A student measures the potential differences in a simple series circuit that contains…
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Circuits · Electric Circuits
Problem
A student measures the potential differences in a simple series circuit that contains one battery and two resistors. The recorded values are:
• Battery: +9.2 V
• Resistor 1: −5.1 V
• Resistor 2: −3.6 V
If only one of the three readings is incorrect, which single revised value would restore agreement with the requirement that the algebraic sum of potential differences around a closed loop equals zero?
(a) Change the battery reading to +8.8V
(b) Change the resistor 1 reading to −4.1V
(c) Change the resistor 2 reading to −4.1V
(d) Change the resistor 2 reading to +3.6V