2016 #4 Free Response Question - AP Physics 1 - Exam Solution

The video tutorial covers question #4 from the 2016 AP Physics One exam, focusing on a circuit with a battery and four resistors. It explains how to rank the electric potential differences across the resistors using a color coding technique. The tutorial also analyzes the effects of removing a resistor on the circuit's current and potential differences, using Kirchhoff's loop rule. Finally, it provides grading insights and exam strategy tips.

What is the first step in analyzing the potential differences across the resistors in the given circuit?

• Use the electric potential color coding technique.

• Calculate the total resistance of the circuit.

• Directly measure the potential difference across each resistor.

• Assume all resistors have the same potential difference.

In the electric potential color coding technique, what color is used after red when moving across resistor A?

• Yellow

• Green

• Orange

• Blue

How are resistors B and C related in terms of electric potential difference?

• They have different potential differences.

• They are in series and have the same potential difference.

• They are in parallel and have the same potential difference.

• They are in parallel but have different potential differences.

What happens to the current through resistor A when resistor B is removed from the circuit?

• It increases.

• It decreases.

• It remains the same.

• It fluctuates.

What is the effect on the equivalent resistance of the circuit when resistor B is removed?

• The equivalent resistance decreases.

• The equivalent resistance increases.

• The equivalent resistance becomes zero.

• The equivalent resistance remains the same.

After removing resistor B, what happens to the current through resistor C?

• It becomes zero.

• It increases.

• It decreases.

• It remains the same.

Which rule is used to analyze the changes in current through resistor C after removing resistor B?

• Thevenin's Theorem

• Kirchhoff's Voltage Law

• Kirchhoff's Current Law

• Ohm's Law

What is the main reason for the increase in current through resistor C after removing resistor B?

• The current is no longer split between B and C.

• The battery voltage decreases.

• The voltage across the circuit increases.

• The resistance of C decreases.

What is the importance of ensuring an answer for every part of a question in an exam?

• To avoid losing points for unanswered questions.

• To impress the examiner with detailed answers.

• To ensure the exam is completed quickly.

• To focus only on the most difficult questions.

What is a key strategy mentioned for handling complex problems during an exam?

• Skip the problem entirely.

• Focus only on the easiest parts.

• Pause and ensure all parts are answered before returning to complex parts.

• Spend all available time on the complex problem.