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⚙️AP Physics C: Mechanics
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⚙️AP Physics C: Mechanics

FRQ 2 – Translation Between Representations
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Unit 1: Kinematics
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Practice FRQ 1 of 161/16

2. A drone is flying horizontally at a constant velocity of magnitude v0=12 m/sv_0 = 12 \text{ m/s}v0​=12 m/s at a height h=45 mh = 45 \text{ m}h=45 m above level ground. At time t=0t = 0t=0, the drone releases a package. The package falls and lands on the ground at time tft_ftf​. Air resistance is negligible. The coordinate system is shown in Figure 1, with the origin at ground level directly below the release point.

Figure 1. Drone releases a package while flying horizontally; coordinate axes and given values.

Figure 1

Figure 2. Blank velocity-component bar charts for the package at two times (ground observer).

Figure 2
A.

Velocity component bar charts can be used to represent the horizontal and vertical components of the package's velocity as measured by an observer on the ground. On the bar charts in Figure 2, draw shaded bars to represent the velocity components vxv_xvx​ and vyv_yvy​ of the package at t=0t = 0t=0 and at t=1.5 st = 1.5 \text{ s}t=1.5 s.

  • The height of the shaded bars should be proportional to the magnitude of each velocity component.
  • Bars representing positive velocity components should extend upward from the zero line.
  • Bars representing negative velocity components should extend downward from the zero line.
  • Any velocity component that is equal to zero should be represented by a distinct line on the zero-velocity line.
B.

Derive an expression for the speed vvv of the package at time t=2.0 st = 2.0 \text{ s}t=2.0 s as measured by the observer on the ground. Express your answer in terms of v0v_0v0​, ggg, ttt, and physical constants, as appropriate. Begin your derivation by writing a fundamental physics principle or an equation from the reference information. The package is released at t=0t = 0t=0 and falls to the ground.

Figure 3. Axes for a sketch of vertical position y versus time t until the package reaches the ground.

Figure 3
C.

On the axes in Figure 3, sketch a graph of the vertical position yyy of the package as a function of time ttt from t=0t = 0t=0 until the package reaches the ground. The graph should be consistent with the given coordinate system and initial conditions. As measured by the observer on the ground, the package follows a parabolic trajectory from release until it hits the ground.

D.

Describe one feature of the package's trajectory as measured by the observer in the drone that differs from the trajectory measured by the observer on the ground. An observer riding in the drone also measures the motion of the package. The drone maintains its constant horizontal velocity of 12 m/s12 \text{ m/s}12 m/s throughout the package's fall.

Briefly justify your answer using principles of relative motion and reference frames.

Timed

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Free Response Question Practice

This practice environment simulates the AP AP Physics C: Mechanics 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.
  • Your responses are saved automatically as you type. You can also use the drawing tool for questions that require diagrams or graphs.
  • Use the toolbar for formatting options like bold, italic, subscript, and superscript.
  • Navigate between questions using the Previous and Next buttons at the bottom of the screen.

Tip: Answer all parts of each question. Partial credit is often available, so even if you are unsure, provide what you know.