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🎡AP Physics 1
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🎡AP Physics 1

FRQ 1 – Mathematical Routines
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Unit 1: Kinematics
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Each FRQ type tests specific skills taught in particular units. Here's why certain units appear for each question type:

This mapping reflects College Board's exam structure - each FRQ type tests specific skills that are taught in particular units.

Practice FRQ 1 of 171/17

1. A drone moves at constant altitude above a level, straight road. Two observers analyze the motion: Observer R is at rest on the ground next to the road, and Observer C is in a car moving along the road. Figure 1 shows the coordinate system and setup.

Figure 1. Top-down coordinate system for Observer R (ground frame) showing the drone’s two measured positions and the car’s motion along the road.

Figure 1

Figure 2. Axes for graphing the drone’s x-coordinate versus time t as measured by Observer R (no curve drawn).

Figure 2
A.
i.

On the axes shown in Figure 2, sketch a graph of the drone's x-coordinate as a function of time t from t = 0 to t = t₁, as measured by Observer R.

ii.

Derive expressions for the x- and y-components of the drone's average velocity, vx,avgv_{x,\text{avg}}vx,avg​ and vy,avgv_{y,\text{avg}}vy,avg​, from t = 0 to t = t₁ in terms of the given numerical values and physical constants, as appropriate. Begin your derivation by writing a fundamental definition from the reference information.

iii.

Derive an expression for the magnitude of the drone's average velocity ∣v⃗avg∣|\vec{v}_{\text{avg}}|∣vavg​∣ from t = 0 to t = t₁, and determine its numerical value with units. Begin your derivation by writing an equation that relates the magnitude of a vector to its perpendicular components.

B.

Indicate whether the x-component of the drone's average velocity measured by Observer C is greater than, less than, or equal to the x-component of the drone's average velocity measured by Observer R. Observer C is in the car moving east with constant speed 8.0 m/s relative to Observer R. Assume both Observer R and Observer C are in inertial reference frames. Consider the drone's motion during the interval from t = 0 to t = t₁ = 6.0 s.

Greater than
Less than
Equal to
Justify your response.

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Free Response Question Practice

This practice environment simulates the AP AP Physics 1 Free Response Questions section. Here are some guidelines:

  • Read each question carefullybefore responding. Pay attention to command verbs like "identify," "explain," "analyze," or "evaluate."
  • Use the timer to practice time management. You can pause, restart, or hide the timer as needed.
  • Mark for Review if you want to come back to a question later.
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Tip: Answer all parts of each question. Partial credit is often available, so even if you are unsure, provide what you know.