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Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions AP  Physics 1 FRQ

Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions AP  Physics 1 FRQ – Exam Style Questions etc.

Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions AP  Physics 1 FRQ

Unit: 1. Kinematics 

Weightage : 10-15%

AP Physics 1 Exam Style Questions – All Topics

Exam Style Practice Questions, Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions AP  Physics 1 FRQ

Question

A block of mass m is placed on top of an ideal spring of spring constant k . The block is pushed against the spring, compressing the spring a distance ∆x. The block is released from rest, leaves the spring at the position shown in the figure, travels upward, and enters a track with a constant radius of curvature R that has negligible friction. The block enters the track at point A, maintains contact with the track, and exits horizontally at point B, a distance 3R above the point the block was released. The block then falls to the ground and lands a horizontal distance D from the end of the track. Express all algebraic answers in terms of m, k , , ∆x R, and physical constants, as appropriate. The size of the block is much smaller than the radius of curvature of the track.
(a) On the dot below, which represents the block, draw and label the forces (not components) that act on the block while still in contact with the track at point B. Each force must be represented by a distinct arrow starting on, and pointing away from, the dot.

Justify your choice of vectors.

(b)
i. Derive an expression for the speed v of the block at point B.
ii. Derive an expression for the magnitude of the net force F on the block at point B.
(c) Derive an expression for the minimum value of Δxmin required in order for the block to maintain contact with the track through point B. The procedure is repeated several times with the distance Δx > Δxmin.
(d) Calculate the distance D that the block travels.
(e) The graph below shows the best-fit line drawn by the students through their data of D as a function of Δx.

i. Explain why there are no data for section I of the graph.
ii. Explain the reason for the shape and minimum value of section II on the graph.

Answer/Explanation

Ans:

(a)

The force of gravity is includes because it always polls objects toward  the earth (down). Depending on how fast the block is moving, it might also experience a normal force from the ramp. The normal force is always perpendicular to the surface, so it too  points down

(b)

i.

E2 = E1

Kf + Uf = Usil

\(\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}+mgh = \frac{1}{2}ux^{2}\)

\(mv^{2}+2mg(3R)=k(\Delta x)^{2}\)

\(v = \sqrt{\frac{k(\Delta x^{2})-comgR}{m}}\)

ii.

\(F_{net}=\frac{mv^{2}}{R}\)

\(=\frac{m\left ( \frac{k(\Delta x)^{2}-6 mg R}{m} \right )}{R}\)

\(F = \frac{k(\Delta x)^{2}}{R}-6mg\)

(c)

\(F_{grav}=\frac{mv^{2}}{r}\)

\(mg=\frac{mv^{2}}{R}\)

\(v = \sqrt{gR}\)

\(\sqrt{gR}=\sqrt{\frac{k(\Delta x^{2})-6 mgR}{m}}\)

mgR = k(Δx)2 – 6mgR

7mgR = k(Δx)2

\(\Delta x_{min} = \sqrt{\frac{7mgR}{k}}\)

(d)

\(w/f_{f}=y_{1}+{v_{1}}^{t}+\frac{1}{2}at\)

\(0 = 3R – \frac{(g)}{2}t^{2}\)

\(\sqrt{\frac{6R}{g}}= t\)

xf = x1 + vt

D = v(t)

\(D = \sqrt{\frac{k(\Delta x)^{2}-6mgR}{m}}.\sqrt{\frac{6R}{g}}\)

\(D = \sqrt{\frac{6kR(\Delta x)^{2}-6mgR^{2}}{mg}}\)

(e)

i.

When Δx is less than Δxmin, the block does not maintain contact with the track until point B

ii.

D is directly proportional to the square root of (Δx)2, which means that D is proportional to Δx, this linear relationship produces a line.

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