation distance D, and is connected to a battery of voltage V. If some external agent pulls the capacitor apart such that D doubles, did the electric field, E, stored in the capacitor increase, decrease or stay the same?

Possible Answers:

Decreases by exactly \(\displaystyle \frac{1}{4}\)

Increases by exactly \(\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}\)

Stays constant

Decreases by exactly \(\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}\)

Correct answer:

Decreases by exactly \(\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}\)

Explanation:

Relevant equations:

\(\displaystyle C=\frac{\varepsilon_{o}A}{D}\)

\(\displaystyle Q=CV\)

 \(\displaystyle U=\frac{1}{2}\frac{Q^{2}}{C}\)

Considering we are dealing with regions of charge instead of a point charge (or a charge that is at least spherical symmetric), it would be wise to consider using the definition of the electric field here:

\(\displaystyle E=\frac{V}{D}\)

The battery maintains a constant V so we can directly relate E and D. Since D is doubled, E will be halved. 

Example Question #2 : Capacitors And Electric Fields

Lazy capacitor

If \(\displaystyle V_1=24V\), each plate of the capacitor has surface area \(\displaystyle 240 cm^2\), and the plates are \(\displaystyle .5mm\) apart, determine the electric field between the plates.

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 6.6*10^4 \frac{N}{C}\)

\(\displaystyle 1.6*10^4 \frac{N}{C}\)

\(\displaystyle 4.0*10^4 \frac{N}{C}\)

\(\displaystyle 5.5*10^4 \frac{N}{C}\)

\(\displaystyle 4.8*10^4 \frac{N}{C}\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 4.8*10^4 \frac{N}{C}\)

Explanation:

The voltage rise through the source must be the same as the drop through the capacitor.

\(\displaystyle V_1=V_{C1}\)

The voltage drop across the capacitor is the equal to the electric field multiplied by the distance.

\(\displaystyle V_{C1}=E*d\)

Combine these equations and solve for the electric field:

\(\displaystyle V_1=E*d\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{V_1}{d}=E\)

Convert mm to m and plug in values:

\(\displaystyle \frac{24}{.0005}=E\)

\(\displaystyle E=4.8*10^4 \frac{N}{C}\)

Example Question #951 : Ap Physics 2

Lazy capacitor

If \(\displaystyle V_1=60V\), each plate of the capacitor has surface area \(\displaystyle 600 cm^2\), and the plates are \(\displaystyle 1mm\) apart, determine the excess charge on the positive plate.

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 31.9nC\)

\(\displaystyle 25.4nC\)

\(\displaystyle 50.6nC\)

\(\displaystyle 48.8nC\)

\(\displaystyle 27.7nC\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 31.9nC\)

Explanation:

The voltage rise through the source must be the same as the drop through the capacitor.

\(\displaystyle V_1=V_{C1}\)

The voltage drop across the capacitor is the equal to the electric field multiplied by the distance.

\(\displaystyle V_{C1}=E*d\)

Combine equations and solve for the electric field:

\(\displaystyle V_1=E*d\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{V_1}{d}=E\)

Convert mm to m and plugging in values:

\(\displaystyle \frac{60V}{.001}=E\)

\(\displaystyle 60000\frac{N}{C}=E\)

Use the electric field in a capacitor equation:

\(\displaystyle E=\frac{q}{A*\epsilon_0}\)

Combine equations:

\(\displaystyle E*\epsilon_0*A=q\)

Converting \(\displaystyle cm^2\) to \(\displaystyle m^2\) and plug in values:

\(\displaystyle 60000*8.85*10^{-12}*.06=q\)

\(\displaystyle 31.9nC=q\)

Example Question #31 : Circuit Components

Lazy capacitor

Consider the given diagram. If \(\displaystyle V_1=4V\), each plate of the capacitor has surface area \(\displaystyle 100 cm^2\), and the plates at \(\displaystyle 1mm\) apart, determine the electric field between the plates.

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 2000\frac{N}{C}=E\)

\(\displaystyle 7000\frac{N}{C}=E\)

\(\displaystyle 9000\frac{N}{C}=E\)

\(\displaystyle 3333\frac{N}{C}=E\)

\(\displaystyle 4000\frac{N}{C}=E\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 4000\frac{N}{C}=E\)

Explanation:

The voltage rise through the source must be the same as the drop through the capacitor.

\(\displaystyle V_1=V_{C1}\)

The voltage drop across the capacitor is the equal to the electric field multiplied by the distance.

\(\displaystyle V_{C1}=E*d\)

Combine equations and solve for the electric field:

\(\displaystyle V_1=E*d\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{V_1}{d}=E\)

Convert mm to m and plug in values:

\(\displaystyle \frac{V_1}{d}=E\)

\(\displaystyle 4000\frac{N}{C}=E\)

Example Question #1 : Capacitors And Electric Fields

Lazy capacitor

In the given circuit, the capacitor is made of two parallel circular plates of radius \(\displaystyle .3cm\) that are \(\displaystyle 2.5mm\) apart. If \(\displaystyle V_1\) is equal to \(\displaystyle 5V\), determine the electric field between the plates.

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 1500\frac{N}{C}\)

\(\displaystyle 200\frac{N}{C}\)

\(\displaystyle 2000\frac{N}{C}\)

\(\displaystyle 2500\frac{N}{C}\)

None of these

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 2000\frac{N}{C}\)

Explanation:

Since it is the only element in the circuit besides the source, the voltage drop across the capacitor must be equal to the voltage gain in the capacitor.

\(\displaystyle V_1=V_{C1}\)

Definition of voltage:

\(\displaystyle V=E*d\)

Combine equations:

\(\displaystyle V_1=E_{C1}*d\)

Solve for \(\displaystyle E_{C1}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{V}{d}=E_{C1}\)

Convert to meters and plug in values:

\(\displaystyle \frac{5}{.0025}=E_{C1}\)

\(\displaystyle 2000\frac{N}{C}=E_{C1}\)

Example Question #3 : Capacitors And Electric Fields

A parallel plate capacitor with a separation of \(\displaystyle .5\textup{ mm}\) and surface area \(\displaystyle 150\textup{ cm}^2\) is in series with a \(\displaystyle 9\textup{ V}\) battery. How will the electric field in the capacitor change if the separation is doubled?

Possible Answers:

It will stay the same

Doubled

Quadrupled

Halved

Tripled

Correct answer:

Halved

Explanation:

The voltage drop through the capacitor needs to be equal to the voltage of the battery.

\(\displaystyle V_b=V_c\)

The voltage drop of a parallel plate capacitor is equal to the internal electric field times the distance between them.

\(\displaystyle V_c=E*d\)

Combing equations and solving for \(\displaystyle E\)

\(\displaystyle E=\frac{V_b}{d}\)

From this, it can be seen that doubling the separation will halve the electric field.

Example Question #10 : Capacitors And Electric Fields

A parallel plate capacitor with a separation of \(\displaystyle .5\textup{ mm}\) and surface area \(\displaystyle 150\textup{ cm}^2\) is in series with a \(\displaystyle 9\textup{ V}\) battery. How will the electric field in the capacitor change if a second \(\displaystyle 9 \textup{ V}\) battery is added in series?

Possible Answers:

No change

Impossible to determine

Doubled

Halved

Tripled

Correct answer:

Doubled

Explanation:

The voltage drop through the capacitor needs to be equal to the voltage of the battery.

\(\displaystyle V_b=V_c\)

The voltage drop of a parallel plate capacitor is equal to the internal electric field times the distance between them.

\(\displaystyle V_c=E*d\)

Combing equations and solving for \(\displaystyle E\)

\(\displaystyle E=\frac{V_b}{d}\)

From this, it can be seen that doubling the voltage of the battery will doubled the electric field inside the capacitor.

Example Question #11 : Capacitors And Electric Fields

A capacitor is placed in series with a \(\displaystyle 6V\)battery. The plates are \(\displaystyle 1mm\) apart and each have a \(\displaystyle 4cm^2\) surface area. Determine the charge on the positive plate. 

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 3.95*10^{-11}C\)

\(\displaystyle 8.44*10^{-11}C\)

\(\displaystyle 2.13*10^{-11}C\)

\(\displaystyle 4.54*10^{-11}C\)

None of these

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 2.13*10^{-11}C\)

Explanation:

The voltage rise through the source must be the same as the drop through the capacitor.

\(\displaystyle V_1=V_{C1}\)

The voltage drop across the capacitor is the equal to the electric field multiplied by the distance.

\(\displaystyle V_{C1}=E*d\)

Combining equations:

\(\displaystyle V_1=E*d\)

Solving for \(\displaystyle E\):

\(\displaystyle \frac{V_1}{d}=E\)

Converting \(\displaystyle mm\) to \(\displaystyle m\) and plugging in values:

\(\displaystyle \frac{V_1}{d}=E\)

\(\displaystyle 6000\frac{N}{C}=E\)

Using the electric field in a capacitor equation:

\(\displaystyle E=\frac{q}{A*\epsilon_0}\)

Combining equations:

\(\displaystyle E*\epsilon_0*A=q\)

Converting \(\displaystyle cm^2\) to \(\displaystyle m^2\) and plugging in values:

\(\displaystyle (6000)*(8.86*10^{-12})*(4*10^{-4})=q\)

\(\displaystyle q=2.13*10^{-11}C\)

Example Question #311 : Electricity And Magnetism

A capacitor is placed in series with three parallel \(\displaystyle 6V\)batteries. The plates are \(\displaystyle 1.5mm\) apart and each have a \(\displaystyle 10cm^2\) surface area. Determine the charge on the positive plate. 

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 8.44*10^{-11}C\)

None of these

\(\displaystyle 3.08*10^{-11}C\)

\(\displaystyle 5.55*10^{-11}C\)

\(\displaystyle 1.42*10^{-11}C\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 1.42*10^{-11}C\)

Explanation:

The voltage rise through the source must be the same as the drop through the capacitor. Since the batteries all have the same potential and are in parallel, the potential will be the same as if there was just one.

\(\displaystyle V_1=V_{C1}\)

The voltage drop across the capacitor is the equal to the electric field multiplied by the distance.

\(\displaystyle V_{C1}=E*d\)

Combining equations:

\(\displaystyle V_1=E*d\)

Solving for E:

\(\displaystyle \frac{V_1}{d}=E\)

Converting \(\displaystyle mm\) to \(\displaystyle m\) and plugging in values:

\(\displaystyle \frac{V_1}{d}=E\)

\(\displaystyle 4000\frac{N}{C}=E\)

Using the electric field in a capacitor equation:

\(\displaystyle E=\frac{q}{A*\epsilon_0}\)

Combining equations:

\(\displaystyle E*\epsilon_0*A=q\)

Converting \(\displaystyle cm^2\) to \(\displaystyle m^2\) and plugging in values:

\(\displaystyle (4000)*(8.86*10^{-12})*(4*10^{-4})=q\)

\(\displaystyle q=1.42*10^{-11}C\)

Example Question #1 : Resistors And Resistance

Suppose a circuit consists of a battery connected to four resistors, all of which are connected in parallel. If a fifth resistor is added in parallel to this circuit, how will the current in the other four resistors change?

Possible Answers:

There is not enough information given to answer the question

There will be no change in the current through the four resistors

The current through the four resistors will quadruple

The current through the four resistors will double

The current through the four resistors will halve

Correct answer:

There will be no change in the current through the four resistors

Explanation:

Since all the resistors are connected in parallel, they will all experience the same voltage drop, which is equal to the voltage of the battery. Furthermore, since each resistor has the same resistance, the current flowing through the four resistors will be equal.

The current flowing through each resistor can be shown by Ohm's law:

\(\displaystyle V=iR\)

Also, the total current of the circuit can be found by noting:

\(\displaystyle V=i_{Total}R_{Total}\)

Moreover, the total resistance can be calculated by noting that resistors in parallel add inversely.

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{R_{Total}}=\frac{1}{R_{1}}+\frac{1}{R_{2}}+\frac{1}{R_{3}}+\frac{1}{R_{4}}\)

Since each resistor is the same, we can note that:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{R_{Total}}=\frac{4}{R}\)

\(\displaystyle R_{Total}=\frac{R}{4}\)

Plugging \(\displaystyle R_{Total}\) into the previous equation, we see that:

\(\displaystyle i_{Total}=\frac{V}{\frac{R}{4}}=\frac{4V}{R}\)

So in the case of four resistors connected in parallel, the total current in the circuit is equal to \(\displaystyle \frac{4V}{R}\) . And since the overall current is split evenly between the four resistors, we see that:

\(\displaystyle i=\frac{(\frac{4V}{R})}{4}=\frac{V}{R}\)

 

Now, if we consider the case of five resistors connected in parallel, we will see that the total resistance is:

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{R_{Total}^{'}}=\frac{1}{R_{1}}+\frac{1}{R_{2}}+\frac{1}{R_{3}}+\frac{1}{R_{4}}+\frac{1}{R_{5}}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{R_{Total}^{'}}=\frac{5}{R}\)

\(\displaystyle R_{Total}^{'}=\frac{R}{5}\)

Therefore, the overall current in the circuit when a fifth resistor is added in parallel is:

\(\displaystyle i_{Total}^{'}=\frac{V}{R_{Total}^{'}}=\frac{V}{(\frac{R}{5})}=\frac{5V}{R}\)

And once again, since each of the five resistors are connected in parallel, the total current will be split evenly between them, thus giving:

\(\displaystyle i^{'}=\frac{(\frac{5V}{R})}{5}=\frac{V}{R}\)

\(\displaystyle i=i^{'}=\frac{V}{R}\)

Therefore, we see that the current through each resistor is the same, both before and after the addition of the fifth resistor.

To summarize, the voltage drop across each resistor is the same since they are connected in parallel. Also, since each resistor has the same resistance, the current through each is the same. Adding a fifth resistor in parallel decreased the overall resistance of the circuit and increased the overall current flowing through the circuit. But because this new, greater current is divided evenly among all the resistors, including the new one that was added, the current through each of the resistors does not change.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors