← Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism syllabus

United StatesPhysics C: Electricity and Magnetism

Unit 13: Electromagnetic Induction

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does energy oscillate between a capacitor and an inductor in an LC circuit?

Topic 13.6 Circuits with Capacitors and Inductors (LC Circuits): model the oscillation of charge and current in an LC circuit and the exchange of energy.
A calculus-based answer to AP Physics C E&M Topic 13.6, covering the differential equation of an LC circuit, the sinusoidal oscillation of charge and current, the angular frequency, and the exchange of energy between the capacitor and inductor.
11 min answer →

How do current and voltage evolve in time in a circuit with a resistor and an inductor?

Topic 13.5 Circuits with Resistors and Inductors (LR Circuits): model the exponential growth and decay of current in an LR circuit using the time constant.
A calculus-based answer to AP Physics C E&M Topic 13.5, covering the differential equation of an LR circuit, the exponential rise and decay of current, the time constant L/R, and the initial and final behavior of the inductor.
11 min answer →

How does a changing magnetic flux induce an EMF, and what sets its direction?

Topic 13.2 Electromagnetic Induction: apply Faraday's law and Lenz's law to find the magnitude and direction of an induced EMF.
A calculus-based answer to AP Physics C E&M Topic 13.2, covering Faraday's law of induction, the rate of change of flux, Lenz's law for direction, motional EMF, and induced EMF in rotating coils.
12 min answer →

How do induced currents create forces, and how does energy conservation govern them?

Topic 13.3 Induced Currents and Magnetic Forces: analyze the forces on induced currents, the energy and power in induction, and eddy-current effects.
A calculus-based answer to AP Physics C E&M Topic 13.3, covering the force on an induced current, the energy balance of a sliding rod, the power dissipated, eddy currents and magnetic braking.
11 min answer →

What is inductance, and how does an inductor store energy and oppose changes in current?

Topic 13.4 Inductance: define self-inductance, find the inductance and stored energy of a solenoid, and apply the back-EMF of an inductor.
A calculus-based answer to AP Physics C E&M Topic 13.4, covering self-inductance, the back-EMF, the inductance of a solenoid, the energy stored in an inductor, and the magnetic energy density.
10 min answer →

What is magnetic flux, and how is it computed as a surface integral of the field?

Topic 13.1 Magnetic Flux: define magnetic flux as the surface integral of the field and compute it for uniform and changing configurations.
A calculus-based answer to AP Physics C E&M Topic 13.1, covering magnetic flux as the surface integral of B, the area vector and angle dependence, flux through a coil of N turns, and how flux changes with field, area or orientation.
9 min answer →