2016 #2 Free Response Question - AP Physics 1 - Exam Solution

The video tutorial covers a problem from the 2016 AP Physics exam, focusing on a toy ball's elastic collisions. It guides students through designing an experiment to test a hypothesis about the ball's behavior at different speeds, emphasizing the importance of careful data representation and analysis. The tutorial also highlights common grading pitfalls and stresses the need for clear explanations in exam responses.

What is the student's hypothesis regarding the toy ball's collisions?

• Collisions are elastic only when the ball is stationary.

• Collisions are perfectly elastic at all speeds.

• Collisions are inelastic at all speeds.

• Collisions are nearly elastic at low speeds but deviate at higher speeds.

Which quantities need to be measured in the experiment to test the hypothesis?

• Mass of the ball and time of flight

• Initial drop height and maximum rebound height

• Temperature of the ball and surface

• Speed of the ball and angle of impact

What equipment is suggested for measuring the necessary quantities in the experiment?

• A thermometer and a protractor

• A video camera and a meter stick

• A speedometer and a ruler

• A stopwatch and a scale

How should the data be represented to determine if the collisions are elastic?

• In a bar graph comparing different speeds

• As a pie chart showing energy distribution

• As a graph plotting final height against initial height

• In a table listing all measurements

What indicates a violation of the conservation of energy in the experiment's results?

• Final height is less than initial height

• Final height is greater than initial height

• Initial speed is less than final speed

• Initial speed is greater than final speed

What should be done if the graph shows unexpected results for high-speed collisions?

• Assume the equipment was faulty

• Check for violations of physics principles

• Ignore the results and try again

• Conclude the experiment was successful

Why is it important to explain your answer when identifying a physics principle violation?

• To fill up the answer sheet

• To ensure full points are awarded

• To confuse the examiner

• To make the answer look longer