AP Physics C:

Mechanics
Practice Exam
From the 2014 Administration

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 TABLE OF INFORMATION, EFFECTIVE 2012
CONSTANTS AND CONVERSION FACTORS
Proton mass, m p = 1.67 ¥ 10 -27 kg Electron charge magnitude, e = 1.60 ¥ 10 -19 C
Neutron mass, mn = 1.67 ¥ 10 -27 kg 1 electron volt, 1 eV = 1.60 ¥ 10 -19 J
Electron mass, me = 9.11 ¥ 10 -31 kg Speed of light, c = 3.00 ¥ 108 m s
Universal gravitational
Avogadro’s number, N 0 = 6.02 ¥ 1023 mol -1
constant, G = 6.67 ¥ 10 -11 m 3 kgis2

R = 8.31 J (mol iK) Acceleration due to gravity

Universal gas constant,
at Earth’s surface, g = 9.8 m s2
Boltzmann’s constant, k B = 1.38 ¥ 10 -23 J K
1 unified atomic mass unit, 1 u = 1.66 ¥ 10 -27 kg = 931 MeV c 2
Planck’s constant, h = 6.63 ¥ 10 -34 J is = 4.14 ¥ 10 -15 eV is
hc = 1.99 ¥ 10 -25 J im = 1.24 ¥ 103 eV i nm
Vacuum permittivity, !0 = 8.85 ¥ 10 -12 C2 N im 2
Coulomb’s law constant, k = 1 4 p! 0 = 9.0 ¥ 109 N im 2 C2
Vacuum permeability, m0 = 4 p ¥ 10 -7 (T im) A
Magnetic constant, k ¢ = m0 4 p = 1 ¥ 10 -7 (T im) A
1 atmosphere pressure, 1 atm = 1.0 ¥ 105 N m 2 = 1.0 ¥ 105 Pa

meter, m mole, mol watt, W farad, F

kilogram, kg hertz, Hz coulomb, C tesla, T
UNIT
second, s newton, N volt, V degree Celsius, ∞C
SYMBOLS
ampere, A pascal, Pa ohm, W electron-volt, eV
kelvin, K joule, J henry, H

PREFIXES VALUES OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS FOR COMMON ANGLES

Factor Prefix Symbol q 0 30 37 45 53 60 90
10 9 giga G sin q 0 12 35 2 2 45 3 2 1
106 mega M cos q 1 3 2 45 2 2 35 12 0
103 kilo k tan q 0 3 3 34 1 43 3 •
10 -2 centi c
The following conventions are used in this exam.
10 -3 milli m I. Unless otherwise stated, the frame of reference of any problem is
10 -6 micro m assumed to be inertial.
-9 nano n II. The direction of any electric current is the direction of flow of positive
10
charge (conventional current).
-12 pico p
10 III. For any isolated electric charge, the electric potential is defined as zero at
an infinite distance from the charge.

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 PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
SECTION I
Time— 45 minutes
35 Questions

Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete statements below is followed by five suggested answers or
completions. Select the one that is best in each case and then fill in the corresponding circle on the answer sheet.

Note: To simplify calculations, you may use g = 10 m/ s2 in all problems.

1. An object is released from rest from a great

height and reaches its terminal velocity. Which
of the following statements is true of the object
while it is falling with terminal velocity?
(A) There is no longer a gravitational force on it.
(B) There is no longer a drag (air resistance)
force on it.
(C) Its acceleration is upward.
3. The system represented above consists of
(D) The magnitudes of the gravitational and
drag forces on it are equal. two objects of unequal masses, M1 and M2 ,
(E) The gravitational and drag forces on it act with M1 > M2 . The objects hang from the ends
in the same direction. of a cord of negligible mass that passes over a
pulley with negligible mass and friction. Which
2. A student with a mass of 50 kg is standing on of the following is true about the changes in the
a bathroom scale while riding in an elevator. If gravitational potential energy, DU , and kinetic
the reading on the scale is 400 N, which of the energy, DK , of the system soon after the objects
following is a correct description of the elevator’s are released from rest?
motion?
(A) DU < 0 and DK > 0
(A) Moving upward with increasing speed (B) DU = 0 and DK > 0
(B) Moving upward with constant speed (C) DU < 0 and DK = 0
(C) Moving downward with constant speed
(D) DU = 0 and DK = 0
(D) Moving downward with increasing speed
(E) DU > 0 and DK < 0
(E) Moving downward with decreasing speed

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Questions 4-6

A tape attached to a moving object was pulled by the object through a marker that put dots on the tape at a
constant rate of 10 dots per second for a period of 2.5 s. The figure below shows the marked tape next to a
centimeter ruler.

4. The average speed of the object for the total time recorded on the tape is most nearly
(A) 2.0 cm/s
(B) 3.3 cm/s
(C) 4.5 cm/s
(D) 5.5 cm/s
(E) 7.0 cm/s

5. Which of the following best represents the graph of the velocity of the object versus time?
(A) (B) (C)

(D) (E)

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6. Which of the following best represents the graph of the acceleration of the object versus time?
(A) (B) (C)

(D) (E)

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Questions 7-8 9. Which of the following must be true in order for a
rotating platform to continue rotating with a
constant angular velocity?
(A) There are no forces exerted on it.
(B) There is no friction exerted on it.
(C) There is zero net force exerted on it.
(D) There are no torques exerted on it.
(E) There is zero net torque exerted on it.

10. A newly discovered planet is found to have twice

A turntable with mass m, radius R, and rotational
the radius and three times the mass of Earth.
mR 2 If the acceleration due to gravity at the surface of
inertia initially rotates freely about an axis
2 Earth is g, the acceleration due to gravity at the
through its center at constant angular speed with surface of the new planet is
negligible friction. A piece of clay, also of mass m, 2g
falls vertically onto the turntable, as shown above, (A)
3
R
and sticks to it at point P, a distance from the 3g
2 (B)
center of rotation. 4

7. What is the rotational inertia of the clay-turntable (C) g

system after the collision?
4g
1 (D)
(A) mR 2 3
4
3g
1 (E)
(B) mR 2 2
2
3
(C) mR 2
4
(D) mR 2

(E) 2mR 2

8. What happens to the rotational speed of the 11. At point X shown above, which is midway
turntable and the angular momentum of the clay- between the centers of two isolated planets of
turntable system about the axis as a result of the radii R and 2R, the net gravitational force on an
collision? object is zero. If the mass of the smaller planet is
M, the mass of the larger planet is
Rotational Speed Angular Momentum
M
(A) Stays the same Increases (A)
4
(B) Stays the same Stays the same
(C) Stays the same Decreases M
(B)
(D) Decreases Stays the same 2
(E) Decreases Decreases (C) M

(D) 2M

(E) 4M

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12. A particle moves along a straight line. Its speed in
m/s is given by u = a + bt 2 , where a and b are
constants and t is time in seconds. How far does
the particle move between t = 1 s and t = 2 s ?
(A) 2b
(B) a + b
(C) a + 2b 14. As shown in the figure above, a child of mass
25 kg who is running at a speed of 3 m/s jumps
7 onto a stationary sled of mass 5 kg on a frozen
(D) a + b lake. The speed at which the child and sled begin
3
to slide across the ice is most nearly
7
(E) a + b (A) 0.4 m/s
2
(B) 0.6 m/s
(C) 1.3 m/s
(D) 2.5 m/s
(E) 15 m/s

13. A ball is tossed and follows the trajectory

shown above. Point P is the highest point on
the trajectory, and air resistance is negligible.
Which of the following statements is true of
the ball while it is in motion?
(A) Its speed is constant.
(B) Its acceleration is constant.
(C) The horizontal component of its velocity
is zero at point P.
(D) The vertical component of its velocity is
a maximum at point P.
(E) Its kinetic energy is a maximum at point P.

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 y

t
O 1 2 3 4
15. A block of mass m is initially sliding with speed
u0 on a horizontal frictionless surface, as shown
17. For a mass attached to a vertical spring, the
above. It makes an elastic, head-on collision with vertical displacement y of the mass is given
another block of mass 2m that is initially at rest. as a function of time t in the diagram above.
Which of the following correctly shows the At what time t does the mass experience a
motion of the blocks after the collision? maximum positive acceleration?
(A) (A) t =1
(B) t =2
(C) t =3
(D) t =4
(B) (E) None of the above, since its acceleration
is constant

18. For an object in simple harmonic motion with

amplitude A, the kinetic energy will equal the
(C) potential energy when the displacement is
(A) zero
(B) A 4
(C) A 2
(D)
(D) A 2
(E) A

19. Examples of simple harmonic motion include

(E) which of the following?
I. A mass, hanging from a spring, moves up
and down in a uniform gravitational field.
II. A puck on an air table bounces back and
forth between the walls of the table.
III. A ball bounces up and down on a table.
(A) I only
(B) III only
(C) I and II only
(D) II and III only
(E) I, II, and III
16. A 2 kg mass is attached to the 0 cm mark of a
lightweight meter stick, and a 3 kg mass is
attached to the 100 cm mark, as shown above.
The center of mass of the combined system
(meter stick and both masses) is located nearest
which of the following marks on the meter stick?
(A) 33 cm
(B) 40 cm
(C) 60 cm
(D) 67 cm
(E) 75 cm
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Questions 20-21

22. A uniform beam of mass m is pivoted at one end

and held in equilibrium at an angle q by a horizon-
tal wire, as shown above. The tension T in the
Two blocks are stacked on top of each other, wire is
as shown in the figure above. The top block, of 1
mass M, is attached to a rope that pulls to the left with (A) mg cot q
2
tension T1 . The bottom block, of mass 2M, is attached (B) mg cot q
to a rope that pulls to the right with tension T2 . The
coefficient of friction between the blocks is m . The (C) mg tan q
blocks are at rest relative to each other and move to (D) 2 mg tan q
the right at constant speed relative to the frictionless
surface. (E) mg

20. What is the relationship between T1 and T2 ?

(A) T1 = 2T2
1
(B) T1 = T2
2
(C) T1 = mT2
1
(D) T1 = T2
m
(E) T1 = T2
23. A gear containing 20 teeth on its circumference
21. The force of friction experienced by the top block is meshed with a gear containing 60 teeth on its
circumference, as shown above. If the angular
is f1 , and the force of friction experienced by the speed of the 20-tooth gear is w , what is the
bottom block is f2 . What is the relationship angular speed of the 60-tooth gear?
between f1 and f2 ? w
(A)
(A) f1 = 2 f2 60
1 w
(B) f1 = f2 (B)
2 20
(C) f1 = m f2 w
(C)
1 3
(D) f1 = f2
m (D) w
(E) f1 = f2 (E) 3w

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24. The angular displacement of a rotating wheel 26. Which of the following is true about the
is described by the equation = 0 + at 2 - bt 3, acceleration of the object during the time interval
from 0 to 8 s?
where t is time and 0, a, and b are positive
constants. The angular acceleration of the wheel (A) It increases during the entire interval.
as a function of time t is (B) It decreases during the entire interval.
(C) It remains the same.
(A) equal to a positive constant (D) It first increases and then decreases.
(B) zero (E) It first decreases and then increases.

(C) 2a - 6bt 27. What is the net displacement of the object for the
(D) 2at - 3bt 2 time interval from 0 to 8 s?
(A) 0 m
1 3 1 4
(E) 0t + at - bt (B) 5 m
3 4 (C) 10 m
(D) 20 m
Questions 25-27 (E) It cannot be determined without knowing the
initial position of the object.

28. An object starts from rest and accelerates

uniformly in the horizontal direction, moving
32 m during the first 4 s.
s What are the magnitudes
of the object’s displacement and velocity after it
accelerates for the first 3 s
Magnitude of Magnitude of
Displacement Velocity
(A) 24 m 24 m s
(B) 24 m 18m s
(C) 18 m 18m s
The motion of an object moving along a straight
line is described by the graph of velocity u versus (D) 18 m 12 m s
time t above. (E) 8m 12 m s

25. Which of the following is true about the speed of

the object during the time interval from 0 to 8 s?
(A) It increases during the entire interval.
(B) It decreases during the entire interval.
(C) It remains the same.
(D) It first increases and then decreases.
(E) It first decreases and then increases.

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 31. If two balls collide and there are no external
forces acting on the balls, quantities that must be
the same for the two-ball system before and after
the collision include which of the following?
I. Total kinetic energy
II. Total momentum
29. A 2.0 kg cart rolls with negligible friction on a III. Momentum in the x-direction
horizontal surface, as shown in the figure above.
The coefficient of static friction between the cart (A) I only
and the 1.0 kg block on top of the cart is 0.7. (B) III only
If a horizontal 15 N force is applied to the cart (C) I and II only
as shown and the block does not slide on the cart, (D) II and III only
the magnitude of the horizontal component of (E) I, II, and III
the force that the block exerts on the cart is
most nearly 32. Two objects, X and Y, are released from rest at
the same height. Object X has three times the
(A) 2N mass of object Y. Just before reaching the
(B) 5N ground, object Y has momentum pY and
(C) 8N
(D) 10 N kinetic energy KY . If air resistance is negligible,
(E) 15 N what are the momentum and kinetic energy of
object X just before it reaches the ground?
30. A car rounds a flat curve of radius R with a Kinetic
speed of u0 . The coefficient of friction between Momentum Energy
the tires and the road is m . For the car not to slide (A) pY KY
on the road, which of the following statements
must be true? (B) 3pY 3KY
(C) 3pY 6KY
(A) The car’s speed u0 cannot be greater
(D) 6 pY 3KY
than m gR .
(E) 6 pY 6KY
(B) The car’s speed u0 cannot be less than m gR .
(C) The radius R of the car’s path cannot be
greater than u0 2 m g .
(D) The radius R of the car’s path cannot be less
than u0 2 m g .
(E) The centripetal acceleration must be less
than g.

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Questions 33-34 34. Which graph best represents the magnitude of the
net force on the ball?
A very light ball is released from rest at time t = 0 (A)
and falls through the air, which provides significant
resistance.

33. Which graph best represents the magnitude of the

momentum of the ball?
(A)

(B)

(B)
(C)

(C)
(D)

(D)
(E)

(E)

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35. A satellite can move in a circular orbit about a massive planet of radius R. Which of the following graphs could
represent the gravitational potential energy U of this satellite as a function of the radius r of the orbit?

(A) (B) (C)

(D) (E)

STOP
END OF MECHANICS SECTION I
IF YOU FINISH BEFORE TIME IS CALLED,
YOU MAY CHECK YOUR WORK ON MECHANICS SECTION I ONLY.

DO NOT TURN TO ANY OTHER TEST MATERIALS.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE DONE THE FOLLOWING.

• PLACED YOUR AP NUMBER LABEL ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET

• WRITTEN AND GRIDDED YOUR AP NUMBER CORRECTLY ON YOUR

ANSWER SHEET

• TAKEN THE AP EXAM LABEL FROM THE FRONT OF THIS BOOKLET

AND PLACED IT ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET

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 TABLE OF INFORMATION, EFFECTIVE 2012
CONSTANTS AND CONVERSION FACTORS
Proton mass, m p = 1.67 ¥ 10 -27 kg Electron charge magnitude, e = 1.60 ¥ 10 -19 C
Neutron mass, mn = 1.67 ¥ 10 -27 kg 1 electron volt, 1 eV = 1.60 ¥ 10 -19 J
Electron mass, me = 9.11 ¥ 10 -31 kg Speed of light, c = 3.00 ¥ 108 m s
Universal gravitational
Avogadro’s number, N 0 = 6.02 ¥ 1023 mol -1
constant, G = 6.67 ¥ 10 -11 m 3 kgis2

R = 8.31 J (mol iK) Acceleration due to gravity

Universal gas constant,
at Earth’s surface, g = 9.8 m s2
Boltzmann’s constant, k B = 1.38 ¥ 10 -23 J K
1 unified atomic mass unit, 1 u = 1.66 ¥ 10 -27 kg = 931 MeV c 2
Planck’s constant, h = 6.63 ¥ 10 -34 J is = 4.14 ¥ 10 -15 eV is
hc = 1.99 ¥ 10 -25 J im = 1.24 ¥ 103 eV i nm
Vacuum permittivity, !0 = 8.85 ¥ 10 -12 C2 N im 2
Coulomb’s law constant, k = 1 4 p! 0 = 9.0 ¥ 109 N im 2 C2
Vacuum permeability, m0 = 4 p ¥ 10 -7 (T im) A
Magnetic constant, k ¢ = m0 4 p = 1 ¥ 10 -7 (T im) A
1 atmosphere pressure, 1 atm = 1.0 ¥ 105 N m 2 = 1.0 ¥ 105 Pa

meter, m mole, mol watt, W farad, F

kilogram, kg hertz, Hz coulomb, C tesla, T
UNIT
second, s newton, N volt, V degree Celsius, ∞C
SYMBOLS
ampere, A pascal, Pa ohm, W electron-volt, eV
kelvin, K joule, J henry, H

PREFIXES VALUES OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS FOR COMMON ANGLES

Factor Prefix Symbol q 0 30 37 45 53 60 90
10 9 giga G sin q 0 12 35 2 2 45 3 2 1
106 mega M cos q 1 3 2 45 2 2 35 12 0
103 kilo k tan q 0 3 3 34 1 43 3 •
10 -2 centi c
The following conventions are used in this exam.
10 -3 milli m I. Unless otherwise stated, the frame of reference of any problem is
10 -6 micro m assumed to be inertial.
-9 nano n II. The direction of any electric current is the direction of flow of positive
10
charge (conventional current).
-12 pico p
10 III. For any isolated electric charge, the electric potential is defined as zero at
an infinite distance from the charge.

- -
 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C EQUATIONS, EFFECTIVE 2012

MECHANICS ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

u = u0 + at a = acceleration 1 q1q2 A = area
F =
F = force 4 p!0 r 2 B = magnetic field
1 2 f = frequency C = capacitance
x = x0 + u0 t + at
2 h = height F d = distance
E=
I = rotational inertia q E = electric field
u 2 = u0 2 + 2a ( x - x0 ) J = impulse e= emf
K = kinetic energy Q
EidA= F = force
 F = Fnet = ma k = spring constant !0 I = current
= length J = current density
dp dV
F= L = angular momentum E =- L = inductance
dt dr
m= mass = length
N = normal force 1 q n = number of loops of wire
J = F dt = Dp
P = power V =
4 p!0 Â rii per unit length
i
p = mv p = momentum N = number of charge carriers
r = radius or distance 1 q1q2 per unit volume
UE = qV = P = power
F fric £ m N r = position vector 4 p!0 r
T = period Q = charge
t = time Q q = point charge
W = Fidr C =
U= potential energy V R = resistance
u = velocity or speed r = distance
1 2 k !0 A = time
K = mu W= work done on a system C = t
2 d U = potential or stored energy
x = position
dW m= coefficient of friction Cp = Â Ci V= electric potential
P= u = velocity or speed
dt q = angle i
r= resistivity
P = Fiv t = torque 1 1
=Â fm = magnetic flux
w= angular speed Cs C
i i
DUg = mgh a= angular acceleration k = dielectric constant
f = phase angle dQ
I =
u2 dt
ac = = w2 r
r Fs = - k x 1 1 B i d ! = m0 I
Uc = QV = CV 2
t=r¥F 2 2
1 2 m0 I d ! ¥ r
Us = kx dB =
 t = t net = I a 2 r 4 p r3
R=
x = xmax cos( wt + f) A
I = r 2 dm = Â mr 2 F= I d! ¥ B
E = rJ
2p 1
T = =
w f I = Neud A Bs = m0 nI
rcm =  mr  m
u = rw m V = IR fm = B i d A
Ts = 2 p
k
L = r ¥ p = Iw Rs = Â Ri d fm
Tp = 2p
i e = Eid! = -
g dt
1 2 1 1
K = Iw = ÂR dI
2 Gm1m2 Rp e = -L
i i
FG = - rˆ dt
w = w0 + at r2
P = IV 1 2
Gm1m2 UL = LI
1 2 UG =- 2
q = q0 + w0 t + at r FM = qv ¥ B
2

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 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C EQUATIONS, EFFECTIVE 2012

GEOMETRY AND TRIGONOMETRY CALCULUS

Rectangle A= area df d f du
C= circumference =
A = bh dx du dx
V= volume
Triangle
S = surface area
d n
dx
( x ) = nxn -1
1 b = base
A= bh
2
Circle
h = height d x
dx
(e ) = e x
= length
A = pr2 w= width d
( ln x ) = 1
r = radius dx x
C = 2p r
d
Rectangular Solid (sin x ) = cos x
dx
V = wh
d
Cylinder (cos x ) = - sin x
dx
V = pr2 1
x n dx = xn +1, n -1
2 n +1
S = 2p r + 2p r
Sphere e x dx = e x

4 3 dx
V = pr = ln x
3 x
S = 4 pr2 cos x dx = sin x

Right Triangle sin x dx = - cos x

a 2 + b2 = c2
a
sin q = c a
c
q 90
b
cos q = b
c
a
tan q =
b

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 PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
SECTION II
Time— 45 minutes
3 Questions

Directions: Answer all three questions. The suggested time is about 15 minutes for answering each of the questions,
which are worth 15 points each. The parts within a question may not have equal weight. Show all your work in this
booklet in the spaces provided after each part.

Mech 1.
Experiment 1: A block of mass 1.5 kg is placed on a long board. You are to design an experiment to determine
the coefficient of static friction between the block and the board.
(a)
i. From the following list of available equipment, check those additional items you would use for the
purpose of determining the coefficient of static friction.
____ Ruler ____ Spring scale ____ String
____ Meterstick ____ Pulley ____ Protractor
____ Photogate ____ Stopwatch ____ Mass hanger
____ Clamps and supports ____ Objects of various known masses

ii. Sketch a diagram of your experimental setup and label the pieces of equipment that would be used.

iii. Outline the experimental procedure you would use, including a list of quantities you would measure.
For each quantity, identify the equipment you would use to make the measurement.

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 (b) Explain how to use the measurements described in part (a) to calculate the coefficient of static friction.
Include a free-body diagram in your explanation that shows all forces (not components) acting on the block
while the measurements are being made.

Experiment 2: In a second experiment, the coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the board is
determined to be 0.10. The board is now inclined at an angle of 25∞ above the horizontal. The block is released
from rest at the top of the incline and slides 2.0 m down the incline.
(c) Calculate the work done by kinetic friction as the block slides down the incline.

(d) The mass of the block is now increased without changing the coefficient of kinetic friction, and
experiment 2 is repeated. How does each of the following change?
i. The magnitude of the frictional force
Increases Decreases Remains the same

ii. The magnitude of the velocity of the block as it reaches the bottom of the incline
Increases Decreases Remains the same

iii. The kinetic energy of the block at the bottom of the incline
Increases Decreases Remains the same

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 Mech 2.
A satellite of mass m is in a stable circular orbit around Earth at a distance R1 from the center of Earth.
The mass of Earth is M e .

(a) Derive an expression for the following in terms of m, R1 , M e , and fundamental constants, as appropriate.

i. The orbital speed u1 of the satellite

ii. The total energy of the satellite in this orbit, assuming gravitational potential energy to be zero at an
infinite distance from the center of Earth

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 The satellite’s booster rockets fire and lift the satellite to a higher circular orbit of radius 2 R1 . The satellite
follows the path shown in the diagram below, moving a total distance S during the orbital change. The
component of the rockets’ force parallel to the path is given by the equation F = F0 1 - ( ) x
S
, where x is the
variable distance traveled along the path at any moment.

(b) Derive an expression for the total work done on the satellite by the force F in terms of F0 and S.

(c) If the total distance S is equal to 3 R1 , derive an expression for F0 in terms of M e , R1 , m, and fundamental
constants, as appropriate.

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 Mech 3.
A uniform disk of mass M and radius R is suspended vertically from a pivot on its edge so that it is free to swing
without friction, as shown in Figure 1 above. The disk is raised to an initial angular displacement q0 with
respect to the vertical, as shown in Figure 2 above, and released from rest. The rotational inertia of the disk about
its center of mass is I = MR 2 2 . Express all algebraic answers in terms of the given quantities and fundamental
constants, as appropriate.
(a) Derive an expression for the rotational inertia of the disk about the pivot.

(b) Derive an expression for the maximum angular velocity of the disk during its swing.

(c) Using Newton’s second law in either translational or rotational form, as appropriate, write a differential
equation that could be used to determine the angular displacement of the disk q as a function of time t.
Do not solve the equation.

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 (d) Derive an expression for the period for small-amplitude oscillations of the disk.

(e) Suppose the disk is replaced with another uniform disk with twice the radius, and the pivot point is again on
the edge of the disk. How will the period of small-amplitude oscillations be affected by the new disk?
It will increase. It will decrease. It will remain the same.
There is not enough information to determine the period.
Justify your answer.

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Answer Key for AP Physics C: Mechanics
Practice Exam, Section I

Question 1: D Question 19: A

Question 2: D Question 20: E
Question 3: A Question 21: E
Question 4: E Question 22: A
Question 5: A Question 23: C
Question 6: A Question 24: C
Question 7: C Question 25: E
Question 8: D Question 26: C
Question 9: E Question 27: A
Question 10: B Question 28: D
Question 11: C Question 29: B
Question 12: D Question 30: D
Question 13: B Question 31: D
Question 14: D Question 32: B
Question 15: B Question 33: D
Question 16: C Question 34: C
Question 17: C Question 35: A
Question 18: D
 AP® PHYSICS C - MECHANICS
2014 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 1
15 points total Distribution
of points
(a)
i. 1 point

For selecting equipment consistent with the diagram drawn in part (a)-ii 1 point

ii. 1 point

For labeling a diagram consistent with the procedure in described part (a)-iii 1 point

iii. 2 points

For listing specific quantities to be measured that can be used to determine the 1 point
coefficient of static friction
For indicating which equipment will be used to take the measurements listed above 1 point

Example:

Pull the spring scale to the right until the block starts to move. Use the spring scale
to measure the maximum force exerted on the block.

Alternate Example:

Place the block on the board while the board is horizontal. Lift one end of the
board until the block begins to slide. Use a protractor to measure the angle at
which the block begins to slide.

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 AP® PHYSICS C - MECHANICS
2014 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 1 (continued)
Distribution
of points
(b) 5 points

The experiment described by the student must attempt to measure the coefficient of
static friction ms , not the coefficient of kinetic friction.
Solution for example shown above:

For vectors indicating the normal force up and the force of gravity down 1 point
For a vector indicating the horizontal applied force 1 point
For a vector indicating the static friction opposite the applied force 1 point
Note: One point is deducted if there are any extraneous vectors or any vectors not
starting on and pointing away from the block.
For setting the net force equal to zero 1 point
Fnet = ma = 0
Fmax - fs = 0
fs = ms mg
For a correct expression for the coefficient of static friction 1 point
F
ms = max
mg

Solution for alternate example: Alternate points

For a vector indicating the force of gravity down 1 point

For a vector indicating the normal force perpendicular to the incline 1 point
For a vector indicating the static friction up the incline 1 point
Note: One point is deducted if there are any extraneous vectors or any vectors not
starting on and pointing away from the block
For setting the net force equal to zero 1 point
Fnet = ma = 0

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 AP® PHYSICS C - MECHANICS
2014 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 1 (continued)
Distribution
of points
Fmax - fs = 0
Fmax is the component of gravity along the plane, and fs depends on the component of
gravity perpendicular to the plane
mg sin θ - µ s mg cosθ = 0
For a correct expression for the coefficient of static friction 1 point
µ s = tan θ

(c) 3 points

For a correct equation to solve for the work done 1 point

W = F id = − f k d
W = - µ k mg cosθ d
For correctly substituting for the force of kinetic friction 1 point
(
W = - ( 0.10 )(1.5 kg) 9.8 m s 2
) (cos25)(2.0 m )
For a correct answer 1 point
W = -2.7 J
Note: Answers without the negative sign only lose the answer point.

(d)
i. 1 point

For selecting “Increases” 1 point

ii. 1 point

For selecting “Remains the same” 1 point

iii. 1 point

For selecting “Increases” 1 point

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 AP® PHYSICS C - MECHANICS
2014 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 2
15 points total Distribution
of points
(a)
i. 3 points

Set the gravitational force equal to the centripetal force.

Fg = FC
For a correct expression for the gravitational force 1 point
For a correct expression for the centripetal force 1 point
GMe m mu12
=
R12 R1
For a correct answer 1 point
GMe
u1 =
R1

ii. 3 points

For an expression of the total energy as the sum of the gravitational potential energy and 1 point
the kinetic energy of the satellite
E = Ug + K
For substituting a correct expression for the kinetic energy of the satellite 1 point
GMe m 1 2
E=- + mu1
R1 2
GMe m 1 Ê GMe ˆ
E=- + mÁ
R1 2 Ë R1 ˜¯
For a correct answer 1 point
GMe m
E=-
2 R1

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 AP® PHYSICS C - MECHANICS
2014 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 2 (continued)
Distribution
of points
(b) 4 points

For a correct equation for the work done expressed as the integral of the force 1 point
W = Ú F ids
For substituting the given expression for force into the above equation 1 point
S
Ê xˆ
W = Ú F0 Á1 - ˜ dx
Ë S¯
0
For integrating with the correct limits 1 point
È x 2 ˘S
W = F0 Íx - ˙
Î 2 S ˙˚ 0
Í
Ê S2 ˆ Ê Sˆ
W = F0 Á S - - 0˜ = F0 Á ˜
Ë 2S ¯ Ë 2¯
For a correct answer 1 point
FS
W= 0
2

(c) 5 points

For a correct statement relating work and change in energy 1 point

W= E
For substituting the correct initial radius into the expression for potential energy 1 point
For substituting the correct final radius into the expression for potential energy 1 point
GMe m Ê GMe m ˆ
W = E=- -Á-
4 R1 Ë 2 R1 ˜¯
For a correct substitution of the answer from part (b) 1 point
F0 S GMe m GMe m
=- +
2 4 R1 2 R1
F0 ( 3R1 ) GMe m
=
2 4 R1
For an answer consistent with part (b) and the change in energy 1 point
GMe m
F0 =
6 R12

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 AP® PHYSICS C - MECHANICS
2014 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 3
15 points total Distribution
of points
(a) 2 points

For a correct expression of the parallel axis theorem 1 point

I = ICM + Md 2

Substitute into the above expression

1
I= MR 2 + MR 2
2
For a correct answer 1 point
3
I = MR 2
2

(b) 4 points

For a correct expression of the conservation of energy for the disk 1 point
K1 + U1 = K 2 + U 2
For correctly setting the initial gravitational potential energy equal to the rotational 1 point
kinetic energy at the bottom of the swing
1 2
mgh1 = Iw
2
For substituting a correct expression for the initial height 1 point
1Ê3 ˆ
Mg ( R - R cosθ 0 ) = Á MR 2 ˜ w 2
2Ë2 ¯
3 2
g (1 - cosθ 0 ) = Rw
4
For an answer consistent with part (a) 1 point
4g
w=
3R
(1 - cosθ0 )

(c) 3 points

For using a correct expression of Newton’s 2nd law for rotational motion 1 point
3
= I = MR 2
2
For substituting a correct expression for torque into the above equation 1 point
3
- Mg sin θ R = MR 2
2
For expressing the above equation as a differential equation (Note: Any appropriate 1 point
manipulation of this equation is acceptable, including a subsequent small angle
approximation.)
3 d 2θ
- g sin θ = R
2 dt 2

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 AP® PHYSICS C - MECHANICS
2014 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 3 (continued)
Distribution
of points
(d) 4 points

For using a correct expression for simple harmonic motion 1 point

a = -w x 2

d 2θ
2
= - w 2θ
dt
For substituting the small angle approximation ( sin q ! q ) into the answer from part (c) 1 point
3 dθ 2
- gθ =
R
2 dt 2
2g d 2θ
- θ= 2
3R dt
2g
w=
3R
For relating the correct expression for the angular velocity to the equation for period 1 point
2g 2
w= =
3R T
For a correct answer 1 point
3R
T =2
2g

(e) 2 points

For selecting “It will increase” 1 point

For a correct justification 1 point
Example:
The period of the disk is proportional to the square root of the radius of the disk,
T µ R . A doubling of the radius of the disk will increase the period by a factor
of 2 .

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 2014 AP Physics C: Mechanics Scoring Worksheet

Section I: Multiple Choice

1.2857 =
Number Correct Weighted Section I Score
(out of 35) (Do not round)

Section II: Free Response

Question 1 1.0000 =
(out of 15) (Do not round)

Question 2 1.0000 =
(out of 15) (Do not round)

Question 3 1.0000 =
(out of 15) (Do not round)

Sum =
Weighted
Section II
Score
(Do not round)

Composite Score

+ =
Weighted Weighted Composite Score
Section I Score Section II Score (Round to nearest
whole number)

AP Score Conversion Chart

Physics C: Mechanics
Composite
Score Range AP Score
55-90 5
44-54 4
37-43 3
29-36 2
0-28 1