Sample Questions
Sample Questions
E = energy d = distance
f = frequency f = frequency
F = force F = force
0 h = height I = rotational inertia
J = impulse k = spring constant
k = spring constant K = kinetic energy
K = kinetic energy = length
= length L = angular momentum
m = mass m = mass
M = mass M = mass
p = momentum p = momentum
P = power r = radius, distance, or
r = radius, distance, or position position
t = time t = time
T = period T = period
U = potential energy v = velocity or speed
v = velocity or speed W = work
W = work x = position or distance
x = position or distance a = angular acceleration
y = height q = angle
l = linear mass density t = torque
m = coefficient of friction f = phase angle
w = angular frequency
or angular speed
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GEOMETRY AND TRIGONOMETRY
Rectangle Rectangular Solid A = area Right Triangle
A = bh V = wh b = base a 2 + b2 = c 2
C = circumference a
Triangle Cylinder s h = height sin =
c
1 V = r 2 r = length
A = bh r = radius b
cos =
2 S = 2 r + 2 r 2 s = arc length c
S = surface area a
Circle Sphere tan =
V = volume b
A = r2 4 3 w = width c
V= r a
C=2 r 3 q = angle 90°
s=r S = 4 r2 b
d
( ln ax ) =
1
dx x
d
sin(ax = a os( ax )
dx
d
cos(
dx
ax)
ax)
4
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Sample Exam
Questions
The sample exam questions that follow illustrate the relationship between the course
framework and the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam and serve as
examples of the types of questions that appear on the exam. These sample questions
donotrepresentthefullrangeanddistributionofitemsonanofficialAPPhysicsC:
Electricity and Magnetism Exam. After the sample questions is a table which shows
which skill, learning objective, and essential knowledge statement each question
relates to. This table also provides the answers to the multiple - choice questions.
+y
B
+x
+z
2. A cylindrical wire segment with length 0.25 m and diameter 3.0 × 10−3 m
dissipates energy at a rate of 6.0 × 10−4 W when a current of 0.50 A is in the wire
segment. Which of the following is approximately equal to the resistivity of the
wire?
(A) 6.8 × 10−8 Ω ⋅ m
(B) 9.0 × 10−5 Ω ⋅ m
(C) 7.5 × 10−3 Ω ⋅ m
(D) 840 Ω⋅ m
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+Q
B A
+Q
3. Two small spheres, each with positive charge +Q , are fixed in place at two
corners of an equilateral triangle, as shown in the figure. Point A is at the other
corner, and Point B is midway between the spheres. A test charge with positive
charge +q is moved from Point A to Point B at a constant velocity by an external
force. The work done by the external force on the moving particle is Wext, and the
work done by the electrostatic forces from the spheres on the moving particle is
Welec. Which of the following correctly identifies the signs of these quantities?
Wext Welec
A Positive Positive
B Positive Negative
C Negative Positive
D Negative Negative
(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
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+y
Wire R 4I
y = +4d
Wire S 2I
y = +2d
+z
+x
Wire T
y = –d
2I
4. Three long wires, R, S, and T, are arranged in the xy-plane parallel to each
other and the x-axis at the positions shown in the figure. The direction and
current in each wire are indicated. Which of the following correctly indicates
the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field at the origin of the coordinate
system?
(A) in the −z -direction
B
5m +y
37°
A +x
+z
E = 1000 V/m
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A
C
C
3
B
C
6. Two air-filled capacitors, with capacitance C and , are connected in parallel,
3
as shown. The equivalent capacitance between points A and B is Ceq . A dielectric
C
is inserted into the capacitor with capacitance , and the new equivalent
3
capacitance between points A and B is 2Ceq . What is the value of the dielectric
constant of the dielectric?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 5
(D) 6
L L
R R R
Circuit 1 Circuit 2
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Questions 8 and 9 refer to the following.
A sphere of uniform charge density has a positive net charge +Q and radius RS .
A small particle of positive charge +q can be moved through space both inside
the sphere of uniform charge and outside the sphere.
8. The particle of charge +q is initially located a distance 2 RS from the center of the
sphere and then moved to the sphere’s center. Which of the following correctly
describes the change in the electric potential energy of the particle-sphere
system, U PS , when the particle is moved, and provides a valid justification?
(A) U PS 0. The electric field due to the sphere’s charge does positive work on
the positively charged particle.
(B) U PS 0. The motion of the positively charged particle is opposite to the
direction of the electric field due to the sphere’s charge.
(C) U PS 0. The electric field due to the sphere’s charge is zero at the center of
the sphere.
(D) U PS 0. As the positively charged particle is moved, positive work done
outside the sphere is canceled by negative work of equal magnitude that is
done inside the sphere.
9. With the particle held in place at the center of the charged spherical region,
what is the magnitude of the net electric field due to both the particle and the
sphere at a distance RS from the sphere’s center?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
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10. A junction in a circuit consists of three wires connected together. Which of the
following diagrams could indicate the directions and magnitudes of the currents
in the three wires?
(A) 2 A 3 A
5A
(B) 2 A 3A
5A
(C) 2 A 3A
5A
(D) 2 A 3 A
5A
Bz (T)
+y 0.4
B
0.2
+x O Time (s)
+z 3 6 9 12
–0.2
–0.4
Figure 1 Figure 2
11. A metal wire of resistance 10 Ω is bent into a circular loop of radius 0.10 m and
placed in a uniform magnetic field B, as shown in Figure 1. The z -component
Bz of the magnetic field is shown as a function of time in Figure 2, where
positive indicates that the magnetic field is directed out of the plane of the
figure. Which of the following correctly indicates the magnitude and direction
of the current induced in the loop at time t = 6.0 s?
Magnitude Direction
A 3.8 mA Clockwise
B 3.8 mA Counterclockwise
C 0.42 mA Clockwise
D 0.42 mA Counterclockwise
(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
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+z
a
a
O
+x
+y
12. A Gaussian surface, in the shape of a cube of side length a, is oriented with
one corner at the origin O, as shown in the figure. The cubical surface is in a
region with charges (not shown) where the resulting electric field is described by
, where b is a positive constant. What is the total electric flux through
the surface of the cube?
(A) Zero
(B) ba3
(C) 2ba3
(D) 6ba3
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Segment 2
Segment 1
I
I
2
R 3R
Figure 1 Figure 2
14. When a nonideal battery is connected to a resistor with resistance R , as shown
in Figure 1, the current in the circuit is I. When the same nonideal battery is
connected to a resistor with resistance 3R, as shown in Figure 2, the current in
I
the circuit is . What is the internal resistance r of the battery?
2
R
(A)
4
R
(B)
2
(C) R
(D) 2R
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–3Q +4Q
A B C D
15. Two small spheres are arranged along a line and have charges of −3Q and +4Q ,
as shown in the figure. The tick marks on the axis are equally spaced. At which
of the labeled tick marks does the electric field have the greatest magnitude?
(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
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Section II: Free-Response Questions
+z
m, –Q
R
+Q
+y
O +x
Figure 1
1. A thin, nonconducting ring is held fixed in the xy-plane with its center at the
origin O. The ring has radius R and a positive charge +Q uniformly distributed
around its circumference. A small sphere of mass m and negative charge −Q is
on the z-axis, as shown in Figure 1. Point A is located on the z-axis at z = R.
(a) i. In which of the following regions, if any, can the sphere be placed on the
z -axis so that the net electric potential at Point A due to the sphere and
the ring is zero? Indicate your answer by selecting one of the options
below.
_____ Above Point A only ____ Below Point A only
_____ Either above or below Point A
_____ There is no location the sphere can be placed so that the net
electric potential is zero
Briefly justify your reasoning.
ii. The sphere is released from rest on the z -axis some distance above
the ring. All forces other than the electric force exerted by the ring are
negligible. The sphere passes through the origin O, where it has speed
vO , and continues moving, eventually passing through the location
z = −3R. Derive an expression for the speed of the sphere at the instant
the sphere passes through the location z = −3R . Express your answer in
terms of m, Q, R , vO , and physical constants, as appropriate. Begin your
derivation by writing a fundamental physics principle or an equation
from the reference information.
The sphere is then removed. Figure 2 shows the ring and Point C, which is
located at z = 2 R on the z -axis.
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+z
2R
+y
O +x
Figure 2
(b) Derive an expression for the magnitude of the electric field due to the ring
at Point C. Express your answer in terms of Q, R , and physical constants, as
appropriate. Begin your derivation by writing a fundamental physics
principle or an equation from the reference information.
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REPRESENTATIONS
Solenoid +x
+z
I0 +y
Central Axis
2. A long solenoid with its central axis along the z -axis has current I 0 , as shown
in Figure 1. The length of the solenoid is much larger than the radius of the
solenoid loops.
(a) Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the middle of the solenoid, along
with three square regions labeled 1, 2, and 3. Region 1 is centered on the
central axis of the solenoid, Region 2 is inside the solenoid but offset from
the central axis, and Region 3 is outside the solenoid.
+x Symbols
1 2 3 +x –x +y –y +z –z
I0 +y
+z
Loop
I(t)
3r0
Figure 3
A small conducting loop of radius r0 is placed at the center of the solenoid,
as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 3. The solenoid radius is 3r0
and the solenoid has n0 turns per unit of length along the axis. Starting at
time t = 0, the current I in the solenoid is varied according to the equation
I (t ) = I 0 (1 − bt 2 ) , where I 0 and b are positive constants and positive current
is taken to be in the clockwise direction.
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(b) Derive an expression for the absolute value of the induced emf in the
smaller loop for times t ≥ 0. Express your answer in terms of r0 , n0 , I 0 , b, t,
and physical constants, as appropriate. Begin your derivation by writing
a fundamental physics principle or an equation from the reference
information.
ΦB
t
O
Figure 4
(c) On the axes in Figure 4, sketch a graph of the magnetic flux B through the
small conducting loop due to the current in the solenoid as a function of
time t from t = 0 until the flux reaches zero. On the horizontal axis of the
graph, label the time at which the flux is zero with an expression in terms of
the constant b.
(d) Indicate the factor by which the vertical intercept of the graph you drew in
part (c) would change, if at all, if the loop inside the solenoid had a radius
of 2r0 .
Briefly justify your answer.
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Wire 1 Wire 2
Force
Sensor
Figure 1
3. Students are investigating the relationship between the distance between current
carrying wires and the magnitude of the magnetic force exerted between the
wires using the setup shown in Figure 1. Two vertical wires, Wire 1 and Wire 2,
are connected to power supplies (not shown) and carry currents in opposite
directions. Each wire is attached to a board, and the board with Wire 2 is
connected to a stationary force sensor. The boards are held parallel to each other
and the distance d between the wires can be adjusted.
Force
I Sensor
L
Figure 2
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wire segments fixed to the boards are measured. In this experiment the distance
d between the wires is held fixed and the force is measured while the current I
is then varied. Using measured values of L =1.4 m and d = 0.005 m, the students
collect the data shown in the table.
I (A) F ( mN)
2.8 0.35
3.2 0.60
3.6 0.65
4.0 1.00
4.4 1.10
iii. Draw the best-fit line for the data graphed in part (c)(ii).
(d) Using the line drawn in part (c)(iii) and the measured values L =1.4 m
and d = 0.005 m as needed, calculate the magnetic permeability of free
space, µ0 .
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/
TRANSLATION
Iconst
Constant
Current S R C
Source
Figure 1
Constant
Current S C
Source
Figure 2
(c) The process is repeated with the resistor removed from the circuit, leaving a
gap in the middle branch, as shown in Figure 2. The switch is again opened
with the capacitor initially uncharged, and the current source again
generates a constant current I const . Indicate whether the rate of change
d ( ∆V )
of the potential difference across the capacitor shortly after (but
dt
not immediately after) the switch is opened will be zero, a nonzero constant
value, or a value with increasing magnitude.
___ Zero ___ Nonzero constant value ___ Value with increasing magnitude
Justify your answer by referring to the differential equation you wrote for
part (b).
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Answer Key and Question Alignment
to Course Framework
Multiple-Choice Essential
Question Answer Skill Learning Objective Knowledge
Free-Response
Question Skill Learning Objective
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AP PHYSICS C: ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
Scoring Guidelines
Scoring Guidelines for Question 1: Mathematical Routines 10 points
Learning Objectives: 8.4.A 9.2.A 9.2.B 9.3.A
(a) i For selecting “Either above or below Point A”, with an attempt at a relevant justification 1 point
For indicating that because the ring and the sphere have opposite sign charges, the net electric potential only 1 point
depends on the relative distances of the ring and sphere from Point A
Example Response:
Either above or below Point A
The net potential at Point A is the sum of the potentials of the ring and the sphere. Because potential is a scalar
quantity, and because the ring and the sphere have opposite signs, there are two locations (above and below
Point A) where the potential due to the sphere is equal and opposite in sign to the potential of the ring.
(a) ii For a multi-step derivation starting with a statement of conservation of energy (e.g., Etotal = U + K = constant) 1 point
For correct expressions for the electric potential energy at two different locations 1 point
For using the correct locations, at both z = 0 and z = −3R, for the potential energy expressions 1 point
For substituting correct expressions for the kinetic energy at z = 0 and z = −3R0 1 point
1 point
For a correct answer, or equivalent.
Example Response:
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(b) For a multi-step derivation starting with an equation for the electric field of a charge distribution 1 point
For an indication that only the z-component of the field need be considered (e.g., by including a cos term in the 1 point
integral)
Example Response
For correctly differentiating the electric potential expression, substituting z = 2R0 into the derivative, and getting 1 point
a final answer that is consistent with the electric potential expression found
Scoring note: The answer can be in terms of either or k .
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Scoring Guidelines for Question 2: Translation Between
Representations 12 points
Learning Objectives: 12.4.A 13.1.A 13.2.A
(a) For indicating consistent fields along the z-axis in Regions 1 and 2 1 point
Scoring note: Consistent fields include the following:
A cross within a circle for both regions
A dot within a circle for both regions
For indicating that for Region 1 the field is into the plane of the figure 1 point
Example Response:
1 2 3
I0
zero
1 point
(b) For a multistep derivation that starts with
For substituting the small loop’s area into an expression for the magnetic flux 1 point
For substituting a correct expression for the magnitude of the magnetic field inside a solenoid 1 point
For correctly taking the time derivative of an expression for either the magnetic flux, the magnetic field, or the 1 point
current
Scoring note: The expression for flux, field, or current need not be correct to earn this point.
Example Response:
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(c) For drawing a curve that is concave-downward everywhere 1 point
1 1 point
For a line or curve that contains the point on the horizontal axis, with clearly indicated
b
1
Scoring note: The curve need not extend to include negative flux values for times t > to earn this point.
b
For a continuous curve that has a positive maximum on the vertical axis and zero slope at the maximum 1 point
Scoring note: Drawing the mirror image across the horizontal axis earns full credit.
Example Response
ΦB
0 t
0 1
b
(d) For indicting that the intercept will increase, with an attempt at a justification using functional dependence 1 point
For indicating that the flux (or area) is proportional to the square of the loop’s radius so will increase by a factor 1 point
of 4
Example Response
The vertical intercept will increase by a factor of 4. This is because the loop area is proportional to r 2, and if
the radius doubles, the area and therefore the flux will increase by a factor of 4.
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Scoring Guidelines for Question 3: Experimental Design and Analysis 10 points
Learning Objectives: 11.3.B 12.3.B 12.4.A
(a) For indicating that current is held constant, distance between the wires is varied, and force is measured 1 point
For indicating that measurements should be taken for several wire distances 1 point
Example Response:
Use the power supply to create constant currents in the wires. Measure the plate separation d. Record the force
reading F on the force sensor. Repeat this for a total of 10 values of plate separation distances, using the same
wire currents each time.
(b) For indicating that a graph involving force and distance can be used to determine the relationship 1 point
For describing a valid method of determining whether the graph is consistent with the hypothesis 1 point
Example Response:
1
Plot F vs 2 . If it is linear, the hypothesis is correct, if not, it’s incorrect.
d
OR
1
Plot F vs . If it is linear, then the hypothesis is incorrect.
d
OR
Plot F vs d, use power regression to find functional dependence.
(c) i For indicating appropriate quantities that would produce a straight-line graph to determine µ 0 1 point
Examples:
Horizontal Axis: I 2
Vertical Axis: F
OR
Horizontal Axis: I
Vertical Axis: F
(c) ii For labeling the axes correctly (including units) with a linear scale, where the data uses at least half the range 1 point
on each axis of the graph
(c) iii For drawing a straight line that approximates the trend of the data 1 point
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Example Response for (c)(i), (c)(ii), (c)(iii) combined:
Horizontal Axis: I 2 Vertical Axis: F
I (A) F ( mN ) ( )
I 2 A2
1.2
1.0
0.8
F (mN)
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
0 4 8 12 16 20
I2 (A2)
Scoring note: The circled points are used for the slope calculation in part (d). It is not necessary to indicate
them here to earn credit in part (c).
(d) For using an appropriate feature of the best-fit line to calculate µ 0 1 point
µ 0 = 1.47 × 10−6 N A 2 .
Example Response:
( ) (
The line contains the points 4.8 A2, 0.18 mN and 16.0 A2 , 0.92 mN . )
The slope of the line is
0.92 − 0.18 0.74
slope = mN A 2 = mN A 2 = 0.0661 mN A 2 or 0.0661×10−3 N A 2
16.0 − 4.8 11.2
Force and current are related as follows.
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Scoring Guidelines for Question 4: Qualitative/Quantitative
Translation 8 points
Learning Objectives: 10.3.A 11.1.A 11.7.A 11.3.B 11.8.B
For indicating that the charge builds up to a maximum amount and no longer changes 1 point
For indicating that a constant charge corresponds to a constant potential difference 1 point
Example Response:
Zero.
After the switch is closed, charge will start to build up on the capacitor and it will eventually stop charging.
Potential difference is proportional to capacitor charge, so the potential difference will not be changing after a
long time.
(b) 1 point
(e.g.,
1 point
For substituting correct expressions of the current in the resistor, , and the current in the capacitor
dq
branch, , into an equation that expresses Kirchhoff’s junction rule
dt
1 point
For correctly substituting the current in the capacitor branch as
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(c) For attempting to use functional dependence in the differential equation in part (b) by relating resistance to either 1 point
a relevant term in the equation or to the derivative of the potential difference across the capacitor
Scoring note: To earn this point it is not necessary to indicate that the resistor is removed or the resistance
becomes infinite, and it is not necessary to use the functional dependence correctly.
For a selection and an explanation that are both consistent with the equation from part (b), and an explanation in 1 point
which the resistance is infinite or approaches infinity
Example Response:
Nonzero constant value.
If the resistor were not present, that is the same as letting R go to infinity. In the differential equation,
this means that the term goes to zero and can be ignored. The result is which is a positive
constant.
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