2022 AP Physics C: Mechanics International Exam Questions

Extrated from the AP Question Bank

Contents
1 Multiple Choice Questions 2

2 Free-Response Questions 22

3 Answers for Multiple Choice Questions 31

4 Scoring Guidelines 32

1
1 Multiple Choice Questions
The exam begins on the next page.

2
 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 comple-
tions. 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. A rocket of mass m is launched from the surface of

Earth with an initial speed equal to one-half the escape
speed. The mass and the radius of Earth are 6.0×1024
kg and 6.4 × 106 m, respectively. What is the maxi-
mum altitude achieved by the rocket? Assume air re-
sistance is negligible.

(A) 9.1 × 105 m

(B) 2.1 × 106 m
(C) 6.4 × 106 m
(D) 1.9 × 107 m
(E) 4.5 × 107 m

2. A solid disk of mass M and radius R is free to rotate

about a fixed axis through its center. The rotational
MR
inertia of the disk around its center is . A force F
2
R
is applied tangentially at a distance from the axis,
2
as shown in the figure above. What is the angular ac-
celeration of the disk?
2F
(A)
MR2
2F
(B)
MR
F
(C)
MR
F
(D)
MR2
F
(E)
2MR2

3
3. A large block of mass m1 on a horizontal table is at-
tached to a small block of mass m2 by a light string
that hangs over a pulley of mass m0 , as shown. The 4. A ball is released from the top of a ramp and rolls off
table and pulley axle have negligible friction. The sys- of a table, as shown in the figure. Point P is the lo-
tem is released from rest. As the blocks move, the cation at which the ball has just left the edge of the
string exerts tension F1 on m1 and F2 on m2 , as shown. table. Using the coordinate axes shown, which of the
The angular acceleration α of the pulley is experi- following is correct regarding the vertical acceleration
mentally determined. If the pulley is replaced with a ay and the components of the velocity v of the ball at
new pulley that has the same radius but a much larger point P?
mass, α is found to be smaller. If frictional forces are
negligible, which of the following is the best explana- (A) ay < 0 vx > 0 vy = 0
tion for this observation? (B) ay = 0 vx > 0 vy = 0
(A) Net torque is required to turn the pulley with (C) ay > 0 vx > 0 vy < 0
mass, so F1 and F2 both decrease. (D) ay < 0 vx > 0 vy > 0
(B) Net torque is required to turn the pulley with (E) ay > 0 vx = 0 vy < 0
mass, so F1 and F2 both increase.
(C) Net torque is required to turn the pulley with
mass, so F1 increases and F2 decreases.
(D) Net torque is required to turn the pulley with
mass, so F1 decreases and F2 increases.
(E) The angular acceleration α was incorrectly de-
termined, because increasing the mass of the
pulley should not affect α.

4
5. A box of mass 0.50 kg slides down a rough ramp with an initial speed of 2.0 m/s. The ramp is inclined at an angle of 30°
above the horizontal. The box slides a distance of 1.5 m and comes to rest before reaching the bottom of the ramp. The
energy dissipated as the box slides to a stop is most nearly

(A) 0
(B) 1.4 J
(C) 2.8 J
(D) 4.7 J
(E) 8.4 J

5
Questions 6-7

A box of mass M is pulled to the right at constant speed across a rough, horizontal surface. Two ropes are used to exert forces
⃗F1 and ⃗F2 on the box. ⃗F1 is horizontal and to the left, and ⃗F2 is at an angle θ above the horizontal, as shown. The coefficient of
kinetic friction between the box and the horizontal surface is µ.

6. Which of the following is a correct expression for the 7. At a later time, the angle θ is slowly decreased with-
magnitude of force ⃗F1 ? out changing the magnitude of the two forces. The
angle θ continues to decrease until the force ⃗F2 is hor-
(A) F2 cos θ izontal, after which time the force ⃗F2 remains horizon-
(B) µ(Mg − F2 sin θ ) tal. Which of the following best describes the changes
(C) F2 cos θ − µ(Mg − F2 sin θ ) in the normal force and the force of friction on the box
while the angle is changing?
(D) F2 cos θ + µ(Mg − F2 sin θ )
(E) F2 sin θ − µ(Mg − F2 cos θ ) (A) The normal force increases and the force of fric-
tion increases.
(B) The normal force increases and the force of fric-
tion decreases.
(C) The normal force increases and the force of fric-
tion remains constant.
(D) The normal force decreases and the force of fric-
tion remains constant.
(E) The normal force decreases and the force of fric-
tion decreases.

6
8. An object is moving in a straight line along the x-axis. The momentum of the object px as a function of time t is shown
in the graph above. Which statement below correctly describes the net force that the object experiences during the time
period shown?

(A) The net force is decreasing over time.

(B) The net force is increasing over time.
(C) The net force is constant and positive.
(D) The net force is constant and negative.
(E) The net force is positive for 0 < t < 6 s and negative for 6 s < t < 10 s.

9. An object is moving in the x direction as shown in the graph. At time t = t1 , the motion changes. Which of the following
describes the velocity v before and acceleration a after t = t1 ?
Velocity before t = t1 Acceleration after t = t1
(A) Zero Positive
(B) Positive Negative
(C) Positive Positive
(D) Negative Positive
(E) Positive Zero

7
Questions 10-11

A projectile of mass m1 is traveling with a horizontal speed vi to the right toward a block of mass m2 that is at rest on a horizontal
surface, as shown. The projectile becomes embedded in the block, and the block and projectile move together to the right with
speed v f . There is negligible friction between the block and the surface.

10. Students measure v f using a motion detector and com- 11. The duration of the collision between the projectile
pare the measured v f to the expected theoretical value. and the block is ∆t. Which of the following expres-
What could contribute to the experimental value of v f sions is equal to the average force exerted on the block
being greater than the theoretical value? by the projectile during the collision?

(A) Greater-than-expected friction between the m1 vi

(A)
block and the surface 2∆t
m2 vi
(B) Deformation of the block as a result of the pro- (B)
2∆t
jectile’s impact m1 v f
(C)
(C) Friction between the projectile and the block as m2 ∆t
the projectile becomes embedded in the block m1 v f
(D)
∆t
(D) An increase in temperature of the block as a re- m2 vi
sult of the impact (E)
∆t
(E) A slight downward incline of the surface the
block moves on

8
 13. Five toy cars are being raced by students. The stu-
dents plot the velocity as a function of time for each
car. Which graph indicates the car that has the greatest
displacement at the end of the race?

(A)

12. The graph shows the velocity of an object v as a func-

tion of time t. What is the distance traveled by the
object from t = 0 s to t = 7.0 s?

(A) −24 m
(B) −16 m
(B)
(C) 24 m
(D) 40 m
(E) 56 m

(C)

(D)

(E)

9
 15. Which of the following free-body diagrams shows an
object in equilibrium?

(A)

14. Boxes A, B, and C of masses mA , mB , and mC , re-

spectively, are on a horizontal surface with negligible
friction. A horizontal force F is exerted on Box A, as
shown. The boxes remain in contact with each other
as they move along the surface. The magnitude of the (B)
force that Box B exerts on Box C is

(A) F
 
mC
(B) F
mA + mB
 
mA + mB
(C) F
mC
 
mC (C)
(D) F
mA + mB + mC
 
mA + mB + mC
(E) F
mC

(D)

(E)

10
Questions 16-17

Blocks A and B, each of mass m, are connected by a string that extends over a pulley. Block A slides on a horizontal surface,
and Block B is on a surface that is inclined at an angle θ above the horizontal, as shown. Both surfaces have negligible friction.
The masses of the string and pulley are negligible, and the pulley rotates with negligible friction.

11
16. Which of the following graphs best shows the sum of 17. The system is released from rest. Which of the fol-
the kinetic energy K of the two blocks and the po- lowing is a correct expression for the speed of Block
tential energy U of the two-block-Earth system, as a B when it has moved a distance x?
function of the distance x Block A has moved along √
the horizontal surface before Block A reaches the pul- (A) gx
√
ley? (B) gx sin θ
√
(C) 2gx sin θ
p
(D) gx(1 + sin θ )
p
(E) 2gx(1 + sin θ )

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

12
 19. A particle has a potential energy given as a function
of position x by U(x) = 9x2 − 4x. What is the force
acting on the particle at x = a?

(A) −18a + 4
(B) −18a − 4
(C) 18a − 4
(D) 3a2 − 2a2
(E) −3a2 + 2a2

18. A mass on a spring of spring constant k oscillates as

shown. Which of the following graphs would cor-
rectly depict the kinetic energy versus time for the os-
cillating mass?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

13
20. Two pucks, A and B, with unequal masses, slide with equal speeds in opposite directions on a horizontal surface with
negligible friction, as shown in Figure 1. The pucks undergo a head-on collision. After the collision, both pucks move to
the right. The speed of Puck A has decreased, and the speed of Puck B has increased, as shown in Figure 2. Which of the
following is a plausible explanation for the observed behavior of the pucks?

(A) The magnitude of change in momentum is the same for each puck, but Puck A has more momentum initially.
(B) The magnitude of change in momentum is the same for each puck, but Puck B has more momentum initially.
(C) The magnitude of change of momentum is the same for each puck because each puck has the same momentum
initially.
(D) The magnitude of change in momentum of Puck A is greater than that of Puck B because Puck A has a greater initial
momentum.
(E) The magnitude of change of momentum of Puck A is less than that of Puck B because Puck A has greater mass.

14
Questions 21-22

A student conducts an experiment in which a cart of mass m1 is moving on a level horizontal surface of negligible friction with
speed vi toward a second cart of mass m2 that is at rest. The carts collide, stick together, and move with speed v f . The carts then
travel up a ramp, momentarily come to rest, and then roll back down the ramp. The student repeats the experiment for several
different values of vi .

The student plots v f as a function of vi and draws a best-fit straight line to represent the data.

15
21. Which of the following expressions can be deter- 22. The student repeats the whole experiment but doubles
mined using the slope of the best-fit line? the initial speed vi of the cart with mass m1 for each
data point collected. When the new data points are
(A) m1 m2 plotted and a best-fit line is drawn, how would the
m1
(B) slope of this best-fit line compare to the slope on the
m2 original graph?
m1
(C)
m1 + m2 (A) The slope would stay the same.
m2
(D) (B) The slope would be one-half as great.
m1 + m2
m1 − m2 (C) The slope would be one-quarter as great.
(E)
m1 + m2 (D) The slope would be twice as great.
(E) The slope would be four times as great.

16
 24. A satellite is orbiting a planet in an elliptical orbit.
23. A rod with a nonuniform mass density given by λ = Five locations in the orbit are P, Q, R, S, and T, as
Ax2 , where A = 5.0 kg/m3 , is aligned on the x-axis shown. The distance traveled by the satellite between
with one end at the origin and the other end at x = 2.0 each point along the path is the same. Which of the
m, as shown. The rotational inertia of the rod about following accurately represents the angular momen-
the origin is most nearly tum about the planet and the kinetic energy of the
satellite at the different locations?
(A) 8 kg·m2 Angular Momentum Kinetic Energy
(B) 13 kg·m2 (A) LP > LT KP = KT
(B) LQ > LS KQ > KS
(C) 32 kg·m2
(C) LQ = LR KQ > KR
(D) 53 kg·m2 (D) LP = LT KP < KT
(E) 80 kg·m2 (E) LR = LT KR > KT

25. A sled that weighs 5.0 × 103 N is pulled across level

snow by dogs exerting a horizontal force on it. The
coefficient of kinetic friction between the sled and
snow is 0.050. How much work is done by the dogs
on the sled when the sled moves 1.0 × 103 m at con-
stant speed?

(A) Zero
(B) 2.5 × 105 J
(C) 5.0 × 105 J
(D) 2.5 × 106 J
(E) 5.0 × 106 J

17
26. Two disks have equal masses and radii. Disk A is
solid, and Disk B is hollow. Each disk has a thin
string wrapped around it. Both strings are attached 27. A sphere of mass m is connected to a lightweight rod
to the ceiling as shown. The disks are simultaneously of length L and moves at a constant speed greater than
√
released from rest from the same height. Which of the Lg in a vertical circle, as shown. The magnitudes of
following accurately describes which disk will hit the the forces the rod exerts on the sphere at positions A,
ground first and why? B, and C are FA , FB , and FC , respectively. Which of
the following expressions is equal to 2mg?
(A) Disk A will hit the ground first. Disk A has a
greater rotational inertia; therefore, the tension (A) FA + FB
in the string for Disk A will be greater than the (B) FB + FC
tension in the string for Disk B. (C) FC + FA
(B) Disk B will hit the ground first. Disk B has a (D) FB − FA
smaller rotational inertia; therefore, it will have
(E) FC − FA
a greater angular acceleration.
(C) Disk A will hit the ground first. Disk A has a
smaller rotational inertia; therefore, it will have
a greater linear acceleration.
(D) Disk B will hit the ground first. Disk B has a
greater rotational inertia; therefore, it will have
a greater angular acceleration.
(E) Both disks will hit the ground at the same time.
Since both disks have the same mass, they will
have the same linear acceleration.

18
28. Two objects of mass M1 and M2 are connected by a 29. Two rocks are thrown simultaneously from a height
string that passes over a pulley with negligible mass h above the ground, as shown. Rock A has a mass
and negligible friction, as shown. A group of students m and is thrown horizontally with a speed v0 . Rock
wants to use this setup to measure the acceleration due B has a mass 2m and is thrown with the same speed
to gravity g. Which of the following procedures could v0 at an angle θ above the horizontal. Which of the
the students use? following statements is true?

(A) Use equal masses, collect velocity data for M2 , (A) Rock A hits the ground with a greater speed than
and calculate its acceleration. Rock B.
(B) Use equal masses, collect position data for M2 , (B) Rock B hits the ground with a greater accelera-
and calculate its average velocity. tion than Rock A.

(C) Use unequal masses, collect velocity data for (C) Rock A and Rock B hit the ground with the same
M2 , and calculate its acceleration. speed.
(D) Rock A and Rock B hit the ground simultane-
(D) Use unequal masses, collect position data for
ously.
M2 , and calculate its average velocity.
(E) Rock B’s acceleration changes direction during
(E) Use different sets of equal masses, collect veloc-
the flight.
ity data for each value of M2 , and calculate the
average acceleration. 30. A block of mass m is pulled from rest along a hori-
zontal surface by a horizontal force whose magnitude
is given by the equation F(t) = At + B, where A and B
are constants with appropriate units. The coefficient
of friction between the block and the surface is µk .
Which expression correctly represents the velocity of
the block as a function of time?
At 2 Bt
(A) + + gµk t
m m
At 2 Bt
(B) + + gµk t
2m m
At 2 Bt
(C) + − gµk t
2m m
At 2 Bt
(D) − − gµk t
2m m
At 2 Bt
(E) − + gµk t
m m

19
 32. A rock weighs 2.0 N on the surface of Earth. How far
away from the center of a star with mass 2.0 × 1030 kg
must the same rock be in order to exert a gravitational
force on the star with a magnitude of 2.0 N?

(A) 3.7 × 109 m

(B) 8.1 × 109 m
(C) 1.2 × 1010 m
(D) 1.3 × 1019 m
(E) 6.7 × 1019 m

33. A satellite is orbiting Earth at an altitude of one-half

Earth’s radius. If the weight of the satellite while in
orbit is 9,000 N, what is the weight of the satellite on
31. Cylinders of various masses are individually hung on Earth’s surface?
a spring of spring constant k and set into simple har- (A) 4,000 N
monic motion. The angular frequency ω is deter-
mined. Then, the square of ω is plotted as a function (B) 6,000 N
of the inverse of the cylinder weight, as shown in the (C) 9,000 N
graph. Which of the following correctly determines (D) 13,500 N
the spring constant k and provides correct justifica-
(E) 20,250 N
tion?
(A) k = 150 N/m, because the slope of the best-fit
line is equal to k.
(B) k = 15 N/m, because the slope of the best-fit line
is equal to g · k.
(C) k = 6.7 N/m, because the slope of the best fit line
1
is equal to .
k
(D) k = 6.7 × 10−2 N/m, because the slope of the
g
best fit line is equal to .
k
(E) k cannot be determined from the graph, because
ω does not depend on k.

20
 34. At time t = 0, the wheel shown in the diagram has clockwise rotation with an angular speed of 20 rad/s. The center of
mass of the wheel is initially moving to the right at 2 m/s. The wheel rolls on a flat rough surface and has a radius of 0.2
m. Which of the following is correct about the type of motion, the angular speed, and the linear speed of the wheel at time
t = 0?

(A) The type of motion is rolling with slipping, the angular speed remains the same, and the linear speed is decreasing.
(B) The type of motion is rolling with slipping, the angular speed is decreasing, and the linear speed is increasing.
(C) The type of motion is rolling with slipping, the angular speed is decreasing, and the linear speed is decreasing.
(D) The type of motion is rolling without slipping, the angular speed is increasing, and the linear speed is increasing.
(E) The type of motion is rolling without slipping, the angular speed is decreasing, and the linear speed is decreasing.

Item #35 was not scored.

STOP
END OF SECTION I.

21
2 Free-Response Questions
The exam begins on the next page.

22
 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.

1. A block-sail system of mass m is pulled up a ramp by a rope. There is negligible friction between the system and the ramp,
which is inclined at an angle θ from the horizontal, as shown. The rope exerts a constant force of magnitude Frope = 2mg
on the system. Air exerts a drag force of magnitude Fdrag = bv on the system, where v is the speed of the system and b is
a positive constant with units of kg/s. The system is at position x = 0 at rest at time t = 0.

23
(a) On the dot below, which represents the block-sail system a short time after time t = 0, draw and label the forces (not
components) that act on the system. Each force must be represented by a distinct arrow starting on, and pointing
away from, the dot.

(b) Write, but do NOT solve, a differential equation that could be used to solve for the speed v(t) of the block-sail system
as a function of time t. Express your answer in terms of m, θ , b, v, and physical constants as appropriate.
 bt

(c) The velocity of the block-sail system can be modeled by the equation v(t) = vterminal 1 − e− m .
i. Derive an expression for the position of the block-sail system as a function of time t in terms of θ , m, and b. Do
not include vterminal in your final expression.
ii. Derive an expression for the change in kinetic energy of the block-sail system as a function of time t.
(d) On the axes below, sketch the position x, velocity v, and acceleration a of the block-sail system as functions of time
t.

24
2. Two identical blocks of mass m = 0.65 kg are initially at rest on horizontal surfaces at position x = 0. There is negligible
friction between the blocks and the surfaces. One end of a spring is attached to each block, and the other end of the spring
is attached to a fixed vertical support. The force exerted by the spring on each block is given as a function of the position
x of the block, as indicated by the following equations.

F = −k1 x where k1 = 10.0 N/m

Block 1: 
F1 = −k1 x for |x| ≤ 0.50m, where k1 = 10.0N/m
Block 2:
F1 = −k2 x3 for |x| > 0.50m, where k2 = 40.0N/m3
Both blocks are pulled 0.80 m to the right and released from rest.

(a) Which block or blocks, if either, exhibits simple harmonic motion?

Block 1 only Block 2 only Both Neither
Briefly justify your answer.

(b) i. Calculate the amount of work required to pull Block 1 from the equilibrium position to a position x = 0.80 m.

ii. Calculate the amount of work required to pull Block 2 from the equilibrium position to a position x = 0.80 m.

(c) i. At time t = 0, Block 1 is released from rest at x = 0.80 m. Calculate the time teq at which Block 1 passes through
the equilibrium position the first time.

ii. If both blocks are released simultaneously from rest at x = 0.80 m, which block passes through its equilibrium
first?
Block 1 Block 2 Same time
Briefly justify your answer.

25
 Block 1 is pressed against the spring by 0.40 m and released from rest. The momentum of the block as a function of
time is shown below.

(d) At time t1 , a second block of mass 3m falls straight down and sticks to Block 1. The two blocks then oscillate
together. On the grid below, sketch a graph of the momentum of the two-block system as a function of time after
timet = t1 .

26
(e) The second block is removed from the top of Block 1 and Block 1 oscillates with an amplitude A.
Use the axes below on the left to sketch a graph of the momentum of Block 1 as a function of position as Block 1
moves from left to right.
Use the axes below on the right to sketch a graph of the momentum of Block 1 as a function of position as Block 1
moves from right to left.

27
3. A group of students perform experiments using a long, uniform, thin rod that can be pivoted at various points along its
length, as shown in Figure 1. The length of the rod is L and the mass of the rod is M. The point CM is the center of mass
1
of the rod. The moment of inertia of the rod about point CM is ICM = ML2 .
12
The rod is attached to a pivot that is located a distance d from point CM. The rod is then displaced by a small angle θ0
from the vertical and released from rest, as shown in Figure 2.

(a) Derive an expression for the initial angular acceleration α of the rod. Express your answer in terms of M, L, d, θ0 ,
and physical constants, as appropriate.

28
 d 2 + L2 /12
 
The period of oscillation of the rod is described by the relationship T 2d = (2π)2 .
g
The students now conduct an experiment to determine the value of the gravitational constant g. The students use a
rod of mass M = 0.200 kg and length L = 1.0 m and measure the period T of the oscillations of the rod for several
different values of d. The students then create the plot of T 2 d as a function of d 2 shown below.

(b) i. Draw a best-fit line for the data.

ii. Using the slope of the best-fit line, calculate the acceleration due to gravity g.
iii. Using the y-intercept of the best-fit line, calculate the acceleration due to gravity g.
(c) The students measure the length of the rod, and they determine that the length of the rod is not exactly 1.0 m.
i. Did this difference in length affect the value of g calculated using the slope of the line, the y-intercept, both, or
neither?
Slope The y-intercept Both Neither
Briefly justify your answer.

ii. Is the actual length of the rod greater than or less than 1.0 m?
Less than Grater than Not enough information to determine
Briefly justify your answer.

29
(d) Students correctly sketch the graph above, of the square of the period, T 2 , of the rod as a function of d. In terms of
torque, explain the physical significance of the vertical asymptote as d approaches zero.

STOP
END OF EXAM

30
3 Answers for Multiple Choice Questions
Question Answer Question Answer Question Answer Question Answer Question Answer
1 B 8 D 15 B 22 A 29 C
2 C 9 C 16 E 23 C 30 C
3 D 10 E 17 B 24 C 31 B
4 A 11 E 18 B 25 B 32 A
5 D 12 D 19 A 26 C 33 E
6 C 13 A 20 A 27 E 34 B
7 A 14 D 21 C 28 C 35 -

31
4 Scoring Guidelines

32
 AP PHYSICS C: MECHANICS Scoring Guide

2022 Form I

1. A rocket of mass is launched from the surface of Earth with an initial speed equal to one-half the escape speed.
The mass and the radius of Earth are and , respectively. What is the maximum
altitude achieved by the rocket? Assume air resistance is negligible.
(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)
(E)

2.

A solid disk of mass and radius is free to rotate about a fixed axis through its center. The rotational inertia of
the disk around its center is . A force is applied tangentially at a distance from the axis, as shown
in the figure above. What is the angular acceleration of the disk?
(A)
(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

AP Physics C: Mechanics Page 1 of 42

 Scoring Guide

2022 Form I

3.

A large block of mass on a horizontal table is attached to a small block of mass by a light string that hangs
over a pulley of mass , as shown. The table and pulley axle have negligible friction. The system is released from
rest. As the blocks move, the string exerts tension on and on , as shown. The angular acceleration
of the pulley is experimentally determined. If the pulley is replaced with a new pulley that has the same radius but a
much larger mass, is found to be smaller. If frictional forces are negligible, which of the following is the best
explanation for this observation?
(A) Net torque is required to turn the pulley with mass, so and both decrease.
(B) Net torque is required to turn the pulley with mass, so and both increase.
(C) Net torque is required to turn the pulley with mass, so increases and decreases.
(D) Net torque is required to turn the pulley with mass, so decreases and increases.
The angular acceleration was incorrectly determined, because increasing the mass of the pulley should
(E)
not affect .

Page 2 of 42 AP Physics C: Mechanics

 Scoring Guide

2022 Form I

4.

A ball is released from the top of a ramp and rolls off of a table, as shown in the figure. Point is the location at
which the ball has just left the edge of the table. Using the coordinate axes shown, which of the following is correct
regarding the vertical acceleration and the components of the velocity of the ball at point ?

(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

5.

A box of mass slides down a rough ramp with an initial speed of . The ramp is inclined at an angle
of above the horizontal. The box slides a distance of and comes to rest before reaching the bottom of the
ramp. The energy dissipated as the box slides to a stop is most nearly

AP Physics C: Mechanics Page 3 of 42

 Scoring Guide

2022 Form I

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

A box of mass is pulled to the right at constant speed across a rough, horizontal surface. Two ropes are used to exert
forces and on the box. is horizontal and to the left, and is at an angle above the horizontal, as shown.
The coefficient of kinetic friction between the box and the horizontal surface is .

6.
Which of the following is a correct expression for the magnitude of force ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

7. At a later time, the angle is slowly decreased without changing the magnitude of the two forces. The angle
continues to decrease until the force is horizontal, after which time the force remains horizontal. Which of
the following best describes the changes in the normal force and the force of friction on the box while the angle is
changing?
(A) The normal force increases and the force of friction increases.
(B) The normal force increases and the force of friction decreases.
(C) The normal force increases and the force of friction remains constant.
(D) The normal force decreases and the force of friction remains constant.
(E) The normal force decreases and the force of friction decreases.

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8.

An object is moving in a straight line along the -axis. The momentum of the object as a function of time is
shown in the graph above. Which statement below correctly describes the net force that the object experiences
during the time period shown?
(A) The net force is decreasing over time.
(B) The net force is increasing over time.
(C) The net force is constant and positive.
(D) The net force is constant and negative.
(E) The net force is positive for and negative for .

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9.

An object is moving in the direction as shown in the graph. At time , the motion changes. Which of the
following describes the velocity before and acceleration after ?

Velocity before Acceleration after

A Zero Positive
B Positive Negative
C Positive Positive
D Negative Positive
E Positive Zero

(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
(E) E

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A projectile of mass is traveling with a horizontal speed to the right toward a block of mass that is at rest on a
horizontal surface, as shown. The projectile becomes embedded in the block, and the block and projectile move together
to the right with speed . There is negligible friction between the block and the surface.

10. Students measure using a motion detector and compare the measured to the expected theoretical value. What
could contribute to the experimental value of being greater than the theoretical value?
(A) Greater-than-expected friction between the block and the surface
(B) Deformation of the block as a result of the projectile’s impact
(C) Friction between the projectile and the block as the projectile becomes embedded in the block
(D) An increase in temperature of the block as a result of the impact
(E) A slight downward incline of the surface the block moves on

11. The duration of the collision between the projectile and the block is . Which of the following expressions is
equal to the average force exerted on the block by the projectile during the collision?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

(E)

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12.

The graph shows the velocity of an object as a function of time . What is the distance traveled by the object from
to ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

13. Five toy cars are being raced by students. The students plot the velocity as a function of time for each car. Which
graph indicates the car that has the greatest displacement at the end of the race?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

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(D)

(E)

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14.

Boxes , , and of masses , , and , respectively, are on a horizontal surface with negligible friction.
A horizontal force is exerted on Box , as shown. The boxes remain in contact with each other as they move
along the surface. The magnitude of the force that Box exerts on Box is
(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

15. Which of the following free-body diagrams shows an object in equilibrium?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

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Blocks and , each of mass , are connected by a string that extends over a pulley. Block slides on a horizontal
surface, and Block is on a surface that is inclined at an angle above the horizontal, as shown. Both surfaces have
negligible friction. The masses of the string and pulley are negligible, and the pulley rotates with negligible friction.

16. Which of the following graphs best shows the sum of the kinetic energy of the two blocks and the potential
energy of the two-block-Earth system, as a function of the distance Block has moved along the horizontal
surface before Block reaches the pulley?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

17. The system is released from rest. Which of the following is a correct expression for the speed of Block when it
has moved a distance ?
(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)
(E)

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18.

A mass on a spring of spring constant oscillates as shown. Which of the following graphs would correctly depict
the kinetic energy versus time for the oscillating mass?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

19. A particle has a potential energy given as a function of position by . What is the force acting
on the particle at ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

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20.

Two pucks, and , with unequal masses, slide with equal speeds in opposite directions on a horizontal surface
with negligible friction, as shown in Figure . The pucks undergo a head-on collision. After the collision, both
pucks move to the right. The speed of Puck has decreased, and the speed of Puck has increased, as shown in
Figure . Which of the following is a plausible explanation for the observed behavior of the pucks?
The magnitude of change in momentum is the same for each puck, but Puck has more momentum
(A)
initially.
The magnitude of change in momentum is the same for each puck, but Puck has more momentum
(B)
initially.
The magnitude of change of momentum is the same for each puck because each puck has the same
(C)
momentum initially.
The magnitude of change in momentum of Puck is greater than that of Puck because Puck has a
(D)
greater initial momentum.
The magnitude of change of momentum of Puck is less than that of Puck because Puck has
(E)
greater mass.

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A student conducts an experiment in which a cart of mass is moving on a level horizontal surface of negligible
friction with speed toward a second cart of mass that is at rest. The carts collide, stick together, and move with
speed . The carts then travel up a ramp, momentarily come to rest, and then roll back down the ramp. The student
repeats the experiment for several different values of .

The student plots as a function of and draws a best-fit straight line to represent the data.

21. Which of the following expressions can be determined using the slope of the best-fit line?
(A)
(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

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22. The student repeats the whole experiment but doubles the initial speed of the cart with mass for each data
point collected. When the new data points are plotted and a best-fit line is drawn, how would the slope of this best-
fit line compare to the slope on the original graph?
(A) The slope would stay the same.
(B) The slope would be one-half as great.
(C) The slope would be one-quarter as great.
(D) The slope would be twice as great.
(E) The slope would be four times as great.

23.

A rod with a nonuniform mass density given by , where , is aligned on the -axis with
one end at the origin and the other end at , as shown. The rotational inertia of the rod about the origin is
most nearly
(A)
(B)

(C)

(D)
(E)

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24.

A satellite is orbiting a planet in an elliptical orbit. Five locations in the orbit are , , , , and , as shown. The
distance traveled by the satellite between each point along the path is the same. Which of the following accurately
represents the angular momentum about the planet and the kinetic energy of the satellite at the different locations?

Angular momentum Kinetic energy

A
B
C
D
E

(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
(E) E

25. A sled that weighs is pulled across level snow by dogs exerting a horizontal force on it. The
coefficient of kinetic friction between the sled and snow is . How much work is done by the dogs on the sled
when the sled moves at constant speed?
(A) Zero
(B)

(C)
(D)
(E)

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26.

Two disks have equal masses and radii. Disk is solid, and Disk is hollow. Each disk has a thin string wrapped
around it. Both strings are attached to the ceiling as shown. The disks are simultaneously released from rest from the
same height. Which of the following accurately describes which disk will hit the ground first and why?
Disk will hit the ground first. Disk has a greater rotational inertia; therefore, the tension in the
(A)
string for Disk will be greater than the tension in the string for Disk .
Disk will hit the ground first. Disk has a smaller rotational inertia; therefore, it will have a greater
(B)
angular acceleration.
Disk will hit the ground first. Disk has a smaller rotational inertia; therefore, it will have a greater
(C)
linear acceleration.
Disk will hit the ground first. Disk has a greater rotational inertia; therefore, it will have a greater
(D)
angular acceleration.
Both disks will hit the ground at the same time. Since both disks have the same mass, they will have the
(E)
same linear acceleration.

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27.

A sphere of mass is connected to a lightweight rod of length and moves at a constant speed greater than
in a vertical circle, as shown. The magnitudes of the forces the rod exerts on the sphere at positions , , and are
, , and , respectively. Which of the following expressions is equal to ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

28.

Two objects of mass and are connected by a string that passes over a pulley with negligible mass and
negligible friction, as shown. A group of students wants to use this setup to measure the acceleration due to gravity
. Which of the following procedures could the students use?

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(A) Use equal masses, collect velocity data for , and calculate its acceleration.
(B) Use equal masses, collect position data for , and calculate its average velocity.
(C) Use unequal masses, collect velocity data for , and calculate its acceleration.
(D) Use unequal masses, collect position data for , and calculate its average velocity.
Use different sets of equal masses, collect velocity data for each value of , and calculate the average
(E)
acceleration.

29.

Two rocks are thrown simultaneously from a height above the ground, as shown. Rock has a mass and is
thrown horizontally with a speed . Rock has a mass and is thrown with the same speed at an angle
above the horizontal. Which of the following statements is true?
(A) Rock hits the ground with a greater speed than Rock .
(B) Rock hits the ground with a greater acceleration than Rock .
(C) Rock and Rock hit the ground with the same speed.
(D) Rock and Rock hit the ground simultaneously.
(E) Rock ’s acceleration changes direction during the flight.

30. A block of mass is pulled from rest along a horizontal surface by a horizontal force whose magnitude is given by
the equation , where and are constants with appropriate units. The coefficient of friction
between the block and the surface is . Which expression correctly represents the velocity of the block as a
function of time?
(A)
(B)

(C)

(D)
(E)

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31.

Cylinders of various masses are individually hung on a spring of spring constant and set into simple harmonic
motion. The angular frequency is determined. Then, the square of is plotted as a function of the inverse of the
cylinder weight, as shown in the graph. Which of the following correctly determines the spring constant and
provides correct justification?
(A) , because the slope of the best-fit line is equal to .

(B) , because the slope of the best-fit line is equal to .

(C) , because the slope of the best fit line is equal to .

(D) , because the slope of the best fit line is equal to .
(E) cannot be determined from the graph, because does not depend on .

32. A rock weighs on the surface of Earth. How far away from the center of a star with mass
must the same rock be in order to exert a gravitational force on the star with a magnitude of ?
(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

33. A satellite is orbiting Earth at an altitude of one-half Earth’s radius. If the weight of the satellite while in orbit is
, what is the weight of the satellite on Earth’s surface?

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(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

34.

At time , the wheel shown in the diagram has clockwise rotation with an angular speed of . The
center of mass of the wheel is initially moving to the right at . The wheel rolls on a flat rough surface and has
a radius of . Which of the following is correct about the type of motion, the angular speed, and the linear
speed of the wheel at time ?
The type of motion is rolling with slipping, the angular speed remains the same, and the linear speed is
(A)
decreasing.
The type of motion is rolling with slipping, the angular speed is decreasing, and the linear speed is
(B)
increasing.
The type of motion is rolling with slipping, the angular speed is decreasing, and the linear speed is
(C)
decreasing.
The type of motion is rolling without slipping, the angular speed is increasing, and the linear speed is
(D)
increasing.
The type of motion is rolling without slipping, the angular speed is decreasing, and the linear speed is
(E)
decreasing.

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35. Read each question carefully. Show all your work for each part of the question. The parts within the question may
not have equal weight.

A block-sail system of mass is pulled up a ramp by a rope. There is negligible friction between the system and
the ramp, which is inclined at an angle from the horizontal, as shown. The rope exerts a constant force of
magnitude on the system. Air exerts a drag force of magnitude on the system, where
is the speed of the system and is a positive constant with units of . The system is at position at rest
at time .

(a) On the dot below, which represents the block-sail system a short time after time , draw and label the
forces (not components) that act on the system. Each force must be represented by a distinct arrow starting on, and
pointing away from, the dot.

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(b) Write, but do NOT solve, a differential equation that could be used to solve for the speed of the block-sail
system as a function of time . Express your answer in terms of , , , , and physical constants as appropriate.

(c) The velocity of the block-sail system can be modeled by the equation .

i. Derive an expression for the position of the block-sail system as a function of time in terms of , , and .
Do not include in your final expression.

ii. Derive an expression for the change in kinetic energy of the block-sail system as a function of time .

(d) On the axes below, sketch the position , velocity , and acceleration of the block-sail system as functions
of time .

Part A

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The response accurately includes all of the following criteria.

One point is earned for correctly drawing and labeling the gravitational force
One point is earned for correctly drawing and labeling the normal force perpendicular to the ramp
One point is earned for correctly drawing and labeling the rope force and the drag force parallel to the
ramp and in the correct directions relative to the ramp

Example Response:

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Scoring Note: Examples of appropriate labels for the force due to gravity include: , , , W, , , “grav
force,” “F Earth on block,” “F on block by Earth,” , . The labels G and g are not appropriate labels
for the force due to gravity. , , N, “normal force,” “ground force,” or similar labels may be used for the normal
force. , , , , T, “rope force,” “tension force” or similar labels may be used for the tension force
exerted by the string.

Scoring Note: The forces do not have to be drawn to scale. If extraneous forces are present, a maximum of 2 points can
be earned.

Part B

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The response accurately includes all of the following criteria.

One point is earned for writing an equation of motion in accordance with Newton’s second law that
includes at least two of the three forces , , (has to end in )
One point is earned for substituting for a in the Newton’s second law equation above
One point is earned for a correct differential equation including , and expressions for the drag force,
rope force, and the component of weight parallel to the ramp in terms of the variables given and
appropriate physical constants

Example Response:

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Part C

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

The response accurately includes all of the following criteria.

One point is earned for correctly relating the position to the velocity, with an integral of velocity as a
function of time
One point is earned for providing the correct limits or constants of integration
One point is earned for finding an expression for the terminal velocity in terms of
Example Response:

For deriving the correct expression of the integral

Example Response:

For a correct equation for the change in kinetic energy

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For a correct substitution of both velocities in the equation from part (c)(i)
Example Response:

Part D

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3

The response accurately includes all of the following criteria.

One point is earned for a concave up curve with positive values that approaches a diagonal asymptote for
the graph of position as a function of time
One point is earned for a concave down curve with positive values that approaches a positive horizontal
asymptote for the graph of speed as a function of time
One point is earned for a concave up curve with positive values that approaches an asymptote at the
horizontal axis for the graph of acceleration as a function of time

Example Response:

Scoring Note: Graphs that are reflected over the horizontal axis can earn full credit.

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36. Read each question carefully. Show all your work for each part of the question. The parts within the question may
not have equal weight.

Two identical blocks of mass are initially at rest on horizontal surfaces at position . There is
negligible friction between the blocks and the surfaces. One end of a spring is attached to each block, and the
other end of the spring is attached to a fixed vertical support. The force exerted by the spring on each block is
given as a function of the position of the block, as indicated by the following equations.

Block 1: where

Block 2:

Both blocks are pulled to the right and released from rest.

(a) Which block or blocks, if either, exhibits simple harmonic motion?

___ Block only ___ Block only ___ Both ___ Neither

Briefly justify your answer.

(b)

i. Calculate the amount of work required to pull Block from the equilibrium position to a position
.

ii. Calculate the amount of work required to pull Block from the equilibrium position to a position
.

(c)

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i. At time , Block is released from rest at . Calculate the time at which Block passes
through the equilibrium position the first time.

ii. If both blocks are released simultaneously from rest at , which block passes through its
equilibrium first?

___ Block ___ Block ___ Same time

Briefly justify your answer.

Block is pressed against the spring by and released from rest. The momentum of the block as a
function of time is shown below.

(d) At time , a second block of mass falls straight down and sticks to Block . The two blocks then oscillate
together. On the grid below, sketch a graph of the momentum of the two-block system as a function of time after
time .

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(e) The second block is removed from the top of Block and Block oscillates with an amplitude .

Use the axes below on the left to sketch a graph of the momentum of Block as a function of position as
Block moves from left to right.

Use the axes below on the right to sketch a graph of the momentum of Block as a function of position as Block
moves from right to left.

Part A

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The response accurately includes both of the following criteria.

One point is earned for selecting “Block 1 only” with an attempt at a justification
One point is earned for a correct justification that only springs that obey Hooke’s law exhibit simple
harmonic motion

Example Response:

The definition of SHM is that the restoring force has to be proportional to the displacement from equilibrium.

Part B

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

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0 1 2 3 4

The response accurately includes all of the following criteria.

One point is earned for correctly substituting the values for Block 1 into a correct work equation
Example Response:

One point is earned for using a correct expression for work that integrates force over the path traveled
One point is earned for indicating that the work is the sum over two intervals
One point is earned for stating correct integration limits and correctly substituting force for the second
interval
Example Response:

Part C

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The response accurately includes all of the following criteria.

One point is earned for correctly substituting the values for Block 1 into a correct equation to find period
of oscillation

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One point is earned for indicating that the time it takes Block 1 to reach the equilibrium position is one-
quarter of the period of oscillation
Example Response:

One point is earned for selecting “Block 2” with an attempt at a justification

One point is earned for a justification that includes correctly relating a larger net force or a larger average
acceleration over the same distance to a smaller time for Block 2
Example Response:
Block 2 should reach its equilibrium first because it is also interacting with a spring with a larger spring
constant, which would make the average force larger for Block 2. The larger average force will cause the
block to have a larger average acceleration and thus reach the equilibrium position in less time than
Block 1.

Part D

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The response accurately includes both of the following criteria.

One point is earned for a sinusoidal graph with a period equal to twice the original period for
One point is earned for a continuous function with maximum and minimum momentum that are the same
as in the original graph

Example Response:

Part E

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

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0 1 2 3

The response accurately includes all of the following.

One point is earned for indicating that the momentum is zero at and on the graph on the left
One point is earned for a graph that is concave down and positive with a maximum at on the
graph on the left
For a graph on the right that is a reflection, across the x-axis, of the graph on the left

Example Response:

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37. Read each question carefully. Show all your work for each part of the question. The parts within the question may
not have equal weight.

A group of students perform experiments using a long, uniform, thin rod that can be pivoted at various points
along its length, as shown in Figure . The length of the rod is and the mass of the rod is . The point is
the center of mass of the rod. The moment of inertia of the rod about point is .

The rod is attached to a pivot that is located a distance from point . The rod is then displaced by a small
angle from the vertical and released from rest, as shown in Figure .

(a) Derive an expression for the initial angular acceleration of the rod. Express your answer in terms of , ,
, , and physical constants, as appropriate.

The period of oscillation of the rod is described by the relationship .

The students now conduct an experiment to determine the value of the gravitational constant . The students use a
rod of mass and length and measure the period of the oscillations of the rod for
several different values of . The students then create the plot of as a function of shown below.

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(b)

i. Draw a best-fit line for the data.

ii. Using the slope of the best-fit line, calculate the acceleration due to gravity .

iii. Using the -intercept of the best-fit line, calculate the acceleration due to gravity .

(c) The students measure the length of the rod, and they determine that the length of the rod is not exactly .

i. Did this difference in length affect the value of calculated using the slope of the line, the -intercept, both,
or neither?

____ Slope _____ The -intercept _____ Both _____ Neither

Briefly justify your answer.

ii. Is the actual length of the rod greater than or less than ?

___ Less than ___ Greater than ___ Not enough information to determine

Briefly justify your answer.

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(d) Students correctly sketch the graph above, of the square of the period, , of the rod as a function of . In
terms of torque, explain the physical significance of the vertical asymptote as approaches zero.

Part A

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The response accurately includes all of the following criteria.

One point is earned for correctly writing the total torque acting on the rod
One point is earned for correctly using an equation that is consistent with the rotational analog of
Newton’s second law
One point is earned for correctly applying the parallel axis theorem
One point is earned for a correct answer

Example Response:

Part B

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Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4 5

The response accurately includes all of the following criteria.

One point is earned for drawing an appropriate best-fit line with approximately half the data points above
and below the line
Example Response:

One point is earned for calculating the slope of the line from part (b)(i) using two points on the best-fit
line that are not data points
One point is earned for relating the period and to the slope and getting a value for g consistent with
part (a) and the values for the parameters provided
One point is earned for determining the expression for the y-intercept of the best-fit line from part (b)(i)
One point is earned for getting a value for g using the values for the parameters provided
Example Response:

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Part C

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2 3 4

The response accurately includes all of the following criteria.

One point is earned for selecting “the y-intercept” with an attempt at a relevant justification
One point is earned for a correct justification mentioning the dependence of the y-intercept on L
Example Response:
The slope does not depend on L and the y-intercept does depend on L. As a result, a difference in L would
only affect the y-intercept.
One point is earned for selecting “Less than” with an attempt at a relevant justification
One point is earned for a correct justification
Example Response:
The expression for the slope of the best-fit line has no dependence on L and the value for g obtained in
part (b)(ii) is less than the accepted value. However, using the y-intercept resulted in a larger than
accepted value for g since and g are directly proportional. To get a lower calculated value for g, the
actual value for L is slightly smaller than .

Part D

Select a point value to view scoring criteria, solutions, and/or examples and to score the response.

0 1 2

The response accurately includes both of the following criteria.

One point is earned for indicating that when the rod will be hung from its center of mass

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One point is earned for indicating that when the object is hung from its center of mass then there is no net
torque acting on the rod to drive oscillations

Example Response:

When d goes to zero the pivot point will be the center of mass of the rod. There will be no net torque acting on the rod.
When there is no restoring force then there will be no oscillations. Thus, the period will be infinite.

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