Representing Motion (College Board AP® Physics 1: Algebra-Based): Exam Questions

Which of the following pairs of graphs shows an object slowing down?

Swimmer P swims directly across a river at a velocity $2.0\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$ and swimmer Q swims at $3.0\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$ at an angle of $60°$ to the riverbank. The river flows at $1.0\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$ eastwards relative to the ground. The width of the river is $20.0\mathrm{m}$.

Which of the following best describes the difference in their crossing times?

The acceleration-versus-time graph of an object shows a linearly increasing acceleration from $\left(0,0\right)$ to $\left(5,10\right)$, followed by a constant acceleration of $10\mathrm{m}/{\mathrm{s}}^2$ for 5 seconds. The object stops accelerating for 6 seconds before accelerating at a constant rate of $4\mathrm{m}/{\mathrm{s}}^2$ until $t=20\mathrm{s}$.

Which of the following sketch graphs is the correct velocity-versus-time graph for the motion of this object?

Two trains are moving on parallel tracks. Train A travels at $15\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$ north, relative to the ground. Train B travels at $10\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$ south, relative to the ground. A plane flying above both trains is traveling at $50\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$ north relative to the ground.

Which of the following is the ratio of the velocity of Train A to Train B relative to the plane?

The velocity vs. time graph of a car shows a straight line increasing from $\left(0,0\right)$ to $\left(4,24\right)$, followed by a curved line with a decreasing gradient to $\left(10,0\right)$. Which of the following best describes the total displacement and average velocity of the car?

An object moves in a straight line with the following motion profile:

1. The object starts at rest and accelerates uniformly at $2.0\mathrm{m}/{\mathrm{s}}^2$ for $3.0\mathrm{s}$

2. It then continues at a constant velocity for $4.0\mathrm{s}$

3. The object decelerates uniformly to a velocity of $-2.0\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$ over $4.0\mathrm{s}$

4. Finally, it accelerates uniformly at $0.5\mathrm{m}/{\mathrm{s}}^2$ for $4.0\mathrm{s}$ when it comes to rest

Which of the following is the total displacement of the object?

A delivery drone flies directly north at $25.0\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$ relative to the air. A wind blows eastwards at $15.0\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$ relative to the ground. An observer moves westwards at $5.0\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$ relative to the ground.

Which of the following best describes the velocity of the drone relative to the observer?

An object of mass $5.0\mathrm{kg}$ slides down a rough inclined plane with an acceleration of $3.2\mathrm{m}/{\mathrm{s}}^2$ from rest. The length of the incline is $10.0\mathrm{m}$. At the bottom of the incline this object collides elastically with a stationary box of mass $2.0\mathrm{kg}$.

Which of the following is most nearly the velocity of the $2.0\mathrm{kg}$ box after the collision?

The graph above shows the motion of an object of mass $2.0\mathrm{kg}$ moving in a straight line.

Which of the following best describes the change in momentum of the object between $t=4.0\mathrm{s}$ and $t=12.0\mathrm{s}$?

Two cars, A and B, start at the same point on a straight road. Car A accelerates uniformly from rest at $4\mathrm{m}/{\mathrm{s}}^2$, while Car B starts from rest and accelerates uniformly at $2\mathrm{m}/{\mathrm{s}}^2$.

How long does it take for Car A to be $200\mathrm{m}$ ahead of Car B?