AP Physics 1 Flashcards: Vectors And Motion In Two Dimensions

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Vectors And Motion In Two Dimensions, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Physics 1.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the two-dimensional motion with constant acceleration called?

Answer: Projectile motion. Motion under gravity in two dimensions.

Flashcard 2: What does the magnitude of the cross product represent?

Answer: Area of the parallelogram formed. Geometric interpretation of cross product.

Flashcard 3: What is the direction of centripetal force in circular motion?

Answer: Toward the center of the circle. Keeps object in circular path.

Flashcard 4: What is the effect of air resistance on projectile motion?

Answer: It decreases range and height. Air drag opposes motion.

Flashcard 5: Identify the velocity of a projectile at its highest point.

Answer: Zero vertical velocity. Instantaneously stops rising.

Flashcard 6: What is the formula for the gravitational potential energy of an object?

Answer: $U = mgh$. Height-dependent gravitational energy.

Flashcard 7: Which factor remains constant in a projectile's horizontal motion?

Answer: Horizontal velocity. No horizontal acceleration exists.

Flashcard 8: Find the vector sum of $(1, 2, 3)$ and $(4, 5, 6)$.

Answer: $(5, 7, 9)$. Add components: $(1+4, 2+5, 3+6)$.

Flashcard 9: What is the relationship between period and frequency?

Answer: $T = \frac{1}{f}$. Period and frequency are reciprocals.

Flashcard 10: State the formula for angular displacement.

Answer: $\theta = \omega t$. Angle equals rate times time.

Flashcard 11: Define the term 'scalar quantity'.

Answer: A quantity with magnitude only. No directional information included.

Flashcard 12: State the formula for the dot product of vectors $(a_1, b_1)$ and $(a_2, b_2)$.

Answer: $a_1 a_2 + b_1 b_2$. Multiply corresponding components and sum.

Flashcard 13: State the component form of vector $\textbf{A}$ with magnitude $5$ at $30^{\circ}$.

Answer: $(4.33, 2.5)$. Use $x = 5\cos(30°)$, $y = 5\sin(30°)$.

Flashcard 14: Identify the vertical component of velocity for a projectile at launch speed $v$ and angle $\theta$.

Answer: $v \sin \theta$. Initial vertical velocity component.

Flashcard 15: What is the range formula for a projectile launched at $v$ and angle $\theta$?

Answer: $R = \frac{v^2 \sin 2\theta}{g}$. Uses $\sin(2\theta)$ identity.

Flashcard 16: What is the horizontal component of velocity for a projectile at launch speed $v$ and angle $\theta$?

Answer: $v \cos \theta$. Horizontal component stays constant.

Flashcard 17: Which operation combines two vectors to form a resultant vector?

Answer: Vector addition. Forms resultant from two vectors.

Flashcard 18: What is the resultant vector of $(3, 4)$ and $(1, 2)$?

Answer: $(4, 6)$. Add corresponding components.

Flashcard 19: What is the formula for the velocity of an object in circular motion?

Answer: $v = r \omega$. Links linear and angular motion.

Flashcard 20: What condition indicates two vectors are perpendicular?

Answer: Dot product equals zero. Orthogonal vectors have zero dot product.

Flashcard 21: What variable represents angular velocity?

Answer: $\omega$. Greek omega represents rotation rate.

Flashcard 22: What is the definition of a vector quantity?

Answer: A quantity with both magnitude and direction. Combines size and direction info.

Flashcard 23: What is the dot product of vectors $(2, 3)$ and $(4, -1)$?

Answer: $5$. $(2)(4) + (3)(-1) = 8 - 3 = 5$.

Flashcard 24: State the relationship between linear speed and angular speed.

Answer: $v = r \omega$. Fundamental circular motion relationship.

Flashcard 25: What is the projection of vector $\textbf{A}$ onto vector $\textbf{B}$?

Answer: $\frac{\textbf{A} \cdot \textbf{B}}{||\textbf{B}||}$. Component of A along B direction.

Flashcard 26: What is the formula for work done by a force in the direction of displacement?

Answer: $W = Fd \cos \theta$. Force component in displacement direction.

Flashcard 27: State the formula for the maximum height of a projectile.

Answer: $h = \frac{v^2 \sin^2 \theta}{2g}$. From energy or kinematics.

Flashcard 28: What is the cross product of vectors used to find?

Answer: Vector perpendicular to both vectors. Cross product creates perpendicular vector.

Flashcard 29: What is the angle between vectors $(1, 0)$ and $(0, 1)$?

Answer: $90^{\circ}$. Unit vectors along axes are perpendicular.

Flashcard 30: State the formula for the magnitude of a vector $(x, y)$.

Answer: $\text{Magnitude} = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2}$. Pythagorean theorem for vector length.