Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

2018, High School Intro Physics

Question 45: Open-Response

Reporting Category: Electromagnetism
Standard: 5.2 - Develop a qualitative and quantitative understanding of current, voltage, resistance, and the connections among them (Ohm's law).

A student connects a small solar panel to a 40 Ω resistor to make a simple circuit. The solar panel produces a voltage of 2 V.

Identify a different circuit component that could serve the same purpose as the solar panel in this circuit.
Calculate the current in the student's circuit. Show your calculations and include units in your answer.
Calculate the power produced by the student's circuit. Show your calculations and include units in your answer.
Describe one way the student can modify the circuit to increase the current through the resistor.

Scoring Guide and Sample Student Work

Select a score point in the table below to view the sample student response.

Score	Description
4	The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of current, voltage, resistance, and the connections among them. The response correctly identifies the circuit component that serves the same purpose as the solar panel. The response correctly calculates the current and power in the circuit. The response also clearly describes one modification which can be made to the circuit to increase the current through the resistor.
4
3	The response demonstrates a general understanding of current, voltage, resistance, and the connections among them.
2	The response demonstrates a limited understanding of current, voltage, resistance, and the connections among them.
1	The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of current, voltage, resistance, and the connections among them.
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 Intro Physics

Question 12: Waves and Radiation

Question 23: Motion and Forces

Question 32: Heat and Heat Transfer

Question 44: Motion and Forces

Question 45: Electromagnetism

Return to the MCAS 2018 Student Work Directory

Last Updated: March 11, 2024