A positive test charge passes first through a battery that raises its electric…
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Circuits · Electric Circuits
Problem
A positive test charge q passes first through a battery that raises its electric potential by 6V and then through a resistor that lowers its potential by 6V. Which statement correctly describes the associated energy transformations?
(a) The charge loses 6qJ in the battery and gains 6qJ in the resistor, converting electrical energy back into chemical energy.
(b) The charge’s energy remains constant in both elements because the two potential differences cancel each other out.
(c) The charge gains 6qJ of energy in the battery and loses 6qJ in the resistor, where it is converted to thermal energy.
(d) The charge gains no energy in the battery but loses 6qJ in the resistor, where that energy becomes thermal energy.