AP Physics C - RC Circuits

Front

What happens to the brightness of lightbulbs in series when a switch is closed in an RC circuit?

Back

In a series circuit, closing the switch can cause one bulb to get brighter while the other goes out, depending on the circuit configuration.

Front

What is the effect on current when a switch in an RC circuit is closed?

Back

The current may increase slightly but not double when the switch is closed.

Front

How does the current rank immediately after closing a switch in a circuit with multiple light bulbs?

Back

The current is initially highest through the capacitor and then distributes among the bulbs.

Front

What is the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a series circuit?

Back

According to Ohm's Law, V = I * R, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance.

Front

What is the total resistance of two identical resistors in series?

Back

The total resistance (R_total) is R + R = 2R.

Front

What is the total resistance of two identical resistors in parallel?

Back

The total resistance (R_total) is R/2.

Front

How does power dissipation change when resistors are switched from series to parallel?

Back

Power dissipated in parallel is greater; for two identical resistors, it is 4 times the power dissipated in series.

Front

What is the formula for calculating power in a circuit?

Back

Power (P) = Voltage (V) * Current (I).

Front

What is the role of a capacitor in an RC circuit?

Back

A capacitor stores and releases electrical energy, affecting the current flow when the circuit is switched.

Front

What happens to the voltage across resistors in a series circuit?

Back

The total voltage is divided among the resistors based on their resistance values.