AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Electric Power
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
If you know a resistor's resistance and the voltage across it, how can you find the power it dissipates?
You can calculate the power dissipated using the equation $P=\frac{(\Delta V)^2}{R}$.
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If you know a resistor's resistance and the voltage across it, how can you find the power it dissipates?
You can calculate the power dissipated using the equation $P=\frac{(\Delta V)^2}{R}$.
How is the power of a light bulb related to its brightness?
The brightness of a bulb increases with the power it dissipates. Therefore, power can be used to qualitatively predict the brightness of bulbs in a circuit.
What two quantities determine the rate of energy transfer in a circuit element?
The rate of energy transfer (power) depends on the current (I) in the element and the electric potential difference ($\Delta V$) across it.
What does it mean for a circuit element to dissipate power?
When a circuit element dissipates power, it is converting electrical energy into other forms, such as heat or light, at a specific rate.
Two bulbs are in a circuit. Bulb A dissipates more power than Bulb B. Which bulb is brighter?
Bulb A will be brighter because the brightness of a bulb increases with the power it dissipates.
What is the equation for electric power in terms of potential difference ($\Delta V$) and resistance (R)?
The derived equation for electric power in terms of potential difference and resistance is $P=\frac{(\Delta V)^2}{R}$.
How does power describe energy transfer within a circuit?
Power describes the transfer of energy into, out of, or within an electric circuit as a rate of transfer over time.
What is the fundamental equation for calculating electric power?
The fundamental equation for electric power is $P=I\Delta V$, where P is power, I is current, and $\Delta V$ is the potential difference.
What is electric power?
Electric power is the rate at which energy is transferred, converted, or dissipated by an element within an electric circuit.
What is the equation for electric power in terms of current (I) and resistance (R)?
The derived equation for electric power in terms of current and resistance is $P=I^2R$.