Grade Distributions

Problem B-1
Problem B-2
Problem B-3
Problem B-4
Problem B-5
Problem B-6
Problem B-7

END
2009 AP Physics B

2009 Grade Distributions

62,702 Exams

Mean Grade = 2.86

27.2
18.3

18.6

20.9

14.9

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2009 AP Physics B

Physics B-1 (15 points)

In an experiment, students are to calculate the spring constant k of a

vertical spring in a small jumping toy that initially rests on a table. When
the spring in the toy is compressed a distance x from its uncompressed
length L0 and the toy is released, the top of the toy rises to a maximum
height h above the point of maximum compression. The students repeat
the experiment several times, measuring h with objects of various masses
taped to the top of the toy so that the combined mass of the toy and added
objects is m. The bottom of the toy and the spring each have negligible
mass compared to the top of the toy and the objects taped to it.
2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-1 (15 points)

(a) 3 points
Derive an expression for the height h in
terms of m, x, k, and fundamental
constants.
Cons. Energy
mgh 1 kx 2
2
kx 2
h
2mg

1 pt. Conservation of Energy

1 pt. Correct Energy Expression
1 pt. Solving for h

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-1 (15 points)

With the spring compressed a distance x = 0.020 m in each trial, the
students obtained the following data for different values of m.

(b) i. 2 points
What quantities should be graphed so that the slope of a best-fit straight
line through the data points can be used to calculate the spring constant k ?

Plot h vs.

1
1
or m vs.
m
h

2 pt. Expression

1
1
h vs. m vs.
m
h
2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-1 (15 points)

With the spring compressed a distance x = 0.020 m in each trial, the
students obtained the following data for different values of m.
1/m (kg-1)
50
33
25
20
17

1/h (m-1)
2.0
2.9
3.6
5.3
5.6

1 pt. Filling table with correct values.

(b) ii. 2 points
Fill in one or both of the blank columns in the table with calculated values
of your quantities, including units.
1 pt. Correct Units.

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-1 (15 points)

(c) 4 points
On the axes below, plot your data and draw a best-fit straight line. Label
the axes and indicate the scale.
h(m)

0.5

1 pt. Correctly plotting Points.

0.4

1 pt. Best Fit Straight Line.

0.3
1 pt. Correctly Scaling Axis.

0.2
0.1

1 pt. Correctly Labeling Axis.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1/m (kg1)

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-1 (15 points)

h

(d) 2 points
Using your best-fit line,
calculate the numerical value
of the spring constant.

0.5
0.4
0.3

2 hm g
kx 2
k
h
2mg
x2

2 slope g
x2

0.2
0.1

1m
0

2 0.0107 m kg 9.8 m/s 2

0.020 m 2

k 524 N/m

10

20

30

slope

40

50

1/m

60

h
0.42 0.10

1
40 10

0.32
0.0107 m kg
30

1 pt. Calculating the Slope

1 pt. Correct Value for Spring Constant
2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-1 (15 points)

(e) 2 points
Describe a procedure for measuring the height h in the
experiment, given that the toy is only momentarily at that
maximum height

Use a timer to measure the time the toy is in the air.

Calculate the maximum height reached using this time.
2 pt. Correct, Complete Procedure

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2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-2 (10 points)

Two small objects, labeled 1 and 2 in the diagram above, are suspended
in equilibrium from strings of length L. Each object has mass m and
charge +Q. Assume that the strings have negligible mass and are
insulating and electrically neutral. Express all algebraic answers in
terms of m, L, Q, , and fundamental constants.

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-2 (10 points)

(a) 3 points
On the following diagram, sketch lines to illustrate
a 2-dimensional view of the net electric field due to
the two objects in the region enclosed by the
dashed lines.
1 pt. Field direction away from charges.

1 pt. Correct Curvature of Field Lines

1 pt. Zero field at point A

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-2 (10 points)

(b) 2 points
Derive an expression for the electric potential at
point A, shown in the diagram at the top of the
page, which is midway between the charged
objects.

kq1 kq 2

r1
r2

2kQ
V
r

r
r L sin

1 pt. Showing Field Contributions.

2kQ

L sin

1 pt. Correct Expression

Using Given Quantities

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-2 (10 points)

(c) 2 points
On the following diagram of object 1, draw and
label vectors to represent the forces on the object.

T
FE

1 pt. Correct Arrows.

1 pt. Correct Labeling of vectors.

mg

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-2 (10 points)

(d) 3 points
Using the conditions of equilibrium, writebut do not
solvetwo equations that could, together, be solved
for and the tension T in the left-hand string.

T sin FE

kQ 2
r2

kQ 2

r 2L sin

2L sin 2
1 pt. TX = FE.
1 pt. TY = mg.

T cos mg
T sin

kQ 2

2L sin 2

FE
T cos mg

mg

1 pt. Stating the Two Equations

Using Given Quantities
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2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-3 (15 points)

A metal rod of mass 0.22 kg lies across two parallel conducting

rails that are a distance of 0.52 m apart on a tabletop, as shown in
the top view above. A 3.0 resistor is connected across the left
ends of the rails. The rod and rails have negligible resistance but
significant friction with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.20.
There is a magnetic field of 0.80 T perpendicular to the plane of
the tabletop. A string pulls the metal rod to the right with a
constant speed of 1.8 m/s.
2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-3 (15 points)

(a) 3 points
Calculate the magnitude of the
current induced in the loop formed
by the rod, the rails, and the resistor.
1 pt. Ohms Law

BLv 0.80 T 0.52 m 1.8 m/s

R
3.0
R
1 pt. Motional EMF

0.25 A

1 pt. Correct answer

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-3 (15 points)

(b) 4 points
Calculate the magnitude of the
force required to pull the rod to the
right with constant speed.
1 pt. Force of Friction
Ff k mg

0.20 0.22 kg 9.8 m/s 2

0.43 N

1 pt. Correct Magnetic Force

FB BIL

0.80 T 0.25 A 0.52 m

0.10 N

1 pt. Adding the Two Forces

F Ff FB

0.43 N 0.10 N

0.53 N

1 pt. Correct answer

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-3 (15 points)

(c) 3 points
Calculate the energy dissipated in
the resistor in 2.0 s.
1 pt. Power-Energy Relationship
E Pt
1 pt. Electric Power (I2R)

E I 2 R t 0.25 A 2 3.0 2.0 s

0.38 J

1 pt. Correct Substitution

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-3 (15 points)

(d) 2 points
Calculate the work done by the
string pulling the rod in 2.0 s.

W Fd
W 0.54 N 3.6 m
1 pt. Correct Substitution for Force

d vt
d 1.8 m/s 2.0 s

W 1.9 J

d 3 .6 m
1 pt. Correct Expression for Distance

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-3 (15 points)

(e) 2 points
Compare your answers to parts
(c) and (d). Provide a physical
explanation for why they are
equal or unequal.
(c) E 0.38 J
(d ) W 1.9 J
1 pt. Work Done by Friction not Included
Answer (c) does not include work done by friction.
Work done by friction dissipates energy.
1 pt. Friction Dissipates Energy

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2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-4 (10 points)

The cylinder contains 2.2 kg of water vapor initially at a
volume of 2.0 m3 and an absolute pressure of 3.0 x 105 Pa.
This state is represented by point A in the PV diagram
below. The molar mass of water is 18 g, and the water vapor
can be treated as an ideal gas.

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-4 (10 points)

(a) 3 points
Calculate the temperature of
the water vapor at point A.
m W 2.2 kg
M W 18 x 10 3 kg/mol
PV nRT

1 pt. Ideal Gas Law

2.2 kg

122 mol

3
18 x 10 kg/mol

1 pt. Correct Number of Moles

PV
T
nR

3.0 x 103 Pa 2.0 m 3

122 mol 8.31 J/mol K

590 K

1 pt. Correct Substitution

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-4 (10 points)

The absolute pressure of the
water vapor is increased at
constant volume to 4.0 x 105 Pa
at point B, and then the volume
of the water vapor is increased
at constant pressure to 2.5 m3
at point C, as shown in the PV
n 122 mol
diagram.
(b) 1 point
Calculate the temperature of the water vapor at point C.
PV
T
nR

4.0 x 103 Pa 2.5 m 3

122 mol 8.31 J/mol K

980 K

1 pt. Correct Answer and Units

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-4 (10 points)

(c) 3 points
Does the internal energy of the
water vapor for the process
ABC increase, decrease, or
remain the same?

980 K
590 K

____Increase ____Decrease ____Remain the same

1 pt. Selecting Increase
Justify your answer

Internal energy is proportional to temperature.

2 pt. Correct Justification
2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-4 (10 points)

(d) 3 points
Calculate the work done on the
water vapor for the process
ABC.

1 pt. Work Equals Area Under Curve

The area under the curve represents the work
done on the water.
1 pt. Correct Numerical Answer and Units
W PV

4.0 x 10 5 Pa 0.50 m 3

2.0 x 10 5 J

1 pt. Negative Sign on Answer

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2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-5 (10 points)

Three objects of identical mass attached to strings are

suspended in a large tank of liquid, as shown above.

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-5 (10 points)

(a) 3 points
Must all three strings have the same tension?
____ Yes ____ No
1 pt. Selecting No
Justify your answer.
The tension in each string depends on the weight
and buoyant force on each object.
The buoyant force on a submerged object depends
on the objects volume.
2 pt. Correct Justification
2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-5 (10 points)

Object A has a volume of 1.0 x 105 m3 and a density

of 1300 kg m3 . The tension in the string to which
object A is attached is 0.0098 N.

(b) 3 points
Calculate the buoyant force on object A.
T B mg 0

1 pt. Expression of Equilibrium

mg V g

B mg T

1 pt. Using Density and Volume

B Vg T

mg

B 1300 kg m 3 1.0 x 10 5 m 3 9.8 m/s 2 0.0098 N

B 12 N

1 pt. Correct Answer

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-5 (10 points)

Object A has a volume of 1.0 x 105 m3 and a

density of 1300 kg m3 . The tension in the string
to which object A is attached is 0.0098 N.

B 12 N

(c) 2 points
Calculate the density of the liquid.
B L V g
B
L
Vg

1 pt. Correct Substitution

0.12 N

1.0 x 10 - 5 m 3 9.8 m/s 2

1200 kg/m 3
1 pt. Correct Answer

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-5 (10 points)

(d) 2 points
Some of the liquid is now drained from the tank until
only half of the volume of object A is submerged.
Would the tension in the string to which object A is
attached increase, decrease, or remain the same?
____ Increase ____ Decrease ____ Remain the same
Justify your answer.

1 pt. Selecting Increase

Less liquid is displaced therefore the buoyant force is less

T mg B

1 pt. Correct Justification

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2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-6 (10 points)

In a classroom demonstration, a beam of coherent light of

wavelength 550 nm is incident perpendicularly onto a pair of slits.
Each slit has a width w of 1.2 x 106 m, and the distance d between
the centers of the slits is 1.8 x 106 m. The class observes light and
dark fringes on a screen that is a distance L of 2.2 m from the slits.

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-6 (10 points)

(a) 2 points
Calculate the
frequency of the light.

1 pt. Speed-Frequency-Wavelength

c f
c
f

3.0 x 10 8 m/s
550 x 10 9 m

550 x 10 9 m
c 3.0 x 10 9 m/s

5.5 x 1014 Hz

1 pt. Correct answer

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-6 (10 points)

(b) 3 ponts
Calculate the distance between
two adjacent dark fringes on
the screen.
1 pt. Interference position
xm

L
d

= 550 nm
L = 2.2 m

m 1

d = 1.8 x 106 m

1 pt. Interference Separation

L
x
d

2.2 m 550 x 10 9 m
1.8 x 10 5 m

0.067 m

1 pt. Correct Substitution

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-6 (10 points)

The entire apparatus is now immersed in a transparent fluid

having index of refraction 1.4.
(c) 2 points
What is the frequency of the light in the transparent fluid?

f 5.5 x 1014 Hz

2 pt. Frequency Does Not Change

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-6 (10 points)

(d) 3 points
Does the distance between the dark fringes increase, decrease, or
remain the same?
_____ Increase _____ Decrease _____ Remain the same
Explain your reasoning.

1 pt. Selecting Decrease

x is proportional to the wavelength nad

the wavelength decreases in the fluid.

L
d

2 pt. Correct Reasoning

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2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-7 (10 points)

A photon of wavelength 250 nm ejects an electron from a metal.

The ejected electron has a de Broglie wavelength of 0.85 nm.
(a) 3 points
Calculate the kinetic energy of the electron.
mv 2
K
2

h2
2m2

h
mv

2
1 pt. Correct Substitution
h
h
v

of wavelength for Velocity

m
m

2
1 pt. Correct Substitution of Plancks Constant

34
6.63 x 10
Js

31

9
2 9.11 x 10
kg 0.85 x 10 m

3.3 x 10 19 J

1 pt. Correct Substitution of Electron Mass

2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-7 (10 points)

A photon of wavelength 250 nm ejects an electron from a metal.
The ejected electron has a de Broglie wavelength of 0.85 nm.
(b) 3 points
Assuming that the kinetic energy found in (a) is the maximum kinetic
energy that it could have, calculate the work function of the metal.
K hf
hf K

1 pt. Photoelectric Effect

hc
K

1 pt. Correct Substitution of (hc)

6.63 x 10 34 J s 3.0 x 10 8 m/s

3.3 x 10 19 J
250 x 10 9 m

4.7 x 10 19 J

1 pt. Correct Substitution of Photon Wavelength

1 pt. Correct Units in Parts (a) and (b)
2009 AP-B Exam

Physics B-7 (10 points)

(c) 3 points
The incident photon was created when an atom underwent an electronic
transition. On the energy level diagram of the atom below, the transition
labeled X corresponds to a photon wavelength of 400 nm. Indicate
which transition could be the source of the original 250 nm photon by
circling the correct letter.
1 pt. Selecting
Correct Transition

Justify your answer.

2 pt. Correct Justification

Emission of the original photon means the atom

goes to a lower energy level.
Energy is inversely proportional to wavelength.

hc
E

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2009 AP-B Exam