2015 #3 Free Response Question - AP Physics 1 - Exam Solution

The video tutorial covers a physics problem involving a block and spring system. Initially, the block compresses a spring and moves on a frictionless surface, converting potential energy to kinetic energy. When encountering friction, energy is lost as heat and sound. The tutorial explains graphing energy changes and the effects of increased spring compression on energy and distance. Mathematical reasoning is used to predict outcomes and correct misconceptions.

What happens to the block after it compresses the spring and is released?

• It moves to the left and encounters a rough surface.

• It moves to the right and encounters a rough surface.

• It moves to the right and stops at the equilibrium position.

• It moves to the left and stops at the equilibrium position.

How does the kinetic energy of the block change as it moves from the compressed position to the equilibrium position?

• It increases as an X squared function.

• It decreases linearly.

• It remains constant.

• It decreases as an X squared function.

What is the state of the block's energy when it reaches the equilibrium position?

• Both kinetic and potential energy are zero.

• All potential energy is converted to kinetic energy.

• All kinetic energy is converted to potential energy.

• Both kinetic and potential energy are at maximum.

What happens to the block's energy as it moves from the equilibrium position to three times the initial compression distance?

• Potential energy decreases linearly.

• Kinetic energy increases linearly.

• Potential energy increases linearly.

• Kinetic energy decreases linearly.

Why is it important to include a zero value on the graph?

• To represent the constant value of zero energy.

• To highlight the maximum kinetic energy.

• To show that the spring is compressed.

• To indicate the maximum potential energy.

What is the student's reasoning about the block's final position when the spring is compressed twice as much?

• The block will stop at the same position.

• The block will stop at twice the distance.

• The block will stop at half the distance.

• The block will stop at four times the distance.

What is incorrect about the student's reasoning regarding the block's stopping distance?

• The stopping distance is linearly increased.

• The stopping distance is not linearly increased.

• The stopping distance is decreased.

• The stopping distance remains the same.

How is the new final position of the block determined mathematically?

• By doubling the initial displacement.

• By tripling the initial displacement.

• By quadrupling the initial displacement.

• By halving the initial displacement.

What does the mathematical relationship in part C indicate about the block's energy?

• Energy is not related to displacement.

• Energy is inversely related to displacement.

• Energy is quadratically related to displacement.

• Energy is linearly related to displacement.

How does the work done by friction affect the block's displacement?

• It doubles the displacement.

• It has no effect on the displacement.

• It increases the displacement.

• It decreases the displacement.