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Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2015, High School Technology/Engineering

Download PDF Document  Question 23: Open-Response  
Reporting Category: Electrical and Communication Systems
Standard: 5.3 - Explain the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a simple circuit, using Ohm's law.
A simple circuit is shown below.
A square diagram of a circuit with a component in the center of the left and right sides. The component on the left side is represented by two sets of alternating longer and shorter parallel lines with white space between them. This component is labeled thirty V. The component on the right side is represented by a zigzag line. This component is labeled R equals five ohms.
  1. Calculate the current in the circuit. Show your calculations and include units in your answer.
A second resistor, R2, with a resistance of 10 Ω, is added to the circuit and placed in series with R1.
  1. Calculate the total resistance in this circuit. Show your calculations and include units in your answer.
  1. Calculate the current in this circuit. Show your calculations and include units in your answer.
  1. Describe how adding this second resistor, R2, in series affects the power output of the battery. Explain your answer.

Scoring Guide and Sample Student Work
Select a score point in the table below to view the sample student response.

ScoreDescription
4 The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of the relationships among voltage, current, resistance, and power in a circuit. The response correctly calculates the current of the simple circuit. The response correctly calculates the resistance and the current in the circuit when a second resistor is added. The response also clearly describes and explains how this affects the power output of the battery.
4
3 The response demonstrates a general understanding of the relationships among voltage, current, resistance, and power in a circuit.
2 The response demonstrates a limited understanding of the relationships among voltage, current, resistance, and power in a circuit.
1 The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the relationships among voltage, current, resistance, and power in a circuit.
0 The response is incorrect or contains some correct work that is irrelevant to the skill or concept being measured.

Note: There are 2 sample student responses for Score Point 4.

High School Technology/Engineering

Question 11: Fluid and Thermal Systems
Question 23: Electrical and Communication Systems
Question 33: Engineering Design
Question 44: Fluid and Thermal Systems
Question 45: Construction and Manufacturing

Return to the MCAS 2015 Student Work Directory



Last Updated: November 3, 2006
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