WORKSHEET # 1

Habits of an Effective Problem-Solver

An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a
manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. While not every
effective problem solver employs the same approach, they all have habits
which they share in common. These habits are described briefly here. An
effective problem-solver...

 ...reads the problem carefully and develops a mental picture of

the physical situation. If needed, they sketch a simple diagram of
the physical situation to help visualize it.
 ...identifies the known and unknown quantities and records
them in an organized manner, often times recording them on the
diagram itself. They equate given values to the symbols used to
represent the corresponding quantity (e.g., ΔV = 9.0 V; R = 0.025
Ω; I = ???).
 ...plots a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity; the
strategy will typically center around the use of physics equations be
heavily dependent upon an understanding of physics principles.
 ...identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use, often times
writing them down. Where needed, they perform the needed
conversion of quantities into the proper unit.
 ...performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order
to solve for the unknown quantity.
1. Use 8.99 x109 N•m2/C2 for Coulomb's constant and 1.60x10-19 C for the
charge of an electron.
Two ping pong balls have been painted with metallic paint and charged
by contact with an Van de Graaff generator. The charge on the balls
are -3.1x10-7 C and -3.7x10-7 C. Determine the force of electrical
repulsion when held a distance of 42 cm apart. 5.8x10-3 N

q 1=−3.1 ×10−7 C
q 2=−3.7 ×10−7 C
9 N . m2
k =8.99 ×10
C2
r =0.42 m
F=?

k q1 q2
F=
r2

N . m2
(8.99 ×10 9 2
)(−3.1 ×10−7 C)(−3.7× 10−7 C)
C
F=
(0.42 m)2

F=5.8 x 10 N

2. Determine the quantity of charge on … 

a. … a plastic tube which has been rubbed with animal fur and gained
3.8x109 electrons.
e=1.6 ×10−19 C
N=3.8× 109
q=N . e
q=N . e
q=3.8 ×10 9 . 1.6 ×10−19 C
q=6.1 x 10−10 C(of negative charge)
 b. … a vinyl balloon which has been rubbed with animal fur and gained
1.7x1012 electrons.
e=1.6 ×10−19 C
N=1.7 × 1012
q=?
q=N . e
q=1.7 ×10 12 .1.6 × 10−19 C
q=2.7 x 10−7 C (of negative charge)

c. … an acetate strip which has been rubbed with wool and lost
7.3x108 electrons.
e=1.6 ×10−19 C
N=7.3 × 108
q=?
q=N . e
q=7.3 ×108 . 1.6 ×10−19 C
q=1.2 x 10−10 C( of positive charge)

a. 6.1x10-10 C (of negative charge)

b. 2.7x10-7 C (of negative charge)
c. 1.2x10-10 C (of positive charge)
3. Two vinyl balloons with an identical charge are given a separation
distance of 52 cm. The balloons experience a repulsive force of
2.74x10-3 N. Determine the magnitude of charge on each one of the
balloons. 2.9x10-7 C
q 1=q=?
q 2=q=?
9 N . m2
k =8.99 ×10
C2
r =0.52 m
F=2.74 ×10−3 N

k q1 q2
F=
r2
 N . m2
9
(8.99 ×10 )qq
C2
2.74 × 10−3 N =
(0.52 m)2
2.74 ×10−3 N ×(0.52m)2

√
q= 2
(8.99 ×10

q=2.9 ×10−7 C
9 N .m

C2
2
)

4. Over the course of an 8 hour day, 3.8x104 C of charge passes through

a typical computer (presuming it is in use the entire time). Determine
the current for such a computer. 1.3 A
min sec
t=8 hrs ×60 ×60 =28800 sec
hr min
q=3.8 ×10 4 C
i=?

q=i× t

q 3.8 ×10 4 C C
i= = =1.3 =1.3 A
t 28800 sec sec

5. The large window air conditioner in Anita Breeze's room draws 11

amps of current. The unit runs for 8.0 hours during the course of a
day. Determine the quantity of charge that passes through Anita's
window AC during these 8.0 hours. 3.2x105 C

i=11 A

min sec
t=8 hrs ×60 ×60 =28800 sec
hr min

q=?
q=i× t

C
q=11 A ×28800 sec=3.2 ×105 A . Sec=3.2 ×105 . Sec=3.2 ×10 5 C
sec

6. Determine the amount of time that the following devices would have to
be used before 1.0x106 C (1 million Coulombs) of charge passes
through them.
a. LED night light (I=0.0042 A)
q=1.0 ×106 C
i=0.0042 A
t=?
q=it
q 1.0 ×106 C C C
t= = =2.4 ×108 =2.4 ×108 =2.4 × 108 sec
i 0.0042 A A C
sec

b. Incandescent night light (I=0.068 A)

q=1.0 ×106 C
i=0.068 A
t=?
q=it
q 1.0 ×106 C C C
t= = =1.5 ×10 7 =1.5 ×107 =1.5 ×10 7 sec
i 0.068 A A C
sec
c. 60-Watt incandescent light bulb (I=0.50 A)
q=1.0 ×106 C
i=0.50 A
t=?
q=it
q 1.0 ×106 C C C
t= = =2.0 × 106 =2.0 ×10 6 =2.0× 106 sec
i 0.50 A A C
sec
 d. Large bathroom light fixture (I=2.0 A)
q=1.0 ×106 C
i=2.0 A
t=?
q=it
q 1.0 ×106 C C C
t= = =5.0 × 105 =5.0 ×105 =5.0 ×105 sec
i 2.0 A A C
sec

a. 2.4x108 sec = 6.6x104 hr = 2.8x103 d = 7.5 yr

b. 1.5x107 sec = 4.1x103 hr = 170 d
c. 2.0x106 s = 560 hr = 23 d
d. 5.0x105 s = 140 hr = 5.8 d

7. The heating element of an electric toaster is typically made of

nichrome wire (an alloy of nickel and chromium). As current passes
through the wires, the wires heat up, thus toasting the toast. Estimate
the overall resistance of a heating element which is 220 cm long and
consists of nichrome wire with a diameter of 0.56 mm. The resistivity
of nichrome is 110x10-8 Ω•m. 9.8 Ω

ρ=110 ×10−8 Ω. m

L=2.20 m

(0.56 ×10−3 m)2

A=π .
4

R=?

ρ. L
R=
A

[ 110 × 10−8 Ω .m ] .[2.20 m]

R= =9.8 Ω
(0.56 × 10−3 m)2
π.
4
8. Determine the overall resistance of a 100-meter length of 14 AWA
(0.163 cm diameter) wire made of the following materials.
a. copper (resistivity = 1.67x10-8 Ω•m)
ρ=1.67× 10−8 Ω . m
L=100 m
(0.163 ×10−2 m)2
A=π .
4
R=?
ρ. L
R=
A
[ 110 × 10−8 Ω .m ] .[100 m]
R= −3 2
=0.800 Ω
(0.56 × 10 m)
π.
4

b. silver (resistivity = 1.59x10-8 Ω•m)

ρ=1.59× 10−8 Ω .m
L=100 m
(0.163 ×10−2 m)2
A=π .
4
R=?
ρ. L
R=
A
[ 1.59 ×10−8 Ω. m ] .[ 100 m]
R= =0.762 Ω
(0.56 ×10−3 m)2
π.
4

c. aluminum (resistivity = 2.65x10-8 Ω•m)

ρ=2.65× 10−8 Ω . m
L=100 m
(0.163 ×10−2 m)2
A=π .
4
R=?
ρ. L
R=
A
[ 2.65 ×10−8 Ω. m ] . [100 m]
R= =1.27 Ω
(0.56 ×10−3 m)2
π.
4
 d. iron (resistivity = 9.71x10-8 Ω•m)
ρ=9.71× 10−8 Ω . m
L=100 m
(0.163 ×10−2 m)2
A=π .
4
R=?
ρ. L
R=
A
[ 9.71 ×10−8 Ω. m ] . [100 m]
R= −3 2
=4.65 Ω
(0.56 ×10 m)
π.
4

a. 0.800 Ω
b. 0.762 Ω
c. 1.27 Ω
d. 4.65 Ω
9. A power saw at the local hardware store boasts of having a 15-Amp
motor. Determine its resistance when plugged into a 110-Volt outlet.
7.3 Ω

i=15 A

V =110 V

R=?

V =i × R

V 110 V
R= = =7.3 Ω
i 15 A

10. A coffee cup immersion heater utilizes a heating coil with a

resistance of 8.5 Ω. Determine the current through the coil when
operated at 110 V. 13 A
V =110 V
R=8.5 Ω
i=?
V =i × R
 V 110 V
i= = =13 A
R 8.5 Ω

11. A stun gun or TASER is designed to put out a few seconds worth of
electric pulses that impress a voltage of about 1200 V across the
human body. This results in an average current of approximately 3 mA
into a human body. Using these figures, estimate the resistance of the
human body. 4x105 Ω
V =1200 V
R=?
i=3 mA
V =i × R
V 110 V
R= = =4 ×105 Ω
i 3 ×10−3

12. Determine the amount of electrical energy (in J) used by the

following devices when operated for the indicated times.
a. Hair dryer (1500 W) - operated for 5 minutes
P=1500 W
sec
t=5 min ×60 =300 sec
min
E=P× t
E=1500W × 300 sec=450000 W . sec=450000 J =4.5 ×10 5 J

b. Electric space heater (950 W) - operated for 4 hours

P=950W
min sec
t=4 hrs × 60 ×60 =14400 sec
hrs min
E=P× t
E=950 W ×14400 sec=13680000W . sec=13680000 J =1.4 ×10 7 J

c. X-Box video game player (180 W) - operated for 2 hours

 P=180 W
min sec
t=2 hrs × 60 ×60 =7200 sec
hrs min
E=P× t
E=180W × 7200 sec=1296000 W . sec =1296000 J =1.3 ×106 J

d. 42-inch LCD television (210 W) - operated for 3 hours

P=210 W
min sec
t=3 hrs × 60 ×60 =10800 sec
hrs min
E=P× t
E=180W × 7200 sec=1296000 W . sec=1296000 J =1.3 ×106 J

a. 4.5x105 J
b. 1.4x107 J
c. 1.3x106 J
d. 2.3x106 J
13. Having recently lost her job, Penny Penching is looking for every
possible means of cutting costs. She decides that her 4.0-Watt clock
radio alarm does not need to be on for 24 hours every day since she
only needs it for waking up after her average 8-hour sleep. So she
decides to plug it in before going to sleep and to unplug it when
waking. Penny pays 12 cents per kiloWatt•hour for her electricity. How
much money is Penny able to save over the course of a month (31
days) with her new alarm clock usage pattern? 24 cents

Old usage
Cost =Energy × Rate
Energy=Power ×time
cent
Rate=12
KWH
KW
Power=4.0 W ×1 =0.004 KW
1000 W
t=31 ×24 hrs =744 hrs
Energy=Power ×time=0.004 KW × 744 H=2.976 KWH
cent
Cost =2.976 KWH × 12 =35.712cent
KWH

New usage
 Cost =Energy × Rate
Energy=Power ×time
cent
Rate=12
KWH
KW
Power=4.0 W ×1 =0.004 KW
1000 W
t=31 ×8 hrs=248 hrs
Energy=Power ×time=0.004 KW × 248 H =0.992 KWH
cent
Cost =0 .992 KWH ×12 =11.904 cent
KWH
Saving = Old usage – New Usage=35.712 cent−11.904 cent=23.808 cents=24 cents

14. The power of a 1.5-volt alkaline cell varies with the number of
hours of operation. A brand new D-cell can deliver as much as 13 A
through a copper wire connected between terminals. Determine the
power of a brand new D-cell. 20. W (rounded from 19.5 W)
V =1.5 V
i=13 A
P=?
P=i ×V
P=13 A ×1.5 V =19.5W

15. A central air conditioner in a typical Bell Air home operates on a

220-V circuit and draws about 15 A of current. 
a. Determine the power rating of such an air conditioner.
V =220V
i=15 A
P=?
P=i ×V
P=15 A ×220 V =3300W

b. Determine the energy consumed (in kW•hr) if operated for 8 hours

per day.

Energy=Power ×time
P=15 A ×220 V =3300W =3.3 kW
t=8 h
Energy=3.3 kW ×8 h=26.4 kWh
 c. Determine the monthly cost (31 days) if the utility company charges
13 cents per kW•hr.
Cost =Energy × Rate
cent
[
Cost = 26.4 kWh×13
kWh ]
×31=10639.2 cents=106 cents

a. 3300 W
b. 26 kW•hr
c. $110 per month (rounded from $106)
16. Compare the resistance of a 1.5-Amp interior light bulb of a car
(operating off a 12-V battery) to the resistance of a 100-Watt bulb
operating on a 110-volt household circuitry.
Car light bulb: 8.0 Ω
100-W lamp bulb: 120 Ω (rounded from 121 Ω)

#1
i=1.5 A
V =12 V
V 12V
R 1= = =8 Ω
i 1.5 A
#2
P=100 W
V =110 V
2
V 2 (110 V )
R= = =121 Ω
P 100W

17. A 3-way light bulb for a 110-V lamp has two different filaments
and three different power ratings. Turning the switch of the lamp
toggles the light from OFF to low (50 W) to medium (100 W) to high
(150 W) brightness. These three brightness settings are achieved by
channeling current through the high resistance filament (50 W), the
low resistance filament (100 W) or through both filaments. Determine
the resistance of the 50 W and the 100 W filaments. 50-watt filament:
R = 240 Ω (rounded from 242 Ω)
100-watt filament: R = 120 Ω (rounded from 121 Ω)
50 watt

P=50 W

V =110 V

V2
R=
P

(110 V )2
R= =242 Ω
50 W

100 Watt

P=100 W

V =110 V

V2
R=
P

(110V )2
R= =121 Ω
100 W

18. The UL panel on the bottom of an electric toaster oven indicates

that it operates at 1500 W on a 110 V circuit. Determine the electrical
resistance of the toaster oven. 8.1 Ω
P=1500 W
V =110 V
V2
R=
P
(110 V )2
R= =8.07 Ω
1500 W

19. Determine the equivalent resistance of a 6.0 Ω and a 8.0 Ω

resistor if …
a. … connected in series.
R1=¿ 6.0 Ω
R2=¿8.0 Ω
Rt =R1 + R2
 Rt =¿6.0 Ω+8.0 Ω = 14.0 Ω

b. … connected in parallel.
1 1
Rt = = =3.4
1 1
+
1 1
+ Ω
R1 R2 6 8

a. 14.0 Ω b. 3.4 Ω
20. Two resistors with resistance values of 6.0 Ω and 8.0 Ω are
connected to a 12.0-volt source. Determine the overall current in the
circuit if the resistors are …
a. … connected in series.
❑❑

Rt =14.0 Ω
V =12.0 V
i=?
V 12.0 V
i= = =0.86 A
Rt 14.0 Ω

21. b. … connected in parallel.

Rt =3.4 Ω
V =12.0 V
i=?
V 12.0 V
i= = =3.5 A
Rt 3.4 Ω

a. 0.86 A b. 3.5 A

22. Voltmeters can be used to determine the voltage difference

between two points on a circuit. An ammeter can be used to determine
 the current at any given location on a circuit. The circuit at the right is
powered by a 12.0-volt battery and utilizes two voltmeters and two
ammeters to measure voltage drops and currents. The resistor values
are 1.28 Ω (R1) and 3.85 Ω (R2). Determine the ammeter readings and

voltmeter readings.
Ammeter readings: 2.34 A (for each)
Top voltmeter reading: 2.99 V
Bottom voltmeter reading: 9.01 V
R1=¿ 1.28 Ω
R2=¿3.85 Ω
Rt =R1 + R2
Rt =1.28 Ω+3.85 Ω=5.13 Ω

Ammeter reading

Rt =5.13 Ω
V =12.0 V

V 12.0 V
i= = =2.34 A
Rt 5.13 Ω

Same current goes through both Ammeter since they are in series.

Top Voltmeter reading

This voltmeter is measuring the voltage across R1, and can be found by
using ohms law.

V =i × R

V =2.34 A ×1.28 Ω=2.99 V

Bottom Voltmeter reading

This voltmeter is measuring the voltage across R1, and can be found by
using ohms law.
V =i × R

V =2.34 A ×3.85 Ω=9.009 V

23. The series circuit at the right depicts three resistors connected to
a voltage source. The voltage source (ΔVtot) is a 110-V source and the
resistor values are 7.2 Ω (R1), 6.2 Ω (R2) and 8.6 Ω (R3). 
a. Determine the equivalent resistance of the circuit.
R1=¿ 7.2 Ω
R2=¿6.2 Ω
R3=¿8.6 Ω

Rt =R1 + R2 + R3 (Total resistance of resistors in series)

Rt =7.2 Ω+6.2 Ω+ 8.6 Ω=22 Ω

b. Determine the current in the circuit.

Rt =22 Ω
V =110 V
V 110 V
i= = =5 A c. Determine the voltage drops across each individual
Rt 22 Ω
resistor.

V =i × R

V 1=5 A ×7.2 Ω=36 V

V 2=5 A ×6.2 Ω=31V

V 3=5 A × 8.6 Ω=43V

 a. 22.0 Ω
b. 5.0 A
c. ΔV1 = 36 V, ΔV2 = 31 V and ΔV3 = 43 V

24. Voltmeters can be used to determine the voltage across two

points on a circuit. An ammeter can be used to determine the current
at any given location on a circuit. The circuit at the right is powered by
a 60.0-volt power source and utilizes three voltmeters and three
ammeters to measure voltage drops and currents. The resistor values
are 10.3 Ω (R1), 15.2 Ω (R2) and 2.8 Ω (R3). Determine the ammeter

readings and voltmeter readings.

Ammeter readings: 1.57 A (for each)
Top voltmeter reading (across R1): 16.1 V
Right voltmeter reading (across R2): 23.8 V
Bottom voltmeter reading (across R3): 20.1 V
25. A circuit powered by a 12.0-volt battery is comprised of three
identical resistors in series. An ammeter reading reveals a current of
0.360 A. Determine the resistance values of the resistors and the
voltage drops across the resistors. R1 = R2 = R3 = 11.1 Ω
ΔV1 = ΔV2 = ΔV3 = 4.0 V
26. A 4.5-volt series circuit consists of two resistors. Resistor A has
three times the resistance as resistor B. An ammeter records a current
 of 160 mA of current. Determine the resistance values of resistors A
and B. RA = 21.1 Ω RB = 7.0 Ω
27. A 9.00-volt battery is used to power a series circuit with a 2.50
Ω and a 3.50 Ω resistor. Determine the power rating of each resistor
and the total power of the circuit. Power of 2.5 Ω resistor: 5.63 W
Power of 3.5 Ω resistor: 7.88 W Power of entire circuit: 13.5 W
28. The parallel circuit below depicts two resistors connected to a
voltage source. The voltage source (ΔVtot) is a 12-V source and the
resistor values are 6.4 Ω (R1) and 3.9 Ω (R2). 
a. Determine the equivalent resistance of the circuit.
b. Determine the current in each branch resistor.
c. Determine the total current in the circuit.

1/ Rt =1/ R1+ 1/ R 2 (Total resistance of resistors in parallel)

a. 2.4 Ω
b. I1 = 1.9 A and I2 = 3.1 A
c. 5.0 A