Physics C AP Review Packet Name:_________________

Mechanics

Position(x, y or z)
Displacement (Δx, Δy or Δz) (CM-1988)
Change in position. 11. A particle moves along the x-axis with a nonconstant
Depends only on initial and final positions, acceleration described by a = 12t, where a is in
not on path. meters per second squared and t is in seconds. If the
Includes direction. particle starts from rest so that its speed v and
Δx = ∫vdt position x are zero when t = 0, where is it located
when t = 2 seconds?
Velocity (v) (A) x = 12 m B. x = 16m C. x = 24 m
Displacement per unit time D. x = 32 m E. x = 48 m
Average velocity
vave = ∆x/∆t (CM-1988)
Instantaneous velocity
Questions 14-15: An object moving in a straight line has a
v = dx/dt
velocity v in meters per second that varies with time t in
Δv = ∫adt seconds according to the following function.
v = 4 + 0.5 t2
Acceleration A. 14. The instantaneous acceleration of the object at t = 2
A change in velocity: speeding up, slowing seconds is
down, or turning. A. 2 m/s2 B. 4 m/s2 C. 5 m/s2
2 2
Average acceleration D. 6 m/s E. 8 m/s
aave = ∆v/∆t
Instantaneous acceleration 15. The displacement of the object between t = 0
a = dv/dt and t = 6 seconds is
A. 22 m B. 28 m C. 40 m D. 42 m E.
(B-1993) 60 m
1. In which of the following situations would an
object be accelerated? (CM-1993)
I. It moves in a straight line at constant speed. 2. A 500-kilogram sports car accelerates uniformly
II. It moves with uniform circular motion. from rest, reaching a speed of 30 meters per second
III. It travels as a projectile in a gravitational field in 6 seconds. During the 6 seconds, the car has
with negligible air resistance. traveled a distance of
A. I only A. 15 m B. 30 m C. 60 m D. 90 m E.
B. III only 180 m
C. I and II only
D. II and III only Kinematic Equations
E. I, II, and III Use these only in situations of constant, or uniform,
acceleration. (Otherwise, you need to do derivatives and
integrals!)
(CM-1993) v = vo + at
1. In the absence of air friction, an object x = xo + vot + ½ at2
dropped near the surface of the Earth experiences v2 = vo2 + 2a(∆x)
a constant acceleration of about 9.8 m/s2.
This means that the (CM-1984)
A. speed of the object increases 9.8 m/s during 28. A body moving in the positive x direction passes the
each second origin at time t = 0. Between t = 0 and t = 1 second, the
B. speed of the object as it falls is 9.8 m/s body has a constant speed of 24 meters per second. At t =
C. object falls 9.8 meters during each second 1 second, the body is given a constant acceleration of 6
D. object falls 9.8 meters during the first second meters per second squared in the negative x direction.
only The position x of the body at t = 11 seconds is
E. derivative of the distance with respect to time (A) +99 m
for the object equals 9.8 m/s2 (B) +36 m
(C) -36 m
(D) -75 m
(E) -99 m

1
(CM-1988) (CM-1998)
5. An object released from rest at time t = 0
slides down a frictionless incline a distance
of 1 meter during the first second. The
distance traveled by the object during the
time interval from t = 1 second to t = 2
seconds is
A. 1 m B. 2 m C. 3 m D. 4m E. 5 m
3. The graph above shows the velocity v as a function of
Kinematic graphs time t for an object moving in a straight line. Which
Slope of line of time-domain graph of the following graphs shows the corresponding
Equivalent to graphical derivative displacement x as a function of time t for the same
Use to go from displacement to velocity time interval?
Use to go from velocity to acceleration
Area under curve of time-domain graph
Equivalent to graphical integral
Use to go from velocity to displacement
Use to go from acceleration to velocity

(CM-1988) (B-1984)
3. The graph shows the velocity versus time for an
object moving in a straight line. At what time after
time = 0 does the object again pass through its initial
position?

(A) Between O and 1 s

(B) 1s
(C) Between 1 and 2 s
(D) 2s
(E) Between 2 and 3 s

Free Fall
Occurs when an object falls unimpeded.
Gravity accelerates the object toward the earth.
g = 9.8 m/s2 downward.
a = -g if up is positive.
acceleration is down when ball is thrown up
EVERYWHERE in the balls flight.

(B-1993)
5. An object is released from rest on a planet that has no
atmosphere. The object falls freely for 3.0 meters in the
first second. What is the magnitude of the acceleration
due to gravity on the planet?
A. l .5 m/s2 B. 3.0 m/s2
C. 6.0 m/s2 D. 10.0 m/s2
E. 12.0 m/s2
(CM-1993) Kinematic Equations (in 3 dimensions)
19. An object is shot vertically upward into the v = vo + at
air with a positive initial velocity. Which of r = r o + v ot + ½ a t 2
the following correctly describes the v • v = vo • vo + 2a•Δr
velocity and acceleration of the object at its Projectile Motion
maximum elevation? Horizontal velocity is constant.
Velocity Acceleration x = vo,xt
A. Positive Positive Vertical velocity is accelerated at -g.
B. Zero Zero vy = vo - gt
C. Negative Negative y = yo + Vo,yt - 1/2gt2
D. Zero Negative vy2 = vo,y2 - 2g(y – yo)
E. Positive Negative The trajectory is defined mathematically by a parabola.

Vectors have both magnitude and direction (CM-1998)

displacement, velocity, acceleration 2. The velocity of a projectile at launch has a horizontal
Scalars have magnitude only component vh and a vertical component vv. Air resistance
distance, speed, time, mass is negligible. When the projectile is at the highest point
Unit vectors of its trajectory, which of the following show the vertical
Specify direction only. and horizontal components of its velocity and the vertical
Used to represent a vector in terms of component of its acceleration?
components. Vertical Horizontal Vertical
a = a xi + a yj + a zk Velocity Velocity Acceleration
A. vv vh 0
Multiplication of Vector by Scalar B. vv 0 0
Physics application C. 0 vh 0
Momentum: p = mv D 0 0 g
Electric force: F = qE E. 0 vh g
Result
A vector with the same direction, a different
magnitude and perhaps different units. (CM-1998)

Multiplication of Vector by Vector (Dot Product)

C = AB cos θ
C = A xB x + A yB y + A zB z
Physics application
Work: W=F•d 26. A target T lies flat on the ground 3 m from the side of
Result a building that is 10 m tall, as shown above. A
A scalar with magnitude and no direction. student rolls a ball off the horizontal roof of the
building in the direction of the target. Air resistance
is negligible. The horizontal speed with which the
Multiplication of Vector by Vector (Cross ball must leave the roof if it is to strike the target is
Product) most nearly
C=A×B
C = AB sin θ (magnitude)
A. 3/10 m/s B. 2 m/s
Physics application 3
C. m/s D. 3 m/s
Work τ =r×F 2
Magnetic force F = qv × B
Result 5
E. 10 m/s
A vector with magnitude and a direction 3
perpendicular to the plane established by the
other two vectors.
(CM-1993) (CM-1998)

A ball is thrown and follows a parabolic path, as 25. A figure of a dancer on a music box moves coun-
shown above. Air friction is negligible. Point Q terclockwise at constant speed around the path shown
is the highest point on the path. above. The path is such that the lengths of its segments,
PQ, QR, RS, and SP, are equal. Arcs QR and SP are
27. Which of the following best indicates the semicircles. Which of the following best represents the
direction of the acceleration, if any, of the magnitude of the dancer's acceleration as a function of
ball at point Q ? time t during one trip around the path, beginning at point
P?
(A) (B)

(C) (D)

E. There is no acceleration of the ball at point Q.

(CM-1988)
10. A projectile is fired from the surface of the
Earth with a speed of 200 meters per second at
an angle of 30° above the horizontal. If the (CM-1988)
ground is level, what is the maximum height
reached by the projectile?
A. 5 m B. 10 m C. 500 m
D. 1,000 m E. 2,000 m

7. Vectors V1, and V2 shown above have equal

Uniform Circular Motion
magnitudes. The vectors represent the velocities of an
Object moves in a circle without changing speed.
object at times t1, and t2, respectively. The average
The object’s velocity is continually changing.
acceleration of the object between time t1 and t2 was
Therefore, the object must be accelerating.
A. zero B. directed north
The acceleration vector is pointed toward the
C. directed west D. directed north of east
center of the circle in which the object is
E. directed north of west
moving.
This acceleration is referred to as centripetal
acceleration.
Relative Motion
Usually requires vector addition.
Acceleration in Uniform Circular Motion
You may make any observer the “stationary” observer.
Centripetal acceleration.
Perpendicular to the velocity.
Does not change an object’s speed. (CM-1993)
ac = v2/r 3. At a particular instant, a stationary observer on the
v: velocity ground sees a package falling with speed v1 at an angle to
r: radius of rotation the vertical. To a pilot flying horizontally at constant
speed relative to the ground, the package appears to be
falling vertically with a speed v2 at that instant. What is
the speed of the pilot relative to the ground?
A. v1 + v2 B. v1 - v2 C. v2-v1
D. v12 − v22 E. v12 + v22
(CM-1988) (CM-1984)
6. Two people are in a boat that is capable of a
maximum speed of 5 kilometers per hour in still
water, and wish to cross a river 1 kilometer wide
to a point directly across from their starting 9. When the frictionless system shown above is accelerated by
point. If the speed of the water in the river is 5 an applied force of magnitude F, the tension in the string
kilometers per hour, how much time is required between the blocks is
for the crossing? A. 2 F B. F C. (2/3)F D. 0.5F E. (1/3)F
A. 0.05 hr B. 0.1 hr C. 1 hr
D. 10 hr
E. The point directly across from the starting point Newton’s Third Law
cannot be reached under these conditions. For every action there exists an equal and opposite
reaction. If A exerts a force F on B, then B exerts a force
Force is a vector of -F on A.
A push or pull on an object.
Unbalanced forces cause an object to
accelerate…
to speed up (CM-1993)
to slow down 5. If F1 is the magnitude of the force exerted by the Earth
to change direction on a satellite in orbit about the Earth and F2 is the
magnitude of the force exerted by the satellite on the
Types of Forces Earth, then which of the following is true?
Contact forces: involve contact between bodies. (A) F1 is much greater than F2.
Field forces: act without necessity of contact. (B) F1 is slightly greater than F2.
*Gravitational *Electromagnetic (C) F1 is equal to F2.
* Weak Nuclear *Strong Nuclear (D) F2 is slightly greater than F1
(E) F2 is much greater than F1
Forces and Equilibrium
If the net force on a body is zero, it is in
equilibrium. Inertia
An object in equilibrium may be moving relative Inertia, or the resistance of an object to being accelerated,
to us (dynamic equilibrium). is the same thing as mass to a physicist.
An object in equilibrium may appear to be at rest
( static equilibrium). Weight
Force due to gravitation attraction. W = mg
Newton’s First Law
The Law of Inertia. Normal force
A body in motion stays in motion in a straight Contact force that keeps one object from invading another
line unless acted upon by an external force. object.
This law is commonly applied to the horizontal Normal force on flat surface is usually N = mg
component of velocity, which is assumed not to Normal force on ramp is usually N = mg cos θ
change during the flight of a projectile.
Tension
Newton’s Second Law A pulling force.
A body accelerates when acted upon by a net Arises at the molecular level, when a rope, string, or cable
external force. resists being pulled apart.
The acceleration is proportional to the net (or
resultant) force and is in the direction that the net Tension (static problems)
force acts. Net horizontal and vertical forces are equal to zero if the
This law is commonly applied to the vertical system is not accelerating.
component of velocity.
ΣF = ma (Unit of force is the Newton) Tension (dynamic problems)
Some 2nd law problems require a force to be Net force is zero if no acceleration.
distributed to several masses undergoing the Tension can increase or decrease as acceleration occurs.
same acceleration.
(CM-1998) (CM-1993)

19. A descending elevator of mass 1,000 kg is

uniformly decelerated to rest over a distance 34. A block of mass 5 kilograms lies on an inclined
of 8 m by a cable in which the tension is plane, as shown above. The horizontal and vertical
11,000 N. The speed vi of the elevator at the supports for the plane have lengths of 4 meters and 3
beginning of the 8 m descent is most nearly meters, respectively. The coefficient of friction
A. 4 m/s B. 10 m/s C. 13 m/s between the plane and the block is 0.3. The
D. 16 m/s E. 21 m/s magnitude of the force F necessary to pull the block
up the plane with constant speed is most nearly
A. 30 N B. 42 N C. 49 N
Pulley problems D. 50 N E. 58 N
Magic pulleys simply bend the coordinate system.
Acceleration is determined first by considering (CM-1988)
entire system (all of the mass!) 4. A particle of mass m moves along a straight path with a
Tension is determined by focusing on one block speed v defined by the function v = bt2 + c, where b
and ignoring the rest of the world. and c are constants and t is time. What is the
magnitude F of the net force on the particle at time t
(CM-1993) = t1 ?
A. bt1 2 + c B. 3mbt1 + 2c C. mbt1
D. mbt1 + c E. 2mbt1

(CM-1984)

9. Two 0.60-kilogram objects are connected by a

thread that passes over a light, frictionless pulley, as
shown above. The objects are initially held at rest. If
a third object with a mass of 0.30 kilogram is added
on top of one of the 0.60-kilogram objects as shown 7. The parabola above is a graph of speed v as a
and the objects are released, the magnitude of the function of time t for an object. Which of the
acceleration of the 0.30-kilogram object is most following graphs best represents the magnitude F of
nearly the net force exerted on the object as a function of
A. 10.0 m/s2 B. 6.0 m/s2 C. 3.0 m/s2 time t ?
2 2
D. 2.0 m/s E. 1.0 m/s (A) F (B) F

Friction
A force that opposes sliding motion.
Always parallel to surfaces.
Static friction
Exists before sliding occurs.
Prevents sliding
Can increase up to some maximum value
f s ≤ µ sN
Kinetic friction
Exists after sliding occurs.
Produces heat; dissipates energy.
Is constant proportional to the normal force.
f k = µ kN
Resistive or Drag Forces (CM-1993)
Slow an object down as it passes through a fluid. 6. A ball is thrown upward. At a height of 10 meters above the
Acts in the opposite direction of velocity. ground, the ball has a potential energy of 50 joules (with the
Imposes a terminal velocity. potential energy equal to zero at ground level) and is moving
fD = bv + cv2 upward with a kinetic energy of 50 joules. Air friction is
negligible. The maximum height reached by the ball is most
b and c depend upon
nearly
shape and size of object A. 10 m B. 20 m C. 30 m D. 40 m E. 50 m
properties of fluid
b is important at low velocity
Net Work
c is important at high velocity
Net work (Wnet) is the sum of the work done on an object
by all forces acting upon the object.
(CM-1998) Wnet = ΣW
34. An object is released from rest at time t
= 0 and falls through the air, which exerts a
resistive force such that the acceleration a of the The Work-Energy Theorem
object is given by a = g - bv, where v is the Wnet = ΔKE
object's speed and b is a constant. If limiting When net work due to all forces acting upon an object is
cases for large and small values of t are positive, the kinetic energy of the object will increase.
considered, which of the following is a possible When net work due to all forces acting upon an object is
expression for the speed of the object as an negative, the kinetic energy of the object will decrease.
explicit function of time? When there is no net work acting upon an object, the
A. v = g(1 - e-bt)/b B. V = (geht)/b kinetic energy of the object will be unchanged.
2
C. v = gt - bt D. v = (g + a)t/b
E. v = v0+ gt, v0 ≠ O (CM-1984)
15. The following graphs, all drawn to the same scale, represent
Work the net force F as a function of displacement x for an object that
A force does work on a body when it causes a moves along a straight line. Which graph represents the force
displacement. that will cause the greatest change in the kinetic energy of the
object from x = 0 to x = x1?
There is no work done by a force if it causes no
displacement.
Forces perpendicular to displacement, such as
the normal force, can do no work.
For example, centripetal forces never do work.

Calculating Work
W = F • s = F s cos φ
W = ∫ F(x) dx
W = ∫ F • ds
SI Unit: Joule (N m)
The area under the curve of a graph of force vs
displacement gives the work done by the force.

(CM-1993) (CM-1988)
14. A weight lifter lifts a mass m at constant 17. A rock is lifted for a certain time by a force F that is
speed to a height h in time t. How much work is greater in magnitude than the rock's weight W. The
done by the weight lifter? change in kinetic energy of the rock during this time
A. mg B. mh C. mgh is equal to the
D. mght E. mgh/t (A) work done by the net force (F - W)
(B) work done by F alone
(C) work done by W alone
(D) difference in the momentum of the rock before
Kinetic Energy (K) and after this time
A form of mechanical energy (E) difference in the potential energy of the rock
Energy due to motion before and after this time.
K = ½ m v2
Power (P) Potential energy (U)
The rate at which work is done. Energy of position or configuration.
Pave = W / t Examples:
P = dW/dt Gravitational potential energy.
P=F•v Electrical potential energy.
SI Unit of Power: Watt = J/s Spring potential energy.
British Unit of Power: horsepower
1 hp = 746 Watts Force and Potential Energy
F = -dU/dx
(CM-1984) U = -Wc = ∫ F • ds
8. An object of mass m is lifted at constant
velocity a vertical distance H in time T. The Equilibrium
power supplied by the lifting force is The net force on a system is zero when the system is at
A. mgHT B. mgH/T C. mg/HT D. equilibrium.
mgT/H E. zero
Stable Equilibrium ∂U/∂x = 0, ∂2U/∂x2 > 0
Unstable Equilibrium ∂U/∂x = 0 ∂2U/∂x2 < 0
(CM-1993) Neutral Equilibrium ∂U/∂x = 0 ∂2U/∂x2 = 0
10. During a certain time interval, a constant
force delivers an average power of 4 watts to an
object. If the object has an average speed of 2 (CM-1988)
meters per second and the force acts in the 32. A 10-kilogram body is constrained to move along the
direction of motion of the object, the magnitude x-axis. The potential energy U of the body in joules
of the force is is given as a function of its position x in meters by
A. 16 N B. 8 N C. 6 N U(x) = 6x2 - 4x + 3
D. 4N E. 2N The force on the particle at x = 3 meters is
(A) 32 N in +x direction
Force types (B) 32N in -x direction
Conservative forces: (C) 45 N in +x direction
Work in moving an object is path independent. (D) 45 N in -x direction
Work in moving an object along a closed path is zero. E. 98 N in +x direction
Work is equal to negative change in potential energy.
Ex: gravity, electrostatic, magnetostatic, springs (CM-1993)
Non-conservative forces:
Work is path dependent.
Work along a closed path is NOT zero.
Work is related to a change in total energy
(including thermal energy).
Ex: friction, drag, magnetodynamic

(CM-1993) 15. A conservative force has the potential energy function

18. When an object is moved from rest at point U(x), shown by the graph above. A particle moving in one
A to rest at point B in a gravitational field, the dimension under the influence of this force has kinetic
net work done by the field depends on the mass energy 1.0 joule when it is at position x1 Which of the
of the object and following is a correct statement about the motion of the
A. the positions of A and B only particle?
B. the path taken between A and B only A. It oscillates with maximum position x2 and minimum
C. both the positions of A and B and the path position x0.
taken between them B. It moves to the right of x3 and does not return.
D. the velocity of the object as it moves between C. It moves to the left of x0 and does not return.
A and B D. It comes to rest at either x0 or x2.
E. the nature of the external force moving the E. It cannot reach either x0 or x2.
object from A to B
Gravitational Potential Energy (Ug) (CM-1988)
For objects near the earth’s surface, the
gravitational pull of the earth is constant, so
Ug = mgh (close to earth’s surface)
Ug = -GMm/r (far from earth’s surface)

Spring Potential Energy (Us)

Obeys Hooke’s Law.
Fs(x) = -kx
Ws = ∫ Fs(x)dx = -k ∫ xdx 16. A pendulum consists of a ball of mass m suspended
Ws is the work done BY the spring. at the end of a massless cord of length L as shown above.
U s = ½ k x2 The pendulum is drawn aside through an angle of 60o.
with the vertical and released. At the low point of its
Law of Conservation of Mechanical Energy swing, the speed of the pendulum ball is
E=U+K=C A. gL B. 2gL C. ½gL D. gL E. 2gL
ΔE = ΔU + ΔK = 0
ΔUg = mghf - mghi
ΔUs = ½ kxf2 - ½ kxi2
ΔK = ½ mvf2 - ½ mvi2
(CM-1993)
Law of Conservation of Energy
E = U + K + Eint= C
ΔE = ΔU + ΔK + Δ Eint = 0
Eint is thermal energy.

A block on a horizontal frictionless plane is attached to a

spring, as shown above. The block oscillates along the
(CM-1984)
x-axis with simple harmonic motion of amplitude A.
18. Which of the following is true for a
system consisting of a mass oscillating on 7. Which of the following statements about the block is
the end of an ideal spring? correct?
A. The kinetic and potential energies are A. At x=0, its velocity is zero.
equal at all times. B. At x=0, its acceleration is a maximum.
B. The kinetic and potential energies are C. At x=A, its displacement is a maximum.
both constant. D. At x=A, its velocity is a maximum.
C. The maximum potential energy is E. At x=A, its acceleration is zero.
achieved when the mass passes through its
8. Which of the following statements about energy is
equilibrium position.
correct?
D. The maximum kinetic energy and maxi- A. The potential energy of the spring is at a minimum at
mum potential energy are equal, but occur x=0.
at different times. B. The potential energy of the spring is at a minimum at
E. The maximum kinetic energy occurs at x=A.
maximum displacement of the mass from C. The kinetic energy of the block is at a minimum at
its equilibrium position. x=0.
D. The kinetic energy of the block is at a maximum at
x=A.
E. The kinetic energy of the block is always equal to the
potential energy of the spring.
(CM-1988) Momentum – it’s a vector!
Questions 18-19 refer to the graph at right of the For one particle p = mv
displacement x versus time t for a particle in For a system of multiple particles
simple harmonic motion. p = Σpi = Σmivi
If center of mass is defined p = Mvcm

(CM-1984) Questions 13-14

18. Which of the following graphs shows the

kinetic energy K of the particle as a function
of time t for one cycle of motion?

A system consists of two objects having masses ml and m2

(ml < m2). The objects are connected by a massless
string, hung over a pulley as shown above, and then
released.
13. When the speed of each object is v, the magnitude of
the total linear momentum of the system is
A. (m1 + m2) v B. (m2 - m1) v
C. ½(ml+m2)v D. ½(m2 - m1)v E. m2v

14. When the object of mass m2 has descended a distance

h, the potential energy of the system has decreased by
A. (m2 - ml)gh B. m2gh
C. (m1 + m2)gh D. ½(ml + m2)gh E. 0

Momentum and Collisions

19. Which of the following graphs shows the The same momentum exists before and after a collision.
kinetic energy K of the particle as a function Linear Momentum is Conserved.
of its displacement x ?
Law of Conservation of Momentum
If the resultant external force on a system is zero, then the
vector sum of the momenta of the objects will remain
constant.
Σpb = Σpa

(CM-1998)
31. An object having an initial momentum that may be
represented by the vector above strikes an object that
is initially at rest. Which of the following sets of
vectors may represent the momenta of the two
objects after the collision?

A.
B.
C.

D. E.
Impulse Center of Mass of system of particles
Δp = J The point at which all of the mass of an object or system
J = impulse may be considered to be concentrated.
J = ∫ ΣF dt Center of Mass for collection f points
xcm = Σ mixi/M, ycm= Σ miyi /Mo, zcm= Σ mizi/M
(CM-1993) Velocity of Center of Mass
17. If one knows only the constant resultant vx,cm=Σ mivxi/M, vy,cm=Σ mivyi/M,vz,cm=Σ mivzi/M
force acting on an object and the time during Acceleration of Center of Mass
which this force acts, one can determine the ax,cm=Σmiaxi /M, ay,cm=Σmiayi/M, az,cm= Σ miazi/M
A. change in momentum of the object
B. change in velocity of the object Center of Mass for simple solid object
C. change in kinetic energy of the object Pick geometric center if uniform density
D. mass of the object
E. acceleration of the object Center of Mass for complicated solid objecs
Xcm = 1/M ∫x dm
(CM-1998)

(CM-1984)
L

12. The graph above shows the force on an

object of mass M as a function of time. For the
time interval 0 to 4 s, the total change in the
momentum of the object is 29. The center of mass of a uniform wire, bent in the
A. 40 kg m/s B. 20 kg m/s shape shown above, is located closest to point
C. 0 kg m/s D. -20 kg m/s A. A B. B C. C D. D E. E
E. indeterminable unless the mass M of the
object is known

Collisions (CM-1984)
Elastic Collisions: particles bounce off with 31. Mass M1 is moving with speed v toward stationary
no deformation; kinetic energy is also mass M2. The speed of the center of mass of the system is
conserved. M1 ! M1 $ ! M2 $
Inelastic Collisions : some deformation and A. v B. #1 + &v C. #1 + &v
loss of kinetic energy occurs M2 " M2 % " M1 %
Perfectly Inelastic Collisions : particles stick
together
! M1 $ ! M1 $
D. #1 + &v E. # &v
Explosions: Treated as inelastic collisions " M2 % " M1 + M 2 %
2-D Collisions
Momentum change is analyzed by component
Force and Momentum
(CM-1984) Fext = dP/dt = d(mv)/dt
For variable mass systems, we get this
Fext = dP/dt = d(mv)/dt = ma
For variable mass systems, we get this
Fext = mdv/dt + vdm/dt
17. Two particles of equal mass mo, moving with
equal speeds vO along paths inclined at 60° to the
x-axis as shown to the right, collide and stick together.
Their velocity after the collision has magnitude
v0 v0 2v 0 3v 0
A. B. C. D. E. vo
4 2 2 2
Linear and angular analogs (CM-1993)
Linear Rotation Questions 12-13
x θ position
Δx Δθ displacement
v ω velocity
a α tangential acceleration
Bridge Relationships (rolling w/o slipping)
Δ x = r Δθ displacement
v = rω velocity
a = rα tangential acceleration

Using analogs If you know the linear equation,

the rotational equation can usually be determined
An ant of mass m clings to the rim of a flywheel of
by using the analogous variables.
radius r, as shown above. The flywheel rotates
clockwise on a horizontal shaft S with constant
(CM-1998) angular velocity ω. As the wheel rotates, the ant
6. A wheel of mass M and radius R rolls on a
level surface without slipping. If the angular
revolves past the stationary points I, II, III, and IV.
velocity of the wheel is ω, what is its linear
The ant can adhere to the wheel with a force much
momentum ? greater than its own weight.
A. MωR B. Mω2R C. MωR2 12. It will be most difficult for the ant to adhere to
D. Mω2R2/2 E. Zero the wheel as it revolves past which of the four
points?
A. I B. II C. III D. IV
Vectors in rotational motion E. It will be equally difficult for the ant to
Use the right hand rule to determine direction of adhere to the wheel at all points.
the vector!
13. What is the magnitude of the minimum adhesion
Don’t forget centripetal acceleration! force necessary for the ant to stay on the flywheel at
Centripetal acceleration points toward the center point III?
of the circle that defines the path of an object
moving in uniform circular motion. Such an A. mg B. mω2r C. mω2r2 + mg
object has constant speed, yet is accelerating. D. mω2r - mg E. mω2r + mg
aR = ac = v2/r

(CM-1988)
28. The radius of the Earth is approximately
6,000 kilometers. The acceleration of an
astronaut in a perfectly circular orbit 300
kilometers above the Earth would be most nearly
A. 0 m/s2 B. 0.05 m/s2 C. 5 m/s2
2 2
D. 9 m/s E. 11 m/s

Centripetal Force:
ΣF = ma = mv2/r
Centripetal forces always arise from other real,
identifiable forces. They are simply any force or
combination of forces that causes a body to turn
from its straight-line path.
Rotational Kinematics Parallel Axis Theorem
Kinematic equations for angular and linear motion.
I = Icm +M h2
Kinematic Equations 1
I: rotational inertia about center of mass
v = vo + at M: mass
ω = ωo + αt h: distance between axis in question and axis through
Kinematic Equations 2 center of mass
x = xo + vot + 1/2at2
θ = θo + ωot + 1/2αt2 (CM-1993)
Kinematic Equations 3
v2 = vo2 + 2a(x - xo)
ω2 = ωo2 + 2α(θ - θo)
Problems 29-30: A 5-kilogram sphere is connected to a
10-kilogram sphere by a rigid rod of negligible mass, as
(CM-1993) shown above.
20. A turntable that is initially at rest is set in 29. Which of the five lettered points represents the center
motion with a constant angular acceleration α. of mass of the sphere-rod combination?
What is the angular velocity of the turntable after A. A B. B C. C D. D E. E
it has made one complete revolution? 30. The sphere-rod combination can be pivoted about an
A. B. C. axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the page and that
passes through one of the five lettered points. Through
D. E. which point should the axis pass for the moment of inertia
of the sphere-rod combination about this axis to be
greatest?
Rotational Inertia A. A B. B C. C D. D E. E
Rotational analog of mass
For point masses Kinetic Energy
I = Σmr2 Ktrans = ½ M vcm2
For solid objects Krot = ½ I ω2
I = ∫ r2 dm Kcombined = ½ M vcm2 + ½ I ω2
For combined objects, rotational inertia for Rolling without slipping uses both kinds
individual components may be added together.
K = ½ M vcm2 + ½ I ω2
v=ωr
K = ½ M vcm2 + ½ Icm vcm2/R2
(CM-1984)
27. A uniform stick has length L. The moment or
2 2 2
of inertia about the center of the stick is Io. A K = ½ M ω R + ½ Icm ω
particle of mass M is attached to one end of the Conservation of Energy must take into account both
stick. The moment of inertia of the combined forms of rotational kinetic energy.
system about the center of the stick is
1 1 (CM-1988)
I0 + ML2 I0 + ML2 23. A bowling ball of mass M and radius R. whose
A. 4 B. 2
moment of inertia about its center is (2/5)MR2, rolls
1 without slipping along a level surface at speed v. The
I 0 + ML2 I 0 + ML2 maximum vertical height to which it can roll if it
C. 2 D.
ascends an incline is
5
I 0 + ML2 v2 2v 2 v2
E. 4
A. 5g B. 5g C. 2 g
7v 2 v2
D. 10g E. g
Torque is the rotational analog of force. (CM-1993)
A “twist” (whereas force is a push or pull).
Torque is a vector)
τ=r×F
τ = r F sinθ
Torque causes angular acceleration
Στ = I α (think ΣF = ma)
9. Two 0.60-kilogram objects are connected by a thread
(CM-1984) that passes over a light, frictionless pulley, as shown
1. Torque is the rotational analogue of above. The objects are initially held at rest. If a third
A. kinetic energy B. linear momentum object with a mass of 0.30 kilogram is added on top of
C. acceleration D. force E. mass one of the 0.60-kilogram objects as shown and the objects
are released, the magnitude of the acceleration of the
0.30-kilogram object is most nearly
(CM-1998) A. 10.0 m/s2 B. 6.0 m/s2
2
C. 3.0 m/s D. 2.0 m/s2 E. 1.0 m/s2

(CM-1984)

5. A system of two wheels fixed to each other is

free to rotate about a frictionless axis through the
common center of the wheels and perpendicular
35. A light rigid rod with masses attached to its ends is
to the page. Four forces are exerted tangentially pivoted about a horizontal axis as shown above. When
to the rims of the wheels, as shown above. The released from rest in a horizontal orientation, the rod
magnitude of the net torque on the system about begins to rotate with an angular acceleration of magnitude
the axis is
A. zero B. FR C. 2FR g g g 5g g
D. 5FR E. 14FR A. 7 l B. 5l C. 4 l D. 7 l E. l

Work in rotating systems

Wrot = τ• Δ θ (think W = F•d) Power in rotating systems
Prot = τ• ω (think P = F•v)
(CM-1998)
(CM-1998)
Questions 32-33
A wheel with rotational inertia I is mounted on a fixed,
frictionless axle. The angular speed ω of the wheel is
increased from zero to ωf in a time interval T.

Problems 14-15: A spring has a force constant of 32. What is the average net torque on the wheel during
100 N/m and an unstretched length of 0.07 m. this time interval?
One end is attached to a post that is free to rotate ωf ωf Iω 2f Iω f Iω f
in the center of a smooth table, as shown in the A. B. C. D. E.
2 2
top view above. The other end is attached to a 1 T T T T T
kg disc moving in uniform circular motion on the
table, which stretches the spring by 0.03 m. 33. What is the average power input to the wheel during
Friction is negligible. this time interval?
14. What is the centripetal force on the disc?
A. 0.3 N B. 3N C. 10 N D. 300 N E. 1,000 N Iω f 2 2 2 2 2
A. B. Iω f C. Iω f D. I ω f E. I ω f
15. What is the work done on the disc by the 2T 2T 2T 2 2T 2 2T 2
spring during one full circle?
A. 0 J B. 94 J C. 186 J D. 314 J E. 628 J
Static Equilibrium Angular momentum
Στ = 0 For a particle
ΣF = 0 L=r×p
For a system of particles
(CM-1984) L = Σ Li
For a rigid body
L=Iω (think P = mv)

(CM-1984)
32. A 100-newton weight is suspended by two
cords as shown in the figure above. The
tension in the slanted cord is
A. 50 N B.100 N C. 150 N
D. 200 N E. 250 N

(CM-1993)
26. A particle of mass m moves with a constant speed v
along the dashed line y = a. When the x-coordinate of
the particle is xo, the magnitude of the angular
momentum of the particle with respect to the origin
of the system is
A. zero B. mva C. mvxo
mva
35. A rod of negligible mass is pivoted at a
point that is off-center, so that length l 1 is D. mv x 2 + a 2 E. x2 + a2
different from length l2. The figures above show
two cases in which masses are suspended from
the ends of the rod. In each case the unknown (CM-1993)
mass m is balanced by a known mass, M1 or M2,
so that the rod remains horizontal. What is the
value of m in terms of the known masses?
A. Ml + M2 B. ½(Ml + M2) C. Ml M2
D. ½M1M2 E.

(CM-1998)

26. The rigid body shown in the diagram above consists

of a vertical support post and two horizontal crossbars
with spheres attached. The masses of the spheres and the
lengths of the crossbars are indicated in the diagram. The
body rotates about a vertical axis along the support post
with constant angular speed ω. If the masses of the
30. For the wheel-and-axle system shown above, support post and the crossbars are negligible, what is the
which of the following expresses the condition ratio of the angular momentum of the two upper spheres
required for the system to be in static to that of the two lower spheres?
equilibrium? A. 2/1 B. 1/1 C. 1/2 D. 1/4 E. 1/8
A. m1 = m2 B. am1 = bm2
C. am2 = bm1 D. a2ml = b2m2
E. b2m1 = a2m2
(CM-1984) (CM-1988)
Questions 10-12
A cylinder rotates with constant angular
acceleration about a fixed axis. The cylinder’s
moment of inertial about the axis is 4 kg m2. At
time t = 0 the cylinder is at rest. At time t = 2
seconds its angular velocity is 1 radian per
second.
10. What is the angular acceleration of the 20. A satellite travels around the Sun in an elliptical orbit
cylinder between t = 0 and t = 2 seconds? as shown above. As the satellite travels from point X to
A. 0.5 radian/s² B. 1 radian/s² point Y. which of the following is true about its speed and
C. 2 radian/s² D. 4 radian/s² angular momentum?
E. 5 radian/s² Speed Angular Momentum
11. What is the angular momentum of the A. Remains constant Remains constant
cylinder at time t = 2 seconds? B. Increases Increases
A. 1 kgm m²/s B. 2 kgm m²/s C. Decreases Decreases
C. 3 kgm m²/s D. 4 kgm m²/s D. Increases Remains constant
E. It cannot be determined without E. Decreases Remains constant
knowing the radius of the cylinder.
12. What is the kinetic energy of the cylinder at
time t = 2 seconds?
A. 1 J B. 2 J C. 3 J D. 4 J
E. cannot be determined without (CM-1993)
knowing the radius of the cylinder

Conservation of Angular Momentum

Angular momentum of a system will not change
unless an external torque is applied to the
system.
LB = LA
IωB = IωA (one body)
Σ lb = Σ la (system of particles)
32. A satellite S is in an elliptical orbit around a planet P,
(CM-1988) as shown above, with r1 and r2 being its closest and
farthest distances, respectively, from the center of the
12. A figure skater is spinning on frictionless ice
planet. If the satellite has a speed v1 at its closest
with her arms fully extended horizontally. She
distance, what is its speed at its farthest distance?
then drops her arms to her sides. Which of the
following correctly describes her rotational
kinetic energy and angular momentum as her A. B. C. (r 2 −r 1 ) v 1
arms fall?
Rotational Kinetic Angular
Energy Momentum D. E.
A. Remains constant Remains constant
B. Decreases Increases
C. Decreases Decreases
D. Increases Decreases
E. Increases Remains constant
Angular momentum and torque (CM-1993)
τ = dL/dt (think F = dP/dt) 22. A newly discovered planet has twice the mass of the
Torque increases angular momentum when parallel. Earth, but the acceleration due to gravity on the new
Torque decreases angular momentum when planet's surface is exactly the same as the acceleration due
antiparallel. to gravity on the Earth's surface. The radius of the new
Torque changes the direction of the angular planet in terms of the radius R of Earth is
momentum vector in all other situations.
A. ½R B. R C. R
Precession
The rotating motion made by a spinning top or D. 2R E. 4R
gyroscope.
Precession is caused by the interaction of torque (CM-1988)
and angular momentum vectors. 21. A newly discovered planet, "Cosmo," has a mass that
τ = dL / dt is 4 times the mass of the Earth. The radius of the Earth is
τ=r×F Re. The gravitational field strength at the surface of
The Universal Law of Gravity Cosmo is equal to that at the surface of the Earth if the
Fg = -Gm1m2/r2 radius of Cosmo is equal to
Fg: Force due to gravity (N) 1
G: Universal gravitational constant A. Re B. Re C. 2Re
2
=6.67 x 10-11N m2/kg2
m1 and m2: the two masses (kg) D. Re E. R 2e
r: the distance between the masses (m)

For any body a given distance r from the center

(CM-1998)
11. A satellite of mass M moves in a circular orbit of
of a planet, acceleration due to gravity can be
radius R with constant speed v. True statements about
determined by
this satellite include which of the following?
m1g = Gm1m2/r2
I. Its angular speed is v/R.
Note that g (the acceleration due to gravity) is
II. Its tangential acceleration is zero.
also referred to as the gravitational field.
III. The magnitude of its centripetal acceleration
is constant.
For orbiting bodies in circular orbits,
gravitational force is entirely centripetal A. I only B. II only
Gm1m2/r2 = m1v2/r C. I and III only D. II and III only
E. I, II, and III
(CM-1988)

(CM-1998)

20. Two identical stars, a fixed distance D apart, revolve

22. Two artificial satellites, 1 and 2, orbit in a circle about their mutual center of mass, as shown
the Earth in circular orbits having radii R1 and above. Each star has mass M and speed v. G is the
R2, respectively, as shown above. If R2 = 2R1, universal gravitational constant. Which of the following is
the accelerations a2 and a1 of the two satellites a correct relationship among these quantities?
are related by which of the following? A. v2 = GM/D B. v2 = GM/2D C. v2 = GM/D2
A. a2 = 4a1 B. a2 = 2a1 C. a2 = a1 D. v2 = MGD E. v2 = 2GM2/D
D. a2 = a1/2 E. a2 = a1/4
(CM-1988) (CM-1988)
35. A satellite moves in a stable circular orbit 34. Two objects of equal mass hang from independent
with speed vo at a distance R from the center of a springs of unequal spring constant and oscillate up and
planet. For this satellite to move in a stable down. The spring of greater spring constant must have the
circular orbit a distance 2R from the center of the A. smaller amplitude of oscillation
planet, the speed of the satellite must be B. larger amplitude of oscillation
C. shorter period of oscillation
v0 v0 D. longer period of oscillation
E. lower frequency of oscillation
A. 2 B. 2 C. vo D. 2v 0 E. 2vo

Differential Equations of Oscillators:

Oscillation: Newton’s Laws of Motion can be used to derive the
Springs follow the period formula: differential equation of motion of harmonic oscillator, all
m of which have the solution
T = 2π When acceleration a is proportional to displacement x
k
such that a=-ω2x
Simple pendulums follow the period formula:
then the solution is x = Acosωt + φ
l
T = 2π where ω=2π/Τ
g

(CM-1998)
(CM-1998) 9. The equation of motion of a simple harmonic oscillator
10. A pendulum with a period of 1 s on Earth, is d2x/dt2 = -9x, where x is displacement and t is time.
where the acceleration due to gravity is g, is The period of oscillation is
taken to another planet, where its period is 2 s. A. 6π B. 9/2π C. 3/2π D. 2π/3 E. 2π/9
The acceleration due to gravity on the other
planet is most nearly
A. g/4 B. g/2 C. g D. 2g E. 4g
(CM-1988)
A particle moves in a circle in such a way that the x- and
y-coordinates of its motion are given in meters as
(CM-1984) functions of time t in seconds by:
3. A simple pendulum of length l. whose bob has
mass m, oscillates with a period T. If the bob is x=5cos(3t)
replaced by one of mass 4m, the period of y=5sin(3t)
oscillation is
1 1 26. What is the period of revolution of the particle?
A. T B. T C. T D. 2T E. 4T
4 2 1 2π 3π
A. s B. 3 s C. s D. s E. 6π s
3 3 2

(CM-1988) 27. Which of the following is true of the speed of the

30. When a mass m is hung on a certain ideal particle?
spring, the spring stretches a distance d. If the A. It is always equal to 5 m/s
mass is then set oscillating on the spring, the B. It is always equal to 15 m/s
period of oscillation is proportional to C. It oscillates between 0 and 5 m/s
D. It oscillates between 0 and 15 m/s
d g d m2 g E. It oscillates between 5 and 5 m/s

A. g B. d C. mg D. d
m
E. g