AP Physics Unit 2 Part II

Front

What is the formula for centripetal acceleration?

Back

ac = v^2/r

Front

How does the gravitational force between two equal mass planets change if the distance between them triples?

Back

The gravitational force becomes one-ninth.

Front

In circular motion, how is the velocity vector of an object directed?

Back

The velocity vector is tangent to the path of motion.

Front

What type of elevator movement causes a scale to read greater than normal weight?

Back

Accelerating upward.

Front

What does Hooke’s Law state about the force exerted by a spring?

Back

The force is proportional to its displacement from equilibrium.

Front

Define centripetal force.

Back

Centripetal force is the net force directed towards the center of a circular path that keeps an object moving in that path.

Front

What is the relationship between gravitational force and distance?

Back

Gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between two masses.

Front

What is the significance of the spring constant in Hooke's Law?

Back

The spring constant measures the stiffness of the spring; a higher value indicates a stiffer spring.

Front

What happens to the weight of an object in free fall?

Back

The weight appears to be zero as the object accelerates downward at the same rate as gravity.

Front

Explain the concept of inertia.

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.