2023

AP Physics 1:
®

Algebra-Based
Sample Student Responses
and Scoring Commentary

Inside:

Free-Response Question 4
R Scoring Guidelines
R Student Samples
R Scoring Commentary

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AP® Physics 1: Algebra-Based 2023 Scoring Guidelines

Question 4: Short Answer Paragraph Argument 7 points

(a) For a correct expression for the angular acceleration of the pulley in terms of the appropriate 1 point
2F
quantities: α D = T
MR

Example Response

RFT 2 FT
αD = OR αD =
1 MR
MR 2
2

Total for part (a) 1 point

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AP® Physics 1: Algebra-Based 2023 Scoring Guidelines

(b) For indicating that the torque, τ , is the same for both pulleys 1 point

For indicating that the impulse, τ∆t , (or change in momentum ∆L ) is the same for both 1 point
pulleys because τ and ∆t are the same

For indicating that the rotational inertia, I , of the disk and hoop are different 1 point

For providing reasoning that because the rotational inertia, I , are different for the disk and 1 point
hoop, the kinematic quantities ( ∆θ , ω , α ) are also different for the disk and hoop

For one of the following: 1 point

• Relating I and ω to reason that ∆K is greater for the disk
• Indicating that because ∆θ is greater for the disk the work done on the disk is
greater

For a logical, relevant, and internally consistent argument that follows the guidelines 1 point
described in the published requirements for the paragraph-length response

Example Response

The rotational inertia, I , of the hoop is larger than the rotational inertia of the disk
because the hoop’s mass is all on the outside instead of distributed throughout like the disk.
Equal forces are applied to both pulleys at the same distance, which means that the torques
exerted on the pulleys will also be equal. Since the same torque is applied to both pulleys
for the same time period, the change in angular momentum will be the same for the disk and
hoop. The magnitude of the angular velocity for the hoop will be smaller than that of the

(
disk since angular velocity is inversely proportional to the rotational inertia ω =
L
I )
.

Since kinetic energy is proportional to rotational inertia and the square of angular velocity

( 1
)
K R = I ω 2 , the difference in angular velocity more greatly affects the rotational kinetic
2
energy. That means the disk will have a greater rotational kinetic energy than the hoop.

Total for part (b) 6 points

Total for question 4 7 points

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P1 Q4 Sample 4A Page 1 of 2
P1 Q4 Sample 4A Page 2 of 2
P1 Q4 Sample 4B Page 1 of 2
P1 Q4 Sample 4B Page 2 of 2
P1 Q4 Sample 4C Page 1 of 2
P1 Q4 Sample 4C Page 2 of 2
AP® Physics 1: Algebra-Based 2023 Scoring Commentary

Question 4

Note: Student samples are quoted verbatim and may contain spelling and grammatical errors.

Overview

The responses were expected to demonstrate the ability to:

• Determine an expression for the angular acceleration of a pulley using torque and rotational inertia.
• Describe torque applied to objects using force and lever arm.
• Compare changes in angular momentum for objects with different mass distributions.
• Indicate the relationship between mass distribution and rotational inertia.
• Compare angular kinematic quantities for objects with different rotational inertia.
• Explain how objects with the same change in angular momentum can have different changes in kinetic
energy.
• Write logically, coherently, and concisely.

Sample: 4A
Score: 7

Part (a) earned 1 point for correctly determining an expression for α in terms of appropriate variables. Part (b)
earned 6 points. One point was earned for correctly indicating that the torque was the same for both pulleys. The
second point was earned for correctly connecting torque and time to the same change in angular momentum. The
third point was earned for indicating that the hoop and the disk have different rotational inertias. The fourth point
was earned for relating rotational inertia to an angular kinematic quantity change. The fifth point was earned for
correctly justifying why the change in the kinetic energy of the disk is greater than the change in kinetic energy of
the hoop. The response includes an explanation that changes in angular speed affect the kinetic energy more than
changes in rotational inertia. The last point was earned for including a logical, relevant, and internally consistent
argument.

Sample: 4B
Score: 4

Part (a) earned no points because, while the response includes an expression for α , the response also includes an
unknown quantity θ . Part (b) earned 4 points. The first point was not earned because the response does not include
any comparison of torque for the two pulleys. The second point was not earned because the response does not
connect either torque and time or impulse to the change in angular momentum. The third point was earned for
indicating that the hoop and the disk have different rotational inertias. The fourth point was earned for relating
rotational inertia to an angular kinematic quantity change. The fifth point was earned for correctly justifying why the
change in the kinetic energy of the disk is greater than the change in kinetic energy of the hoop. The response
includes an explanation that changes in angular speed affect the kinetic energy more than changes in rotational
inertia. The last point was earned for including a logical, relevant, and internally consistent argument.

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AP® Physics 1: Algebra-Based 2023 Scoring Commentary

Question 4 (continued)

Sample: 4C
Score: 1

Part (a) earned no points because the response incorrectly determines an expression for α . Part (b) earned 1 point.
The first point was not earned because the response does not indicate that the torque was the same for both pulleys.
There is no mention of torque in the response. The second point was not earned because the response does not
connect the same torque and time (angular impulse) to the same change in angular momentum. The third point was
not earned because the response does not indicate that the hoop and the disk have different rotational inertias. While
the response does mention that rotational inertia multiplied by the angular speed is equal for both disk and hoop, the
response does not specify that rotational inertia and angular speed are different for both the disk and hoop. The
fourth point was not earned because the response does not relate rotational inertia to an angular kinematic quantity
change. While the response does mention that rotational inertia multiplied by the angular speed is equal for both the
disk and hoop, the response does not specify that an angular kinematic quantity changes due to a change in rotational
inertia. The fifth point was not earned because the response does not justify why the change in the kinetic energy of
the disk is greater than the change in kinetic energy of the hoop. While the response gives the equation for rotational
kinetic energy, the response does not explain why the changes in kinetic energy are not the same. The last point was
earned because, although incorrect, the response includes a relevant and internally consistent argument.

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