AP Physics C:

Mechanics
Practice Exam
F rom the 2015 Administration

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 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C TABLE OF INFORMATION
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
Avogadro’s number, N 0 = 6.02 ¥ 10 23 mol -1
Universal gravitational
constant,
G = 6.67 ¥ 10 -11 N m 2 ( ) kg 2

R = 8.31 J (mol K) 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 s = 4.14 ¥ 10 -15 eV s
hc = 1.99 ¥ 10 -25 J m = 1.24 ¥ 103 eV nm
Vacuum permittivity, e0 = 8.85 ¥ 10 -12 C2 N m 2 ( )
Coulomb’s law constant, k = 1 ( 4 pe0 ) = 9.0 ¥ 10 N m
9 2
( ) C2
Vacuum permeability, m0 = 4 p ¥ 10 -7 (T m) A
Magnetic constant, k ¢ = m0 ( 4 p ) = 1 ¥ 10 -7 (T m) 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
109 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
-3 milli m
10 The following assumptions are used in this exam.
10 -6 micro m I. The frame of reference of any problem is inertial unless otherwise
-9
stated.
10 nano n II. The direction of current is the direction in which positive charges
10 -12 pico p would drift.
III. The electric potential is zero at an infinite distance from an isolated
point charge.
IV. All batteries and meters are ideal unless otherwise stated.
V. Edge effects for the electric field of a parallel plate capacitor are
negligible unless otherwise stated.

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 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C EQUATIONS
MECHANICS ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
Ãx = Ãx 0 + a x t a = acceleration 1 q1q2 A = area
E= energy FE = B = magnetic field
1 2 4 pe0 r 2
x = x0 + Ãx 0 t + at F = force C = capacitance
2 x
f = frequency FE d = distance
Ãx2 = Ãx 0 2 + 2 a x ( x - x0 ) E =
h = height q E = electric field
I = rotational inertia ε = emf
a=
 F = Fnet J = impulse Q F = force
m m
K = kinetic energy Ú E i dA = e0 I = current
dp k = spring constant J = current density
F = = length dV
dt Ex = - L = inductance
L = angular momentum dx
= length
J = Ú F dt = Dp m=
P =
mass
power
DV = - Ú E idr n = number of loops of wire
per unit length
p = mv p = momentum N = number of charge carriers
1 q
r = radius or distance V =
4 pe0 Â rii P =
per unit volume
power
F f £ m FN T = period i
t = time Q = charge
1 q1q2 q = point charge
U= potential energy UE = qV =
DE = W = Ú F idr v = velocity or speed
4 pe0 r R = resistance
1 2 W= work done on a system r = radius or distance
K = mà Q
2 x = position DV = t = time
C
m = coefficient of friction U = potential or stored energy
dE k e0 A V= electric potential
P= q = angle C =
dt d v = velocity or speed
t = torque
w = angular speed r = resistivity
P = F iv Cp = Â Ci
a = angular acceleration i F = flux
DUg = mg Dh f = phase angle k = dielectric constant
1 1
=Â FM = qv ¥ B
Fs = - k D x Cs C
i i
Ã2
ac = = w2r
r
Us =
1
2
k ( Dx )
2
I =
dQ Ú Bid = m0 I
dt
t = r¥F
x = xmax cos( wt + f) m0 I d ¥ r
1 1 dB =
Ât t UC = QDV = C ( DV )2 4 p r2
a = = net 2p 1 2 2
I I T = = r
w f R=
A
F = ÚI d ¥B
Ú r dm = Â mr
2 2
I =
m Bs = m0 nI
Ts = 2 p E = rJ
k
 mi xi
xcm =
 mi Tp = 2p
I = Nevd A FB = Ú B i dA
g
à = rw DV d FB
Gm1m2
I =
R
e = Ú E id =-
dt
FG =
L = r ¥ p = Iw r2
Rs = Â Ri e = -L
dI
Gm1m2 i dt
1 2 UG = -
K = Iw r
2 1 1 1 2
Rp
= ÂR UL =
2
LI
i i
w = w0 + at

1 2 P = I DV
q = q0 + w0 t + at
2

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 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C EQUATIONS

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
dx
(e ) = aeax
d ax
= length
A = pr2 w = width d
(ln ax ) = 1
r = radius dx x
C = 2p r
s = arc length d
s = rq q = angle dx
[sin (ax )] = a cos (ax)
Rectangular Solid
d
V = wh dx
[cos (ax )] = - a sin (ax)
Cylinder s
1
Úx x n + 1 , n π -1
n
r dx =
V = pr 2 n +1
q
1 ax
Úe
2 ax
S = 2p r + 2p r dx = e
a
Sphere
dx
4
V = pr3
Úx+a = ln x + a
3
1
S = 4 pr 2 Ú cos (ax) dx = a sin (ax)
1
Right Triangle Ú sin (ax) dx = - a cos (ax)
a 2 + b2 = c2
VECTOR PRODUCTS
a
sin q =
c Ai B = AB cos q
c a
cos q =
b A ¥ B = AB sin q
c q 90 °
b
a
tan q =
b

-4-
 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.

Questions 1-3

The graphs below show position x plotted

as a function of time t for each of three objects
constrained to move along a straight, level path.

4. The coplanar forces F1 , F2 , F3 , and F4

represented above can act on an object. If the
1. In which of the graphs is the magnitude of the object is initially at rest, which combination of
momentum of the object increasing? the forces would result in static equilibrium?
(A) II only (A) F1 and F3 only
(B) III only (B) F1 , F2 , and F4 only
(C) I and II
(D) I and III (C) F2 , F3 , and F4 only
(E) II and III (D) All four forces

2. In which of the graphs does the object have a (E) No combination of the forces would
constant nonzero kinetic energy? result in equilibrium.

(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) III only
(D) I and II
(E) I and III

3. In which of the graphs is the net force on the

object zero?
(A) I only
(B) III only
(C) I and II only
(D) II and III only
(E) I, II, and III

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 7. What is the work done by the club on the ball?
1 2
(A) mv
2
1
(B) m(v sin ) 2
5. A block of mass M is being pulled to the right at a 2
constant speed with a pull force Fpull that is at an 1
(C) m(v cos ) 2
angle of q with respect to the horizontal, as 2
shown in the figure above. The force of friction
acting on the block has magnitude f. What is the 1 2
(D) 6 mv
magnitude of Fpull ? 2
1 1 2
(A) f cos q (E) mv
6 2
(B) f sin q
(C) f 8. What is the maximum height above the Moon’s
(D) f cos q surface attained by the ball?
(E) f sin q (A) vt

(B) 6vt
Questions 6-8
v2
An astronaut hits a golf ball of mass m on the (C)
2g
Moon, where there is no atmosphere and the
acceleration due to gravity is g 6 , where g is (v sin )2
(D)
the acceleration due to gravity on Earth. Assume 2g
that the golf club is in contact with the ball for a (v sin ) 2
time t. Just after losing contact with the club, the (E) 6
2g
ball has an initial speed v directed at an angle
above the horizontal.

6. What is the magnitude of the average force

exerted by the club on the ball during contact? 9. A simple pendulum of length L has a period T.
What is the length of another simple pendulum of
(A) mv period 2T, assuming that both pendulums swing
with small amplitude?
(B) mv cos
1
(A) L
mv 2
(C)
t (B) L
mg
(D) (C) 2L
6
mg (D) 2L
(E) cos
6
(E) 4L

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10. Pendulum 1 is displaced by a very small angle q1 ,
is released from rest, and oscillates with a period
T1 . Pendulum 2 is identical to pendulum 1, but it
is displaced by a very small angle q2 , is released
from rest, and oscillates with a period T2 , where
q1 q2 . Using the small angle approximation,
how do the periods T1 and T2 compare?

(A) T1 T2
(B) T1 = T2
13. Two objects of equal mass m are tied to a string
(C) T1 T2
and placed on a horizontal frictionless tabletop.
(D) It cannot be determined without knowing the
The string and objects spin with angular velocity
values of q1 and q2 .
w so that the objects move in circles of radius r1
(E) It cannot be determined without knowing the
length of the pendulums. and r2 , as shown above. The tensions T1 and T2
must satisfy which of the following relations?
11. A newly discovered planet has three times the
mass and five times the radius of Earth. What is (A) T1 - T2 = mw 2r1
the ratio of the acceleration due to gravity at the
surface of the new planet to the acceleration due (B) T2 - T1 = mw 2r1
to gravity at the surface of Earth? (C) T1 + T2 = mw 2r2
(A) 3 25 (D) T1 + T2 = mw 2r1
(B) 3 5 (E) T1 = T2
(C) 5 9
(D) 9 5 14. A block of mass 3 kg is swung on a cord in a
(E) 25 3 horizontal circle of radius 2 m. The speed of the
block is 6 m/s. The magnitude of the acceleration
of the block is most nearly
(A) zero
(B) 10 m/s2
(C) 18 m/s2
(D) 36 m/s2
(E) 54 m/s2

12. A satellite is in an elliptical orbit about a planet,

as shown in the figure above. At apogee, a
distance R1 from the planet, the satellite’s angular
speed is w . What is the angular speed of the
satellite at perigee, a distance R2 = R1 2 from the
planet?
(A) (1 4) w
(B) (1 2) w
(C) (1 2 ) w
(D) 2w
(E) 4w

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15. Two 1.0 kg balls have a perfectly elastic head-on
collision, as shown in the figure above. Before the
collision, ball X has a velocity of 2.0 m/s to the
right and ball Y has a velocity of 4.0 m/s to the 18. A 2.0 kg box is on top of a 4.0 kg box that is
left. After the collision, ball X has a velocity of placed on a frictionless surface, as shown in the
figure above. A 3.0 N force is applied to the top
(A) 0 m/s box. What is the minimum coefficient of friction
(B) 2.0 m/s to the right between the two boxes needed to keep them
(C) 2.0 m/s to the left moving together?
(D) 4.0 m/s to the right
(E) 4.0 m/s to the left (A) 0.10
(B) 0.15
(C) 0.30
16. An object of mass m and velocity 3v toward the (D) 0.50
east has a completely inelastic collision with an (E) 1.0
object of mass 2m and velocity 2v toward the
north. After the collision, the momentum of the Questions 19-20
combined object has a magnitude of
(A) 5mv A juggler has three objects in the air
(B) 7mv simultaneously. The masses of the objects are m,
(C) 10mv 2m, and 3m. At a particular instant, their respective
(D) 12mv vertical velocities are v , 0, and −v , where positive
(E) 15mv velocity is upward.

19. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of

the center of mass of the three-object system at
this instant?
(A) zero
(B) g 6
(C) g 3
(D) g 2
17. A 2.0 kg block is released from rest at the top of
a rough plane inclined at 37∞ to the horizontal, as (E) g
shown above. The block slides down the incline
2
with an acceleration of 4.0 m/s . What is the 20. What is the velocity of the center of mass of the
approximate magnitude of the force of friction three-object system at this instant?
on the block as it slides down the incline? (A) − v 2
(A) 4.0 N (B) − v 3
(B) 6.0 N (C) zero
(C) 10 N
(D) 12 N (D) v 3
(E) 20 N (E) v 2

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21. In a classroom demonstration, a teacher has a coin
and feather in a long tube. The teacher uses a
vacuum pump to remove all the air from the tube.
The feather and coin are then dropped from the
top of the tube at the same time. Which of the
following describes what happens and why?
(A) The coin hits the bottom of the tube first
because it weighs more.
(B) The coin hits the bottom of the tube first 22. The graph above shows velocity versus time for
because it is more dense. an object moving in a straight line, initially in the
(C) The feather hits the bottom of the tube first + x direction. Which of the following is true for
because it weighs less. the motion of the object for the entire time shown
(D) The coin and feather hit the bottom of the on the graph?
tube at the same time because they weigh (A) Its speed decreases with constant
the same. acceleration.
(E) The coin and feather hit the bottom of the (B) Its speed increases with constant acceleration.
tube at the same time because they have the (C) Its speed decreases with acceleration that also
same acceleration. decreases in magnitude.
(D) Its speed decreases to zero, then increases as
the object moves in the -x direction.
(E) Its acceleration decreases at a constant rate
to zero, then increases at a constant rate.

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Questions 23-24

A block is hung vertically from a spring of

force constant 50 N m and slowly lowered to 24. The spring and attached block are allowed to
equilibrium, stretching the spring by 0.10 m, as come to rest at position X and are then moved to
shown in the figure above. rest at position Y along the diagonal path shown
above. What is the work done on the block by the
23. If instead of being lowered slowly to equilibrium, spring in moving it along this path?
the block— still attached to the spring—was (A) 0J
released from rest and allowed to fall, which of (B) 15 J
the following would happen? (C) 20 J
(A) It would descend 0.10 m and remain at that (D) 25 J
position. (E) It cannot be determined without being given
(B) It would descend 0.10 m and then reverse its the value of the mass of the block.
direction of motion.
(C) It would descend 0.20 m and remain at that
position.
(D) It would descend 0.20 m and then reverse its
direction of motion.
(E) It would descend more than 0.20 m and then
reverse its direction of motion.

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 27. A toy spacecraft is launched directly upward.
When the toy reaches its highest point, a spring
is released and the toy splits into two parts with
masses of 0.01 kg and 0.09 kg, respectively.
Immediately after the separation, the 0.01 kg
part moves horizontally due east. Air resistance
is negligible. True statements about the 0.09 kg
part include which of the following?
I. It could move north immediately after the
spring is released.
II. It takes longer to reach the ground than does
25. The sphere shown above, which hangs from the 0.01 kg part.
a rigid wire, is given a twist and set into III. It strikes the ground closer to the launch
angular harmonic motion. The resulting point than does the 0.01 kg part.
equation of motion of the oscillating sphere
(A) I only
is q (t ) = 0.1cos ( 2t ) , where q is in radians (B) III only
and t is in seconds. If the rotational inertia (C) I and II only
of the sphere is 10 kgim 2 , then the torsion (D) II and III only
constant of the wire is most nearly (E) I, II, and III

(A) 7 kgim 2 s2
(B) 20 kgim 2 s2
(C) 30 kgim 2 s2
(D) 40 kgim 2 s2
(E) 50 kgim 2 s2

26. Assuming air resistance is negligible, how does a

diver doing flips off a diving board change
rotational speed in midair?
(A) By changing rotational inertia
(B) By maintaining a constant linear speed 28. A system consists of three 2 kg objects located at
(C) By changing linear momentum coordinates (0, 2), (0, 0), and (2, 0), as shown in
(D) By exerting a net torque the figure above. What are the coordinates (x, y)
(E) By changing angular momentum of the center of mass of the system?
(A) (1 2 m, 1 2 m )
(B) (2 3 m, 2 3 m )
(C) (3 4 m, 3 4 m )
(D) (1 m, 1 m )
(E) ( 4 3 m, 4 3 m )

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Questions 29-30 refer to the following. 29. The speed of the ball as it swings through
point P is
(A) g

(B) 2g
m
(C) mg
/2 mg
(D)
P 2
(E) mg
A ball of mass m, suspended by a cord of length ,
is displaced along its arc until it is elevated a vertical 30. If air resistance and friction in the pivot are
distance of 2 above its lowest position at point P, negligible, quantities that are conserved as the
as shown above. The ball is then released from rest ball swings back and forth include which of the
and swings like a simple pendulum. following?
I. Mechanical energy of the ball-Earth system
II. Linear momentum of the ball
III. Angular momentum of the ball about the
pivot point

(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) I and III only
(D) II and III only
(E) I, II, and III

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 31. The graph above shows potential energy U versus position x
for an object. Which of the following graphs shows the force
F exerted on the object as a function of position x ?
(A) (B)

(C) (D)

(E)

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-13-
 34. The net force on an object initially moving along
(
the positive x-axis is given by F (t ) = 4t - t 3 )
for t > 0, where F is in newtons and along the
32. A block of mass m on a horizontal surface is x-axis, and t is in seconds. At what time does the
attached to one end of a horizontal spring. The object reach its maximum positive velocity?
other end of the spring is fixed, as shown in the
figure above. The block oscillates with negligible 3
(A) s
friction and an amplitude of 4.0 cm. How far from 4
the equilibrium position is the block when the 4
kinetic energy of the block is three times the (B) s
3
potential energy of the system?
(C) 2s
(A) 1 cm
(B) 2 cm (D) 6 s
(C) 2 cm
(D) 2 2 cm (E) 3s
(E) 3 cm

33. An Earth satellite in a circular orbit of radius R

has a period T. What is the period of an Earth
satellite in a circular orbit of radius 4R ?
(A) T
(B) 2T
(C) 4T
(D) 6T
(E) 8T

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35. A heavy sign of mass M is hung between
two buildings from two supporting wires, each
making an angle q with the vertical, as shown
in the figure above. What is the tension in
each wire?
Mg
(A)
2sin q
Mg
(B)
2 cos q
Mg
(C)
sin q
2 Mg
(D)
sin q
2 Mg
(E)
cos q

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

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AND PLACED IT ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET

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-15-
 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C TABLE OF INFORMATION
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
Avogadro’s number, N 0 = 6.02 ¥ 10 23 mol -1
Universal gravitational
constant,
G = 6.67 ¥ 10 -11 N m 2 ( ) kg 2

R = 8.31 J (mol K) 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 s = 4.14 ¥ 10 -15 eV s
hc = 1.99 ¥ 10 -25 J m = 1.24 ¥ 103 eV nm
Vacuum permittivity, e0 = 8.85 ¥ 10 -12 C2 N m 2 ( )
Coulomb’s law constant, k = 1 ( 4 pe0 ) = 9.0 ¥ 10 N m
9 2
( ) C2
Vacuum permeability, m0 = 4 p ¥ 10 -7 (T m) A
Magnetic constant, k ¢ = m0 ( 4 p ) = 1 ¥ 10 -7 (T m) 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
109 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
-3 milli m
10 The following assumptions are used in this exam.
10 -6 micro m I. The frame of reference of any problem is inertial unless otherwise
-9
stated.
10 nano n II. The direction of current is the direction in which positive charges
10 -12 pico p would drift.
III. The electric potential is zero at an infinite distance from an isolated
point charge.
IV. All batteries and meters are ideal unless otherwise stated.
V. Edge effects for the electric field of a parallel plate capacitor are
negligible unless otherwise stated.

- -
 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C EQUATIONS
MECHANICS ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
Ãx = Ãx 0 + a x t a = acceleration 1 q1q2 A = area
E= energy FE = B = magnetic field
1 2 4 pe0 r 2
x = x0 + Ãx 0 t + at F = force C = capacitance
2 x
f = frequency FE d = distance
Ãx2 = Ãx 0 2 + 2 a x ( x - x0 ) E =
h = height q E = electric field
I = rotational inertia ε = emf
a=
 F = Fnet J = impulse Q F = force
m m
K = kinetic energy Ú E i dA = e0 I = current
dp k = spring constant J = current density
F = = length dV
dt Ex = - L = inductance
L = angular momentum dx
= length
J = Ú F dt = Dp m=
P =
mass
power
DV = - Ú E idr n = number of loops of wire
per unit length
p = mv p = momentum N = number of charge carriers
1 q
r = radius or distance V =
4 pe0 Â rii P =
per unit volume
power
F f £ m FN T = period i
t = time Q = charge
1 q1q2 q = point charge
U= potential energy UE = qV =
DE = W = Ú F idr v = velocity or speed
4 pe0 r R = resistance
1 2 W= work done on a system r = radius or distance
K = mà Q
2 x = position DV = t = time
C
m = coefficient of friction U = potential or stored energy
dE k e0 A V= electric potential
P= q = angle C =
dt d v = velocity or speed
t = torque
w = angular speed r = resistivity
P = F iv Cp = Â Ci
a = angular acceleration i F = flux
DUg = mg Dh f = phase angle k = dielectric constant
1 1
=Â FM = qv ¥ B
Fs = - k D x Cs C
i i
Ã2
ac = = w2r
r
Us =
1
2
k ( Dx )
2
I =
dQ Ú Bid = m0 I
dt
t = r¥F
x = xmax cos( wt + f) m0 I d ¥ r
1 1 dB =
Ât t UC = QDV = C ( DV )2 4 p r2
a = = net 2p 1 2 2
I I T = = r
w f R=
A
F = ÚI d ¥B
Ú r dm = Â mr
2 2
I =
m Bs = m0 nI
Ts = 2 p E = rJ
k
 mi xi
xcm =
 mi Tp = 2p
I = Nevd A FB = Ú B i dA
g
à = rw DV d FB
Gm1m2
I =
R
e = Ú E id =-
dt
FG =
L = r ¥ p = Iw r2
Rs = Â Ri e = -L
dI
Gm1m2 i dt
1 2 UG = -
K = Iw r
2 1 1 1 2
Rp
= ÂR UL =
2
LI
i i
w = w0 + at

1 2 P = I DV
q = q0 + w0 t + at
2

- -
 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C EQUATIONS

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
dx
(e ) = aeax
d ax
= length
A = pr2 w = width d
(ln ax ) = 1
r = radius dx x
C = 2p r
s = arc length d
s = rq q = angle dx
[sin (ax )] = a cos (ax)
Rectangular Solid
d
V = wh dx
[cos (ax )] = - a sin (ax)
Cylinder s
1
Úx x n + 1 , n π -1
n
r dx =
V = pr 2 n +1
q
1 ax
Úe
2 ax
S = 2p r + 2p r dx = e
a
Sphere
dx
4
V = pr3
Úx+a = ln x + a
3
1
S = 4 pr 2 Ú cos (ax) dx = a sin (ax)
1
Right Triangle Ú sin (ax) dx = - a cos (ax)
a 2 + b2 = c2
VECTOR PRODUCTS
a
sin q =
c Ai B = AB cos q
c a
cos q =
b A ¥ B = AB sin q
c q 90 °
b
a
tan q =
b

- -
 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.
A new sports car is undergoing acceleration tests to determine its specifications. The following data on speed u versus
time t are recorded for the car as it accelerates from rest along a straight track.

u (m/s) 0 14 23 30 35 39
t (s) 0 2 4 6 8 10

(a) On the axes below, plot u as a function of t and sketch a curve that best represents the data.

(b) Answer each of the following for the time period t = 0 s to t = 10 s.

i. Does the speed of the car increase, decrease, or stay the same?
____ Increase ____ Decrease ____ Stay the same
Justify your answer.

ii. Does the acceleration of the car increase, decrease, or stay the same?
____ Increase ____ Decrease ____ Stay the same
Justify your answer.

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-6-
 (c) Explain how you would use your graph in part (a) to find the distance traveled by the car between t = 2 s and
t = 8 s.

The equation for the speed u of the car as a function of time t found from the graph is u (t ) = !0.3t 2 + 7t , where u is
in meters per second and t is in seconds.
(d) Derive an expression for the acceleration of the car a (t ) as a function of time t .

(e) Calculate the position of the car as a function of time, x (t ) , assuming that the car starts from rest at the origin of a
coordinate system.

(f) Calculate the distance traveled by the car between t = 2 s and t = 8 s .

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-7-
Mech. 2.
The model of a roller coaster shown above consists of a ramp and a circular loop. A small block of mass M starts from
height H with speed u = 0 and slides without friction down the ramp and around the inside of the loop of radius H 2 .
Position P is a point on the loop at an angle q with the horizontal, as shown above. Express all algebraic answers in
terms of M, H, q , and fundamental constants, as appropriate.
(a) Derive an expression for the speed of the block at position P.

(b) On the following diagram, draw and label vectors to represent the forces (not components) on the block when it is at
position P. Each force must be represented by a distinct arrow starting on, and pointing away from, the dot at
position P.

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-8-
 (c) Derive an expression for the magnitude of the force exerted by the loop on the block when it is at position P. If you
need to draw anything other than what you have shown in part (b) to assist in your solution, use the space below. Do
NOT add anything to the figure in part (b).

(d) Calculate the angle qL , in degrees, at which the block leaves the loop.

(e) The small block is replaced with a small sphere that also starts at height H. Now there is enough friction to allow the
sphere to roll down the ramp without slipping. Identify how the new angle qn at which the sphere leaves the loop
compares with the angle qL calculated in part (d).
____ qn qL ____ qn = qL ____ qn qL
Explain your reasoning.

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-9-
Mech. 3.
A uniform, rigid, thin board that is 2.4 m long and weighs 200 N is attached to a post by a pivot at point P and hangs
over the edge of a building, as shown above. A crate weighing 400 N is attached to the right end of the board. The left
end of the board, 0.80 m from the pivot, is attached to a light vertical wire anchored at the other end to keep the board
from rotating.

(a) On the diagram below, draw and label vectors to represent all the forces (not components) acting on the board. Show
each force vector originating at its point of application.

(b) Calculate the magnitudes of the forces exerted on the board by the post and by the wire. If you need to draw
anything other than what you have shown in part (a) to assist in your solution, use the space below. Do NOT add
anything to the figure in part (a).

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-10-
 1
(c) The rotational inertia of the board alone about its center is ML2 , where M is the mass of the board and L is its
12
length. Calculate the rotational inertia of the combined board-crate system about point P.

(d) Suppose that the wire breaks and the board begins to pivot about point P. Calculate each of the following.
i. The magnitude of the initial angular acceleration of the board-crate system

ii. The magnitude of the initial linear acceleration of the left end of the board

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-11-
Answer Key for AP Physics C: Mechanics
Practice Exam, Section I

Question 1: B Question 19: E

Question 2: B Question 20: B
Question 3: C Question 21: E
Question 4: B Question 22: D
Question 5: D Question 23: D
Question 6: C Question 24: B
Question 7: A Question 25: D
Question 8: E Question 26: A
Question 9: E Question 27: B
Question 10: B Question 28: B
Question 11: A Question 29: A
Question 12: E Question 30: A
Question 13: A Question 31: E
Question 14: C Question 32: C
Question 15: E Question 33: E
Question 16: A Question 34: C
Question 17: A Question 35: B
Question 18: A
 AP® PHYSICS
2015 SCORING GUIDELINES

GENERAL NOTES ABOUT 2015 PHYSICS SCORING GUIDELINES

1. The solutions contain the most common method of solving the free-response questions and the allocation
of points for this solution. Some also contain a common alternate solution. Other methods of solution also
receive appropriate credit for correct work.

2. Generally, double penalty for errors is avoided. For example, if an incorrect answer to part (a) is correctly
substituted into an otherwise correct solution to part (b), full credit will usually be awarded. One exception
to this may be cases when the numerical answer to a later part should be easily recognized as wrong,
e.g., a speed faster than the speed of light in vacuum.

3. Implicit statements of concepts normally receive credit. For example, if use of the equation expressing
a particular concept is worth one point, and a student’s solution contains the application of that equation
to the problem but the student does not write the basic equation, the point is still awarded. However, when
students are asked to derive an expression it is normally expected that they will begin by writing one or more
fundamental equations, such as those given on the exam equation sheet. For a description of the use of such
terms as “derive” and “calculate” on the exams, and what is expected for each, see “The Free-Response
Sections Student Presentation” in the AP Physics; Physics C: Mechanics, Physics C: Electricity and
Magnetism Course Description or “Terms Defined” in the AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based and AP Physics 2:
Algebra-Based Course and Exam Description.

4. The scoring guidelines typically show numerical results using the value g = 9.8 m s 2 , but use of 10 m s 2
is of course also acceptable. Solutions usually show numerical answers using both values when they are
significantly different.

5. Strict rules regarding significant digits are usually not applied to numerical answers. However, in some cases
answers containing too many digits may be penalized. In general, two to four significant digits are acceptable.
Numerical answers that differ from the published answer due to differences in rounding throughout the
question typically receive full credit. Exceptions to these guidelines usually occur when rounding makes
a difference in obtaining a reasonable answer. For example, suppose a solution requires subtracting two
numbers that should have five significant figures and that differ starting with the fourth digit (e.g., 20.295
and 20.278). Rounding to three digits will lose the accuracy required to determine the difference in the
numbers, and some credit may be lost.

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2015 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 1
15 points total Distribution
of points
(a) 3 points

For accurately plotting at least five points 1 point

For a smooth curve with a positive slope 1 point
For a concave down curve starting at the origin 1 point

(b)
i. 1 point

The correct choice is “Increase”

For a correct justification 1 point
Example: The speed increases as the magnitude of the velocity increases for each data
point

ii. 1 point

The correct choice is “Decrease”

For a correct justification 1 point
Example: Since the slope of the line decreases with time, the acceleration of the car
must decrease with time

(c) 2 points

For mentioning area under the curve 1 point

For specifically describing the area between t = 2 s and t = 8 s 1 point
Example: To determine the distance traveled from a velocity-time graph, one should
find the area under the curve. For time t = 2 s to t = 8 s , one can approximate the
area using a trapezoid that approximately fills the area under the curve.

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2015 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 1 (continued)
Distribution
of points
(d) 2 points

For beginning with an indication that the acceleration is the derivative of velocity 1 point
dv
a(t ) =
dt
For correctly evaluating the derivative 1 point
a(t ) =
d
dt ( )
-0.3t 2 + 7t = -0.6t + 7

(e) 3 points

For an indication that the displacement is the integral of the velocity 1 point
t
Dx = Ú v(t )dt
t0
For attempting to integrate with appropriate limits or constant of integration 1 point
t

Ú ( -0.3t )
2
Dx = + 7t dt
0
For the correct answer 1 point
x (t ) = -0.1t 3 + 3.5t 2

(f) 3 points

For recognizing that the distance is the change in position 1 point

Dx = x (8) - x ( 2)
For using the expression from part (e) to calculate x(2) and x(8) 1 point
x (2) = 13.2 m
x (8) = 172.8 m
For the correct answer with units 1 point
Dx = 159.6 m
Alternate solution Alternate points
For using the integral of the speed and recognizing that the distance is the change in 1 point
position
For using the correct limits or constant of integration 1 point
8

Ú ( -0.3t )
2
Dx = + 7t dt
2
8
-0.3t 3 7t 2
Dx = + = -51.2 + 224 - ( -0.8 + 14)
3 2 2
For the correct answer with units
Dx = 159.6 m 1 point

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2015 SCORING GUIDELINES

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

For a correct application of conservation of energy 1 point

K1 + U1 = K 2 + U 2
1
mgH = mv 2 + mgy P
2
For relating y p to H and θ 1 point
H H
yp = + sin q
2 2
For a correct final expression for v, which does not have to be simplified 1 point
v = gH (1 - sin q )

(b) 2 points

For correctly drawing and labeling a vector for the weight of the block 1 point
For correctly drawing and labeling a vector for the normal force on the block 1 point
One earned point is deducted (up to a maximum of two points) for each extraneous force
drawn

(c) 5 points

For applying Newton’s second law with more than one force 1 point
For setting the sum of the forces in the radial direction equal to mv 2 R 1 point
mv 2
FN + wradial =
R
For using the correct radial component of the weight 1 point
wradial = mg sin q
For correctly substituting for the speed and radius from part (a) 1 point
mgH (1 - sin q )
FN + mg sin q =
H 2
For an answer consistent with part (a) 1 point
FN = mg (2 - 3sin q )

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2015 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 2 (continued)
Distribution
of points
(d) 2 points

For setting the normal force equal to zero (explicitly or implicitly) 1 point
0 = mg (2 - 3sin q )
3sin q = 2
q = sin -1 ( 2 3)
For an answer consistent with part (c) 1 point
q = 41.8!

(e) 3 points

For correctly selecting qn < qL 1 point

For indicating that the sphere will be moving slower (or has less kinetic energy) when it 1 point
loses contact
For indicating that some of the initial potential energy now goes into rotational kinetic 1 point
energy
Example: Since some of the energy must go into the rotational energy of the sphere, the
sphere will have slower translational speed at every point on the track. Since the
sphere moves slower than the block, the sphere will lose contact with the loop at a
lower height and a smaller angle.

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2015 SCORING GUIDELINES

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

For correctly drawing and labeling the three downward forces: tension, weight of the 1 point
board, weight of the crate
For correctly drawing and labeling the upward force exerted on the board by the post 1 point
For drawing all of the forces at their respective points of action 1 point
One earned point is deducted (up to a maximum of two points) for each extraneous force
drawn

(b) 4 points

For summing the torques about any labeled point and setting that sum equal to zero 1 point
Example using left end as pivot point:
t cw - t ccw = 0
t w -board + t w -crate = t post
For substituting correct radii for all torques 1 point
( 200 N )(1.2 m ) + ( 400 N )( 2.4 m ) = ( Fpost ) (0.8 m )
For correctly calculating either the tension or the post force 1 point
Fpost = 1500 N
For a correct method for determining the remaining force and a consistent answer 1 point
Fup = Fdown
Fpost = wboard + wcrate + FT
FT = 1500 N - 200 N - 400 N
FT = 900 N

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2015 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 3 (continued)
Distribution
of points
(c) 3 points

For correctly calculating the rotational inertia of the board about P 1 point
1
I board - P = Md 2 + I cm = Md 2 + ML2
12
Ê 200 N ˆ Ê ˆ
I board - P = Á 2˜
(0.4 m )2 + 1 Á 200 N 2 ˜ ( 2.4 m )2 = 13.1 kgi m 2
Ë 9.8 m s ¯ 12 Ë 9.8 m s ¯
(or 12.8 kgi m 2 using g = 10 m s2 )
For correctly calculating the rotational inertia of the crate about P 1 point
Ê 400 N ˆ
I = mcrate r 2 = Á (1.6)2 = 104.5 kgi m 2
Ë 9.8 m s2 ˜¯
(or 102.4 kgi m 2 using g = 10 m s2 )
For recognizing that the total rotational inertia of the system about P is the sum of the 1 point
inertia of the board and the crate about P
SI P = 117.6 kgi m 2 (or 115.2 kgi m 2 using g = 10 m s2 )

(d)
i. 2 points

For summing torques about P, setting the sum equal to I a , and substituting appropriate 1 point
values
St P = wboard d board + wcrate d crate = I a
( 200 N )(0.4 m ) + ( 400 N )(1.6 m ) = 115.2a
For an answer consistent with part (c) 1 point
a = 6.13 rad s2 (or 6.25 rad s2 using g = 10 m s2 )

ii. 2 points

For a correct relationship between angular and linear acceleration 1 point

a = ra
(
a = (0.80 m ) 6.13 rad s2 )
For an answer consistent with part (d)i. 1 point
a = 4.9 m s2 (or 5.0 m s2 using g = 10 m s2 )

Units 1 point

For correct units on all answers 1 point

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 2015 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
59-90 5
47-58 4
36-46 3
29-35 2
0-28 1