AC-HPAT Physics Exam Latest Questions and

AC-HPAT Physics Exam (Latest 2025 / 2026) | Questions and Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A - Algonquin

Question:

Kirchhoff's Laws

Answer:

Kirchhoff's Laws provide two fundamental rules for analyzing more complex

circuits:

1. Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL): The sum of the currents entering a junction

(or node) in a circuit is equal to the sum of the currents leaving that junction.This is based on the principle of conservation of charge.∑I_in = ∑I_out

2. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL): The sum of the voltage drops around any

closed loop in a circuit is equal to the sum of the voltage sources in that loop.This is based on the principle of conservation of energy.∑V_drops = ∑V_sources (or, more commonly, ∑V = 0 around any closed loop, where voltage sources are positive and voltage drops are negative).

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Question:

analyzing mixed circuits using Ohm's and Kirchhoff's Laws

Answer:

1. Simplify Series and Parallel Combinations:

Series Resistors: The total resistance of resistors in series is the sum of their individual resistances: R_total = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ + ...Parallel Resistors: The reciprocal of the total resistance of resistors in parallel

is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of their individual resistances:

1/R_total = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + 1/R₃ + ...Simplify the circuit by combining series and parallel resistors into equivalent resistances until you have a simpler circuit to analyze.

2. Apply Ohm's Law:

Once the circuit is simplified, use Ohm's Law (V = IR) to calculate the total current, total resistance, or total voltage of the simplified circuit.

3. Apply Kirchhoff's Laws:

KCL: Use KCL at junctions to determine how current is divided among

different branches.

KVL: Use KVL around closed loops to determine voltage drops across

components.

4. Work Backwards:

After analyzing the simplified circuit, work backward through the simplification steps to determine the current and voltage across each individual component in the original mixed circuit.Example

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Question:

Bar Magnet

Answer:

has two poles: a North pole and a South pole.

The magnetic field lines form closed loops, emerging from the North pole and entering the South pole. The field lines are most concentrated at the poles, indicating a stronger magnetic field in those regions. Outside the magnet, the field lines curve from North to South. Inside the magnet, they continue from South to North, forming closed loops. Like poles repel each other, and opposite poles attract.

Question:

U-Shaped Magnet

Answer:

A U-shaped magnet is essentially a bar magnet bent into a U shape.The poles are closer together, resulting in a stronger and more concentrated magnetic field between the poles.The field lines are more uniform and parallel between the poles, making it useful for applications requiring a uniform magnetic field.

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Question:

Electromagnets

Answer:

1) Straight Conductor:

When an electric current flows through a straight conductor (wire), it produces a circular magnetic field around the wire.The direction of the magnetic field can be determined using the right-hand rule: If you point your right thumb in the direction of the current, your fingers curl in the direction of the magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field is proportional to the current flowing through the wire.

2) Solenoid:

A solenoid is a coil of wire. When an electric current flows through it, it produces a magnetic field similar to that of a bar magnet.The magnetic field inside the solenoid is strong and uniform, while the field outside is weaker and resembles that of a bar magnet. The strength of the magnetic field inside the solenoid is proportional to the current and the number of turns of wire in the coil. The poles of the solenoid can be

determined using the right-hand rule: If you curl your right fingers in the

direction of the current in the coil, your thumb points towards the North pole of the solenoid.

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