Mechanics #3 Free Response Question Solutions - AP Physics C 1998 Released Exam

The video tutorial walks through solutions to a mechanics problem from the AP Physics C 1998 exam. It involves analyzing forces on a system of blocks, including gravity, tension, and friction. The tutorial covers drawing free body diagrams, solving for equilibrium, determining maximum hanging mass, and calculating acceleration under different conditions. The instructor emphasizes understanding interactions between forces and objects.

What is the primary role of the pulley in the described system?

• To provide additional gravitational force

• To increase the mass of the system

• To change the direction of the tension force

• To reduce friction between the blocks

In the free body diagram, what does the normal force represent?

• The perpendicular force between surfaces in contact

• The force exerted by the string

• The force due to gravity

• The force opposing motion

Why is there no force of friction on block one when the system is at rest?

• Because block one is too light

• Because the tension force is too strong

• Because the velocity of block one is zero

• Because block one is not in contact with any surface

What must be true for the system to remain at rest?

• The friction must be kinetic

• The hanging mass must be greater than the combined mass of the blocks

• The net force on the system must be zero

• The tension in the string must be zero

How is the maximum hanging mass determined?

• By calculating the sum of the gravitational forces

• By equating the force of gravity on the hanging mass to the static friction force

• By measuring the tension in the string

• By using the coefficient of kinetic friction

What happens when the hanging mass is large enough to cause movement?

• The tension in the string decreases

• The system remains at rest

• The blocks start sliding relative to each other

• The normal force becomes zero

When the blocks move together without slipping, what type of friction is acting between them?

• Rolling friction

• Static friction

• No friction

• Kinetic friction

What is the effect of kinetic friction on the system's acceleration?

• It reverses the direction of acceleration

• It decreases the acceleration

• It has no effect on the acceleration

• It increases the acceleration

How does the acceleration of block one compare to block two when they slip relative to each other?

• Block one does not accelerate

• Both blocks have the same acceleration

• Block two accelerates faster

• Block one accelerates faster

What is the role of the equation holster in the problem-solving process?

• To provide a summary of the problem

• To store the final answers

• To keep track of all derived equations

• To list all possible solutions