Representing Motion

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AP Physics C: Mechanics › Representing Motion

Questions 1 - 8
1

A model rocket launches vertically from $y_0=0\ \text{m}$ with initial speed $v_0=18\ \text{m/s}$ upward. After launch, the engine cuts off immediately, so the only force is gravity with $a=-9.8\ \text{m/s}^2$. Air resistance is neglected, and the motion is one-dimensional along the vertical axis. Analyze the motion from $t=0$ until the rocket reaches its peak. Based on the scenario described, determine the maximum height reached by the projectile.

$8.3\ \text{m}$ above launch point

$16.5\ \text{m/s}$ above launch point

$16.5\ \text{m}$ above launch point

$33.1\ \text{m}$ above launch point

Explanation

This question tests AP Physics C: Mechanics skills in representing motion through vertical projectile analysis. Vertical motion with constant acceleration follows kinematic equations where maximum height occurs when velocity reaches zero. In this scenario, a rocket launches upward at 18 m/s against gravity (-9.8 m/s²), reaching maximum height when v = 0, using v² = v0² - 2gh gives h = v0²/(2g) = (18)²/(2×9.8) ≈ 16.5 m. Choice B is correct because it properly calculates the maximum height using energy conservation or kinematic equations. Choice D is incorrect because it confuses height (measured in meters) with velocity (measured in m/s), a common dimensional error when students rush through problems. To help students: Emphasize checking units in final answers. Practice recognizing when velocity equals zero at turning points in motion.

2

Two carts move on a frictionless track along the $x$ axis toward each other. Cart 1 starts at $x_1=0\ \text{m}$ with constant velocity $+2.0\ \text{m/s}$, and cart 2 starts at $x_2=10\ \text{m}$ with constant velocity $-1.0\ \text{m/s}$. External forces are negligible before the collision, so each cart’s acceleration is zero until impact. Analyze the motion from $t=0$ until the carts collide. Based on the scenario described, calculate the displacement of the object after 5 seconds.

Cart 1: $+10\ \text{m/s}$, Cart 2: $-5\ \text{m/s}$

Cart 1: $+10\ \text{m}$, Cart 2: $-5\ \text{m}$

Cart 1: $+5\ \text{m}$, Cart 2: $-10\ \text{m}$

Cart 1: $+10\ \text{m}$, Cart 2: $+5\ \text{m}$

Explanation

This question tests AP Physics C: Mechanics skills in representing motion through relative motion analysis. When objects move with constant velocities, displacement equals velocity times time for each object independently. In this scenario, Cart 1 moves at +2.0 m/s for 5 seconds, giving displacement Δx1 = 2.0 × 5 = +10 m, while Cart 2 moves at -1.0 m/s for 5 seconds, giving displacement Δx2 = -1.0 × 5 = -5 m. Choice A is correct because it properly calculates displacement as velocity times time for each cart with correct signs. Choice D is incorrect because it confuses displacement (measured in meters) with velocity (measured in m/s), showing the velocity values instead of calculating displacement. To help students: Emphasize the difference between instantaneous quantities (velocity) and accumulated quantities (displacement). Practice problems with multiple objects to build comfort with relative motion.

3

A tennis ball is thrown straight upward from $y_0=1.5\ \text{m}$ with initial velocity $v_0=14\ \text{m/s}$. Gravity provides constant acceleration $a=-9.8\ \text{m/s}^2$, and air resistance is neglected. The motion is one-dimensional, and upward is defined as the positive direction. Analyze the motion for the first $t=3.0\ \text{s}$ after release. Based on the scenario described, describe the motion of the object using kinematic equations.

$y(t)=14+1.5t-9.8t^2$ with $v(t)=1.5-9.8t$

$y(t)=1.5+14t+4.9t^2$ with $v(t)=14+9.8t$

$y(t)=1.5+9.8t-4.9t^2$ with $v(t)=9.8-14t$

$y(t)=1.5+14t-4.9t^2$ with $v(t)=14-9.8t$

Explanation

This question tests AP Physics C: Mechanics skills in representing motion through kinematic equation application. One-dimensional motion with constant acceleration follows position and velocity equations derived from calculus or kinematic relationships. In this scenario, with y0 = 1.5 m, v0 = 14 m/s, and a = -9.8 m/s², the position equation is y(t) = y0 + v0t + ½at² = 1.5 + 14t - 4.9t², and velocity is v(t) = v0 + at = 14 - 9.8t. Choice A is correct because it properly applies both kinematic equations with correct signs for upward initial velocity and downward acceleration. Choice B is incorrect because it uses positive acceleration (+4.9t²), failing to recognize that gravity acts downward (negative in the upward-positive convention). To help students: Consistently define coordinate systems before solving. Practice deriving velocity from position equations to verify consistency.

4

A ball is thrown from ground level at $v_0=18,\text{m/s}$ and $\theta=50^\circ$ above the horizontal, with $g=9.8,\text{m/s}^2$ downward and no air resistance. Take $t=0$ at launch and analyze motion during the first $2.0,\text{s}$. The only force during flight is gravity, so acceleration is constant and vertical. Initial position is $\vec r_0=\langle 0,0\rangle,\text{m}$, and $v_x$ remains constant. Use component kinematics to model the motion. Based on the scenario described, describe the motion of the object using kinematic equations.

$x(t)=(v_0\cos\theta)t,; y(t)=(v_0\sin\theta)t-\tfrac12g^2t^2$

$x(t)=\tfrac12(v_0\cos\theta)t^2,; y(t)=(v_0\sin\theta)t-gt^2$

$x(t)=(v_0\cos\theta)t-\tfrac12gt^2,; y(t)=(v_0\sin\theta)t$

$x(t)=(v_0\cos\theta)t,; y(t)=(v_0\sin\theta)t-\tfrac12gt^2$

Explanation

This question tests AP Physics C: Mechanics skills in representing motion through parametric equations for projectile motion. Projectile motion requires separate kinematic equations for horizontal and vertical components, with constant horizontal velocity and constant vertical acceleration. In this scenario, a ball is thrown at an angle, requiring component analysis with x(t) for horizontal motion and y(t) for vertical motion. Choice A is correct because horizontal motion has constant velocity: x(t)=(v₀cosθ)t with no acceleration term, while vertical motion includes initial velocity and gravitational acceleration: y(t)=(v₀sinθ)t-½gt². Choice B is incorrect because it incorrectly includes ½ in the horizontal equation, suggesting acceleration where none exists, and omits the ½ factor in the vertical equation. To help students: Emphasize that horizontal motion has zero acceleration in projectile problems. Create tables showing initial conditions and accelerations for each component, and practice deriving position equations from first principles.

5

A soccer ball is kicked from ground level at $v_0=20\ \text{m/s}$ and $\theta=35^\circ$, with $g=9.8\ \text{m/s}^2$ downward and no air resistance. The ball starts at $x_0=0\ \text{m}$ and $y_0=0\ \text{m}$ and moves as a projectile. Only gravitational force acts after launch, so acceleration is constant. Analyze the motion from $t=0$ to $t=2.0\ \text{s}$. Based on the scenario described, determine the maximum height reached by the projectile.

$6.6\ \text{m/s}$ above launch level

$2.7\ \text{m}$ above launch level

$6.6\ \text{m}$ above launch level

$13.3\ \text{m}$ above launch level

Explanation

This question tests AP Physics C: Mechanics skills in representing motion through projectile motion analysis. Projectile motion involves analyzing the independent horizontal and vertical components of motion, where only gravity acts in the vertical direction. In this scenario, a soccer ball is kicked at 20 m/s at 35° above horizontal, creating initial velocity components vx = 20cos(35°) ≈ 16.4 m/s and vy = 20sin(35°) ≈ 11.5 m/s. Choice B is correct because the maximum height occurs when vy = 0, using vy² = v0y² - 2gh gives h = v0y²/(2g) = (11.5)²/(2×9.8) ≈ 6.6 m. Choice C is incorrect because it doubles the correct answer, a common error when students confuse the maximum height formula with total vertical displacement. To help students: Use component analysis diagrams to visualize velocity vectors. Practice identifying when vertical velocity equals zero at the peak of trajectory.

6

A soccer ball is kicked from ground level at $v_0=20,\text{m/s}$ and $\theta=35^\circ$, with $g=9.8,\text{m/s}^2$ downward and no air resistance; take $t=0$ at launch and analyze motion over $0\le t\le 3,\text{s}$. The only force during flight is gravity, so acceleration is constant and vertical. Initial position is $\vec r_0=\langle 0,0\rangle,\text{m}$ and initial velocity components follow from the launch angle. Students may represent motion using kinematic equations for each component. Based on the scenario described, determine the maximum height reached by the projectile.

$6.6,\text{m}$ above launch point

$3.3,\text{m}$ above launch point

$66,\text{m}$ above launch point

$2.0,\text{m}$ above launch point

Explanation

This question tests AP Physics C: Mechanics skills in representing motion through kinematic analysis of projectile motion. Projectile motion involves analyzing the independent horizontal and vertical components of motion, where the vertical component experiences constant acceleration due to gravity while the horizontal component maintains constant velocity. In this scenario, a soccer ball is kicked at 20 m/s at a 35° angle, requiring us to find the maximum height using kinematic equations. Choice B is correct because at maximum height, the vertical velocity becomes zero, so using v²=v₀²+2aΔy with v_y=0, v₀y=20sin(35°)≈11.5 m/s, and a=-9.8 m/s², we get Δy=v₀y²/(2g)≈6.6 m. Choice C is incorrect because it appears to use half the correct value, possibly from misapplying the equation or using the wrong initial velocity component. To help students: Emphasize decomposing initial velocity into components using trigonometry. Use energy methods as an alternative check, and practice identifying when vertical velocity equals zero at the peak.

7

A car moves around a flat circular track of radius $r=80,\text{m}$ at constant speed $v=16,\text{m/s}$ for a time interval of $0\le t\le 25,\text{s}$. The car’s velocity changes direction continuously while its speed stays constant. The net force is horizontal and points toward the center, producing centripetal acceleration. Ignore banking and assume tires provide sufficient static friction. Based on the scenario described, what is the velocity of the object at time $t=10,\text{s}$?

$3.2,\text{m/s}$, radially inward

$16,\text{m/s}^2$, tangent to the circle

$16,\text{m/s}$, tangent to the circle

$0,\text{m/s}$ because speed is constant

Explanation

This question tests AP Physics C: Mechanics skills in representing motion through understanding the distinction between velocity and acceleration in circular motion. Uniform circular motion involves constant speed but changing velocity direction, requiring students to understand velocity as a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction. In this scenario, a car moves at constant speed around a circular track, and we need to identify the velocity at a specific time. Choice A is correct because velocity in circular motion has magnitude equal to the speed (16 m/s) and direction tangent to the circle at any instant, regardless of the specific time. Choice B is incorrect because it confuses velocity with centripetal acceleration, which points radially inward with magnitude v²/r=3.2 m/s². To help students: Use vector diagrams to show velocity tangent to the path and acceleration pointing toward the center. Emphasize that constant speed does not mean constant velocity when direction changes.

8

A drone flies in the horizontal plane with initial position $\vec r_0=\langle 0,0\rangle,\text{m}$ and initial velocity $\vec v_0=\langle 6,2\rangle,\text{m/s}$. A constant acceleration from its motors acts only in the $x$-direction: $\vec a=\langle 1.5,0\rangle,\text{m/s}^2$ for $0\le t\le 6,\text{s}$. Neglect wind and assume the acceleration remains constant throughout the interval. Students model each component using kinematic equations. Based on the scenario described, calculate the displacement of the object after $5,\text{s}$.

$\langle 30,10\rangle,\text{m}$

$\langle 48.75,10\rangle,\text{m}$

$\langle 48.75,0\rangle,\text{m}$

$\langle 48.75,10\rangle,\text{m/s}$

Explanation

This question tests AP Physics C: Mechanics skills in representing motion through vector kinematics with constant acceleration in two dimensions. Two-dimensional motion with constant acceleration requires applying kinematic equations independently to each component, then combining results as vectors. In this scenario, a drone has initial velocity components and constant acceleration only in the x-direction, requiring separate analysis of x and y motions. Choice B is correct because using Δr=v₀t+½at² for each component: Δx=(6)(5)+½(1.5)(25)=30+18.75=48.75 m and Δy=(2)(5)+½(0)(25)=10 m, giving displacement ⟨48.75,10⟩ m. Choice D is incorrect because it has units of velocity rather than displacement, showing confusion between kinematic quantities. To help students: Set up separate kinematic equations for x and y components before solving. Use tables to organize initial conditions, accelerations, and results for each component, and always verify units match the quantity requested.