AP PHYSICS C: MECHANICS Test Booklet

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1. A 5 kg object is propelled from rest at time t = 0 by a net force F that always acts in the same direction. The
magnitude of F in newtons is given as a function of t in seconds by F = 0.5t. What is the speed of the object at t = 4
s?
(A) 0.5 m/s
(B) 0.8 m/s
(C) 2.0 m/s
(D) 4.0 m/s
(E) 8.0 m/s

2. A ball of mass m falls vertically, hits the floor with a speed vi , and rebounds with a speed vf . What is the magnitude
of the impulse exerted on the ball by the floor?
(A) 2m( vf – vi )
(B) m( vf – vi )
(C) m( vf + vi )
(D) mvi
(E) mvf

3. A ball of mass m is dropped from rest from a height h and collides elastically with the floor, rebounding to its
original height. What is the magnitude of the average force applied by the floor on the ball during the time the ball
is in contact with the floor?
(A) Zero
(B) mg
(C) 2mg
(D) 4mg
(E) It cannot be determined without knowing the length of time that the ball is in contact with the floor.

4. A balloon of mass M is floating motionless in the air. A person of mass less than M is on a rope ladder hanging from
the balloon. The person begins to climb the ladder at a uniform speed v relative to the ground. How does the balloon
move relative to the ground?
(A) Up with speed v
(B) Up with a speed less than v
(C) Down with speed v
(D) Down with a speed less than v
(E) The balloon does not move.

5. A block of mass m is pulled by a rope along a horizontal surface with negligible friction. For time t > 0, the
magnitude of the acceleration of the object as a function of time is given by the equation a = Ae-kt , where A and k
are positive constants. Which of the following expressions determines the impulse exerted on the block by the rope
during the time interval 0 < t < t1 ?

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(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

(E)

6. A model rocket of mass is launched from the ground. From time to , the rocket’s engines
exert an impulse of vertically on the rocket. Assuming the mass of the rocket remains constant, the average
acceleration of the rocket during this time interval is most nearly
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

Cart is traveling east when it collides with cart , which is traveling north. Cart has a mass of , and cart
has a mass of . The two carts travel together as a single object on a horizontal surface at an angle relative to due
east, as shown above.

7. In one trial, the initial speed of cart is and the initial speed of cart is . The angle relative to
east that the carts travel after the collision is most nearly
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

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8. An object moving on a horizontal, frictionless surface makes a glancing collision with another object initially at rest
on the surface. In this case which of the following is true about momentum and kinetic energy?
(A) Momentum is always conserved, and kinetic energy may be conserved.
(B) Kinetic energy is always conserved, and momentum may be conserved.
(C) Momentum is always conserved, and kinetic energy is never conserved.
(D) Both momentum and kinetic energy are always conserved.
(E) Neither momentum nor kinetic energy is conserved.

9. A particle of mass m starts from rest at position x = 0 and time t = 0. It moves along the positive x-axis under the
influence of a single force Fx = bt , where b is a constant. The velocity v of the particle is given by
(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)
(E)

10. A person holds a portable fire extinguisher that ejects 1.0 kg of water per second horizontally at a speed of 6.0 m/s.
What horizontal force in newtons must the person exert on the extinguisher in order to prevent it from accelerating?
(A) 0 N
(B) 6N
(C) 10 N
(D) 18 N
(E) 36 N

11. A railroad car of mass 1500 kg rolls to the right at 4 m/s and collides with another railroad car of mass 3000 kg that
is rolling to the left at 3 m/s. The cars stick together. Their speed immediately after the collision is
(A) m/s
(B) 1 m/s
(C) m/s
(D) m/s
(E) 7 m/s

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Three identical spheres are thrown from the same height above the ground. Sphere X is thrown vertically up, sphere Y is
thrown horizontally, and sphere Z is thrown vertically down, as shown in figures 1, 2, and 3 above, respectively. All three
spheres are thrown with the same speed. Air resistance is negligible.

12. Assume the spheres collide elastically with the ground. Which of the following ranks the spheres based on the
rebound height after they collide with the ground?
(A) X > Y >Z
(B) Y > (X = Z)
(C) Z>Y>X
(D) ( X = Y) > Z
(E) (X = Z) > Y

13. A toy spacecraft is launched directly upward. When the toy reaches its highest point, a spring is released and the toy
splits into two parts with masses of 0.02 kg and 0.08 kg, respectively. Immediately after the separation, the 0.02 kg
part moves horizontally due east. Air resistance is negligible. True statements about the 0.08 kg part include which
of the following?

I. It could move north immediately after the spring is released.

II. It takes longer to reach the ground than does the 0.02 kg part.

III. It strikes the ground farther from the launch point than does the 0.02 kg part.
(A) None
(B) I only
(C) III only
(D) I and II only
(E) II and III only

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Particle A and particle B, each of mass M, move along the x-axis exerting a force on each other. The potential energy of
the system of two particles associated with the force is given by the equation U = β / r 2 , where r is the distance between
the two particles and β is a positive constant. At time t = 0, particle A is located at x = 2D with an initial speed of v0 to the
left, and particle B is at rest at the origin, as shown in the figure above.

14. At time t = T1, particle A is observed to be traveling with speed 2v0 / 3 to the left. The speed and direction of
motion of particle B is
(A) 2v0/3 to the left
(B) v0/3 to the left
(C) v0/3 to the right
(D) 2v0/3 to the right
(E) 5v0/3 to the left

A projectile of mass is traveling with a horizontal speed to the right toward a block of mass that is at rest on a
horizontal surface, as shown. The projectile becomes embedded in the block, and the block and projectile move together
to the right with speed . There is negligible friction between the block and the surface.

15. The duration of the collision between the projectile and the block is . Which of the following expressions is
equal to the average force exerted on the block by the projectile during the collision?

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(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

16. Students measure using a motion detector and compare the measured to the expected theoretical value. What
could contribute to the experimental value of being greater than the theoretical value?
(A) Greater-than-expected friction between the block and the surface
(B) Deformation of the block as a result of the projectile’s impact
(C) Friction between the projectile and the block as the projectile becomes embedded in the block
(D) An increase in temperature of the block as a result of the impact
(E) A slight downward incline of the surface the block moves on

17.

A ball of mass and velocity contacts a hard surface at a angle and bounces off the surface also at a
angle and at speed , as shown in situation . Also shown is the force vector representing the force exerted by
the surface on the ball. Situation shows the same ball moving with the same velocity and contacts a soft surface.
The time of contact is greater with the soft surface than the hard surface. The ball bounces off the soft surface at an
angle of and with speed . Which of the following vectors could represent the force exerted on the ball in
situation .

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

18.

Identical blocks and slide on a horizontal surface toward a stationary barrier. At time , block collides
with the barrier and slides backward. The blocks collide at time . Assuming friction between the blocks and
the horizontal surface to be negligible, which of the following statements is true about the two blocks?
If the collision between block and the wall is elastic, and the two blocks have an elastic collision, then the
(A) sum of the kinetic energy of blocks and before block makes contact with the wall will be equal to the
sum of the kinetic energy of blocks and after the collision between the blocks.
If the collision between block and the wall is elastic, and the two blocks have an inelastic collision, then
(B) the sum of the kinetic energy of blocks and before block makes contact with the wall will be equal to
the sum of the kinetic energy of blocks and after the collision between the blocks.
If the collision between block and the wall is not elastic, and the two blocks have an inelastic collision,
(C) then the sum of the kinetic energy of blocks and before block makes contact with the wall will be less
than the sum of the kinetic energy of blocks and after the collision between the blocks
If the collision between block and the wall is not elastic, and the two blocks have an inelastic collision,
(D) then the momentum of block before it makes contact with the wall will be equal to the sum of the momenta
of the two blocks after the collision between the blocks.
If the collision between block and the wall is not elastic, and the two blocks have an inelastic collision,
(E) then the momentum of block before it makes contact with the wall will be equal to the sum of the momenta
of the two blocks after the collision between the blocks.

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19.

Block of mass is moving with speed to the right on a horizontal surface of negligible friction, as shown in
the figure. Block makes an elastic, head-on collision with block of mass , which is at rest. Which of the
following are correct velocities and for blocks and , respectively, immediately after the collision?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

20.

An object of mass initially hangs from a rod of length and negligible mass that can pivot freely in the vertical
plane, as shown in the figure above. A projectile of mass is moving to the right at speed when it strikes the
hanging object and then drops straight down. The hanging object then swings upward and comes to rest at the top of
a half circle as shown. What is the initial speed of the projectile ?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

21.

Three objects are located along the x-axis as shown above. The center of mass of the objects is at x =
(A) 1.0 m
(B) 1.5 m
(C) 2.0 m
(D) 2.5 m
(E) 3.0 m

22.

Three objects of mass , , and are at positions , , and , respectively, as shown above.
The center of mass is located at position
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

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23.

A person of mass is standing on the left edge of a long, uniform board of mass and length that is floating
in water, as shown in the figure above. The person walks slowly to the right edge of the board. The water exerts no
drag forces on the board. The position of the center of mass of the board when the person is at the right edge of the
board is
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

24.

Two small spheres are at rest on the x-axis of the coordinate system shown above. Sphere of mass is located
at position . Sphere B of mass , where , is a distance to the right of sphere . Which of the
following is a correct expression for the location of the center of mass for the two-sphere system?
(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

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In order to model the motion of an extinct ape, scientists measure its hand and arm bones. From shoulder to wrist, the arm
bones are 0.60 m long and their mass is 4.0 kg. From wrist to the tip of the fingers, the hand bones are 0.10 m long and
their mass is 1.0 kg. In the model above, each bone is assumed to have a uniform density.

25. When the arm and hand hang straight down, the distance from the shoulder to the center of mass of the arm-hand
system is most nearly
(A) 0.25 m
(B) 0.35 m
(C) 0.37 m
(D) 0.50 m
(E) 0.93 m

26.

Four identical, uniform sheets of aluminum are welded together, as shown above. Which of the following points
best represents the center of mass of the system?

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(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

27.

Two blocks of masses M and 2M are on a frictionless horizontal surface, as shown above, and are held in place with
a compressed spring of negligible mass between them. If the blocks are then released and the block of mass 2M
leaves the spring with a velocity v, the velocity of the center of mass of the blocks is
(A) zero
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

28.

The graph above shows the force acting on an object as a function of time. The change in momentum of the object
from time 0 to t is
(A) 2Ft
(B) Ft
(C)
(D)
(E) zero

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29. The force F exerted on a ball during a collision with a wall is given as a function of time t by the equation F(t) = αt
- βt 2 , where α = 400 N/s and β = 4000 N/s 2 . The ball first contacts the wall at t = 0, and the collision lasts for
0.10 s. What is the magnitude of the change in momentum of the ball?
(A) 0
(B) 0.67 kg•m/s
(C) 3.33 kg•m/s
(D) 3.60 kg•m/s
(E) The change in momentum of the ball cannot be determined without knowing the mass of the ball.

30. The net force acting on an object that moves along a straight line is given as a function of time by
, where and . What is the change in momentum of the object from
to ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E) It cannot be determined without knowing the initial momentum of the object.

31.

A 300 g cart with a force sensor attached starts at rest on a track. The force sensor exerts a force on the cart to speed
it up. The graph above shows the force F exerted by the sensor on the cart as a function of time t. The change in the
cart’s momentum during the time interval shown is most nearly
(A) 4.0 N • s
(B) 8.5 N • s
(C) 13 N • s
(D) 25 N • s
(E) 30 N • s

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32.

The graph above shows the force on an object of mass M as a function of time. For the time interval 0 to 4 s, the
total change in the momentum of the object is
(A) 40 kg•m/s
(B) 20 kg•m/s
(C) 0 kg•m/s
(D) –20 kg•m/s
(E) indeterminable unless the mass M of the object is known

33.

The graph above shows a variable force F that acts on an object as it moves along a straight line as a function of
time t. What is the change in momentum of the object from t = 2 s to t = 4 s ?
(A) 1 kg•m/s
(B) 2 kg•m/s
(C) 4 kg•m/s
(D) 6 kg•m/s
(E) 8 kg•m/s

34. For an impulse-momentum experiment, students collect data on a collision between blocks and . A force probe
attached to block is used to measure the force exerted by block on block as a function of time during the
collision. The data collected shows a positive force that is used to determine the impulse on block . The force
sensor is removed from block and attached to block , and the experiment is run again. Which of the following
correctly describes how this affects the data and if the impulse on block can still be determined?

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(A) The data can only be used to determine the impulse on block , not block .
(B) The data can only be used to determine the impulse on block , not block .
(C) The data cannot be used to determine the impulse on block or block .
(D) The data can be used to determine the impulse on block and block .
(E) The data can be used to determine the force on block .

35.

Two carts of equal mass are on a horizontal surface with negligible friction. Cart A is approaching cart B, which is
at rest, as shown in Figure 1 above. Attached to cart B is a spring that is initially compressed. At the moment cart A
collides with cart B, the spring is released and pushes on cart A, as shown in Figure 2 above. Which of the following
correctly states what happens to the kinetic energy and the momentum of the two-cart system as a result of the
collision compared to those quantities before the collision?
(A) Kinetic energy: Increases; Magnitude of Momentum: Decreases
(B) Kinetic energy: Increases; Magnitude of Momentum: Stays the same
(C) Kinetic energy: Increases; Magnitude of Momentum: Increases
(D) Kinetic energy: Stays the same; Magnitude of Momentum: Decreases
(E) Kinetic energy: Stays the same; Magnitude of Momentum: Stays the same

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36.

A rubber ball initially moves with a speed of in the direction toward a stationary wall, as
shown above. The ball bounces back off of the wall with a speed of in the direction. Which of the
following best represents the rate of change of the ball’s momentum as a function of time?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

A large truck of mass is traveling at a speed of when it collides with a small car of mass that is at rest. The
truck and car stick together after the collision.

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37. The speed of the center of mass of the truck-car system as the truck and car move off together is
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

38. During the collision, the car and truck exert forces on each other. Which of the following is a correct statement
about these forces and gives evidence to support this statement?
The forces the truck and car exert on each other must be external to the truck-car system because the
(A)
momentum of the truck changes.
The forces the truck and car exert on each other must be external to the truck-car system because the
(B)
momentum of the car changes.
The forces the truck and car exert on each other must be external to the truck-car system because the
(C)
momentum of both the truck and car change.
The forces the truck and car exert on each other must be internal to the truck-car system because the
(D)
momentum of the center of mass of the truck-car system stays the same.
The forces the truck and car exert on each other must be internal to the truck-car system because the
(E)
momentum of the center of mass of the truck-car system changes.

39. When the truck and car stuck together after the collision, the speed of the center of mass of the truck-car system is
. If the truck and car have an elastic collision, the speed of the center of mass of the truck-car system is .
Which of the following expressions for must be true?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

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In an experiment, students use motion sensors to measure the speed of objects and , of masses and ,
respectively, that collide head-on while moving along a smooth horizontal surface. Consider velocity to the right to be
positive. All motion is along a straight line. The speeds of object are before the collision and after the collision.
The speeds of object are before the collision and after the collision. Before the collisions, object is moving to
the right and and object is moving to the left. Both objects reverse their direction of motion during the collision, as
shown.

40. Which of the following expressions can be used to determine the magnitude of the impulse on object ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

(E)

41. After analyzing the data, a student noticed that the motion sensor measuring the velocity of object was not facing
directly along the line of motion of object , but was angled slightly. How would this affect the data collected by
the students?
(A) The actual speeds of object are smaller in magnitude both before and after the collision.
(B) The actual speeds of object are larger in magnitude both before and after the collision.
(C) There is no effect on the data
(D) The actual speeds of object are smaller in magnitude before and larger in magnitude after the collision.
(E) The actual speeds of object are larger in magnitude before and smaller in magnitude after the collision.

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42. Data were collected during an experiment that used two identical cars, car and car , moving along a one-
dimensional track. Car moved toward and collided with stationary car , and data were collected. The data
collected just before and just after the collision are shown below. (All velocities are represented in .)

What conclusion can be made about the data taken in this experiment?
(A) Car was more massive than car .
(B) Car was more massive than car .
(C) The velocity measurements for car were lower than the car’s actual speed.
(D) The velocity measurements for car were higher than the car’s actual speed.
(E) The experiment was performed without error.

43.

Two uniform thin rods are connected to opposite sides of a uniform sphere, as shown. The rod on the left has mass
and length , the rod on the right has mass and length , and the sphere has mass and
diameter . The center of the sphere and the axis of both rods lie on the same straight horizontal line. What is
the -coordinate of the center of mass of the three-object system?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

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44. Objects 1 and 2 have the same momentum. Object 1 can have more kinetic energy than object 2 if, compared with
object 2, it
(A) has more mass
(B) has the same mass
(C) is moving at the same speed
(D) is moving slower
(E) is moving faster

45. Identical net forces act for the same length of time on two different spherical masses. Which of the following
describes the change in linear momentum of the smaller mass compared to that of the larger mass?
(A) It is smaller than the change in linear momentum of the larger mass but not zero.
(B) It is larger than the change in linear momentum of the larger mass.
(C) It is equal to the change in linear momentum of the larger mass.
(D) It is zero.
(E) It depends on the relative diameters of the two masses.

46.

An object is moving in a straight line along the -axis. The momentum of the object as a function of time is
shown in the graph above. Which statement below correctly describes the net force that the object experiences
during the time period shown?
(A) The net force is decreasing over time.
(B) The net force is increasing over time.
(C) The net force is constant and positive.
(D) The net force is constant and negative.
(E) The net force is positive for and negative for .

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47. Two balls, A and B, have the same mass and diameter but are made from different types of rubber. The balls are
dropped from the same height above the floor. After colliding with the floor, ball A bounces higher than ball B
bounces. Which of the following quantities must necessarily be larger for ball A than for ball B?
(A) The average force exerted by the floor
(B) The amount of time in contact with the floor
(C) The impulse exerted by the floor
(D) The momentum just before colliding with the floor
(E) The kinetic energy just before colliding with the floor

A moon of mass m orbits a planet of mass 49m in an elliptical orbit as shown above. When the moon is at point A, its
distance from the center of the planet is rA and its speed is v0. When the moon is at point B, its speed is 5v0.

48. When the moon is at point A, the distance from the moon to the center of mass of the planet-moon system is most
nearly
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

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49.

A block of mass is initially sliding with speed on a horizontal frictionless surface, as shown above. It makes
an elastic, head-on collision with another block of mass that is initially at rest. Which of the following correctly
shows the motion of the blocks after the collision?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

50.

Cart of mass is moving with velocity to the right on a horizontal frictionless track, as shown above, when it
collides with cart of mass . Cart is initially at rest, and the collision is perfectly elastic. Which of the
following best describes the motion of the carts immediately after the collision?
(A) Cart is moving to the left, and cart is moving to the right.
(B) Cart is moving to the left, and cart remains stationary.
(C) Cart is stationary, and cart is moving to the right.
(D) Both carts move to the right, and they are stuck together.
(E) Both carts move to the right, but they are not stuck together.

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A 5-kilogram sphere is connected to a 10-kilogram sphere by a rigid rod of negligible mass, as shown above.

51. Which of the five lettered points represents the center of mass of the sphere-rod combination?
(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
(E) E

52.

Three identical disks are initially at rest on a frictionless, horizontal table with their edges touching to form a
triangle, as shown in the top view above. An explosion occurs within the triangle, propelling the disks horizontally
along the surface. Which of the following diagrams shows a possible position of the disks at a later time? (In these
diagrams, the triangle is shown in its original position.)

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

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53.

A block is initially at rest on a horizontal surface. There is negligible friction between the block and the surface. A
horizontal force exerted on the block varies as a function of
time , as shown in the graph. At time , the block has a known speed of . Which feature of the graph can be
used to determine the mass of the block?
Using the slope of the graph from to and from to to determine the change in
(A)
momentum of the block
Using the slope of the graph from to and from to to determine the change in
(B)
speed for the block
(C) Using the area of the graph from to to determine the work done on the block
(D) Using the area of the graph from to to determine the work done on the block
(E) Using the area of the graph from to to determine the impulse on the block

54. A firecracker of mass is moving at a speed in the positive -direction. It explodes and breaks up into two
identical fragments, each of mass . After the explosion, one fragment moves at the same speed but in the
negative -direction. The speed of the second fragment must be
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

55. The momentum p of a moving object as a function of time t is given by the expression p = kt3, where k is a constant.
The force causing this motion is given by the expression

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(A) 3kt2
(B)
(C)
(D) kt4
(E)

56. If one knows only the constant resultant force acting on an object and the time during which this force acts, one can
determine the
(A) change in momentum of the object
(B) change in velocity of the object
(C) change in kinetic energy of the object
(D) mass of the object
(E) acceleration of the object

57. A space shuttle has a mass of . In order to stay in a circular orbit, it must have a velocity of .
The pilot discovers that the shuttle has slowed down to and the shuttle’s speed needs to increase. If the
thrusters exert a constant force of , how long do the thrusters have to exert this force in order to return the
shuttle to orbital velocity?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

58. In an experiment, students use a force sensor to apply a force of magnitude to an object of mass that is initially
at rest. The force is exerted in the -direction for a time . The impulse exerted on the device is . Which of
following procedure changes would result in an impulse being exerted on an object?
(A) Exert a force of magnitude on an object of mass for a time .
(B) Exert a force of magnitude on an object of mass for a time .
(C) Exert a force of magnitude on an object of mass for a time .
(D) Exert a force of magnitude on an object of mass for a time .
(E) Exert a force of magnitude on an object of mass for a time .

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59.

An object is moving in a straight line along the -axis. The net force exerted on the object as a function of time
is shown in the graph. Which of the following could be the momentum of the object as a function of ?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

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60.

In an experiment to study collisions, block with of mass is moving speed when it collides with block of
mass which is initially at rest. After the collision, the blocks stick together and move off with speed . For a
series of collisions, block is given different initial velocities. The graph of as a function of is shown. How
would doubling mass change the graph?

(A) The slope of the graph line would be less.

(B) The slope of the graph line would be greater.
(C) The graph line would no longer be linear.
(D) There would be no effect on the graph.
(E) The change cannot be determined without knowing the ratio of .

61. The magnitude of a force as a function of time can be represented by .

The direction of the force does not change. If the force is exerted on an object of mass , the change in velocity of
the object between and seconds is
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

62. Object has a mass of and is moving in the direction. It collides with object , which has a mass of 2
and is initially at rest. After the collision, object has a final velocity of in the direction. Which of the
following best describes the impulse object exerts on object during the collision?

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(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

63. The net force on a particle as a function of time is given by the equation , where is a positive
constant in units of . Which of the following could represent the change in momentum as a function of
time ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

64. A ball of mass is dropped from rest at a height and collides elastically with the floor, rebounding to its original
height. What is the magnitude of the net impulse on the ball during the collision with the floor?
(A) Zero
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

65. Suppose you wish to qualitatively test the validity of the impulse-momentum theorem by rolling various balls along
a table toward a wood block. When each ball reaches the block, it pushes the wood block forward, and the ball
bounces backward, away from the block. Which of the following describes the best procedure for the experiment
and a correct interpretation of possible results?
Use balls of the same mass and with the same initial speed but with different amounts of elasticity and repeat
(A) this procedure for each ball. If balls that rebound with less speed cause greater movement of the block, this is
consistent with the prediction of the theorem.
Use balls of different masses but with the same amount of elasticity and the same initial speed and repeat this
(B) procedure for each ball. If smaller-mass balls cause more movement of the block, this is consistent with the
prediction of the theorem.
Use identical balls with the same initial speed but blocks of different masses and repeat this procedure for
(C) each block. If the ball rebounds with more speed when it pushes a large block than when it pushes a smaller
block, this is consistent with the prediction of the theorem.
Use balls with different masses but with the same amount of elasticity and same initial speed and repeat this
(D) procedure for each ball. If the balls that rebound with more speed cause less movement of the block, this is
consistent with the prediction of the theorem.
Use balls of the same mass and with the same amount of elasticity but roll them toward the block at different
(E) speeds and repeat this procedure for each speed. If the balls traveling at higher speed cause less movement of
the block, this is consistent with the prediction of the theorem.

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66. Two spheres of uniform density are located a distance L apart, as shown in the figure below. The left sphere has a
mass M 1 , and the right sphere has a mass M 2 . The center of mass of the two spheres is labeled point P. Which of
the following is a correct expression for the distance from point P to the center of the left sphere?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

A 0.060 kg tennis ball moving at 15 m/s strikes a tennis racket and rebounds at 10 m/s in the opposite direction, as shown
above. The ball is in contact with the racket for 0.030 s.

67. What is the magnitude of the average force exerted by the racket on the ball?
(A) 5 N
(B) 10 N
(C) 20 N
(D) 25 N
(E) 50 N

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A block on a level horizontal surface of negligible friction is initially traveling at 20 m/s to the left. A horizontal force
is exerted to the right on the block for the time interval 0 < t < 0.10 s. The magnitude of the force is given as a function of
time t by the equation F = αt , where α = 240 N/s and t is in seconds.

68. What is the magnitude of the change in momentum of the block due to the horizontal force?
(A) 1.2 kg • m/s
(B) 12 kg • m/s
(C) 24 kg • m/s
(D) 240 kg • m/s
(E) The change in momentum of the block cannot be determined without knowing the block’s mass.

69.

A block of mass moving with velocity collides with and sticks to a block of mass that is initially
moving with velocity , as shown. Given that the collision takes place at time , which of the following
graphs most accurately illustrates the momentum of the two blocks as a function of time? Each dashed horizontal
line represents the momentum of an individual block, and the solid horizontal lines represent the combined
momentum of both blocks after they collide.

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

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70.

As shown above, two students sit at opposite ends of a boat that is initially at rest. The student in the front throws a
heavy ball to the student in the back. What is the motion of the boat at the time immediately after the ball is thrown
and, later, after the ball is caught? (Assume that air and water friction are negligible.)

Immediately After the Throw After the Catch

(A)
Boat moves forward Boat moves forward

Immediately After the Throw After the Catch

(B)
Boat moves forward Boat moves backward

Immediately After the Throw After the Catch

(C)
Boat moves forward Boat does not move

Immediately After the Throw After the Catch

(D)
Boat moves backward Boat does not move

Immediately After the Throw After the Catch

(E)
Boat moves backward Boat moves forward

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71.

A person is standing at one end of a uniform raft of length L that is floating motionless on water, as shown above.
The center of mass of the person-raft system is a distance d from the center of the raft. The person then walks to the
other end of the raft. If friction between the raft and the water is negligible, how far does the raft move relative to
the water?
(A) L/2
(B) L
(C) d/2
(D) d
(E) 2d

72.

In an experiment, block is given an initial speed toward block , which is initially at rest. The blocks are on a
track that has a motion detector set up, as shown above. When the two blocks collide, there is a completely inelastic
collision and the blocks move together with speed . The blocks were both placed on a balance, and it is
determined that they have the same mass.

The experiment is repeated for four different initial speeds, and the data are shown in the chart below. It appears
that the resulting data are not accurate. Which measurement most likely produced errors in the data seen in the chart
below?

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(A) The mass of block is accurate, but the mass of block is actually less massive than recorded.
(B) Both mass values are accurate, but is actually larger than recorded.
(C) The motion sensor was positioned too close to block .
(D) The final velocity recorded was taken too long after the collision.
(E) The data recorded is accurate within acceptable experimental error.

73.

The uniform rod of length L shown above is supported by holding end X so that the rod makes an angle 60° with the
horizontal floor. There is no friction acting between the rod and the floor. When the support at X is removed, the rod
falls under the influence of gravity. Which of the following best describes the movement of end Y as the rod falls?
(A) It moves L to the left.
(B) It remains at rest.
(C) It moves L to the right.
(D) It moves L to the right.
(E) It moves L to the right.

74. Object A of mass M is moving east at speed v. It collides with object B of mass 2M that was initially at rest. The
motion of the objects before and after the collision is along the same line. After the collision, object A is moving
west at a speed of v/3. What is the speed of object B immediately after the collision?
(A) v/3
(B) v/2
(C) 2v/3
(D) v
(E) 2v

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75.

Two balls are on a frictionless horizontal tabletop. Ball X initially moves at 10 meters per second, as shown in
Figure I above. It then collides elastically with identical ball Y, which is initially at rest. After the collision, ball X
moves at 6 meters per second along a path at 53° to its original direction, as shown in Figure II above. Which of the
following diagrams best represents the motion of ball Y after the collision?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

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76.

An object of mass m is moving with speed v0 to the right on a horizontal frictionless surface, as shown above, when
it explodes into two pieces. Subsequently, one piece of mass m moves with a speed to the left. The speed of
the other piece of the object is
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E) 2v0

77.

A ball initially moves horizontally with velocity vi , as shown above. It is then struck by a stick. After leaving the
stick, the ball moves vertically with a velocity v𝑓 , which is smaller in magnitude than vi . Which of the following
vectors best represents the direction of the average force that the stick exerts on the ball?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

78.

Two pucks, and , with unequal masses, slide with equal speeds in opposite directions on a horizontal surface
with negligible friction, as shown in Figure . The pucks undergo a head-on collision. After the collision, both
pucks move to the right. The speed of Puck has decreased, and the speed of Puck has increased, as shown in
Figure . Which of the following is a plausible explanation for the observed behavior of the pucks?
(A) The magnitude of change in momentum is the same for each puck, but Puck has more momentum initially.
(B) The magnitude of change in momentum is the same for each puck, but Puck has more momentum initially.
The magnitude of change of momentum is the same for each puck because each puck has the same
(C)
momentum initially.
The magnitude of change in momentum of Puck is greater than that of Puck because Puck has a
(D)
greater initial momentum.
The magnitude of change of momentum of Puck is less than that of Puck because Puck has greater
(E)
mass.

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79.

A 2 kg ball collides with the floor at an angle ⯑ and rebounds at the same angle and speed as shown above. Which
of the following vectors represents the impulse exerted on the ball by the floor?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

80.

An object having an initial momentum that may be represented by the vector above strikes an object that is initially
at rest. Which of the following sets of vectors may represent the momenta of the two objects after the collision?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

81. A student drops a bag of mass onto a cart of mass that is sliding with speed along a horizontal track with
negligible friction. Immediately after the bag lands in the cart, the cart-bag system moves with speed . Which of
the following statements correctly relates the two speeds and gives a correct reason for this relationship?
(A) , because some of the cart-bag system’s mechanical energy is dissipated.
(B) , because the kinetic energy of the bag decreases.
(C) , because the kinetic energy of the bag decreases.
(D) , because the linear momentum of the bag is added to the linear momentum of the cart.
(E) , because the bag is moving perpendicular to the cart.

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82.

A simple pendulum is made of a sphere of unknown mass tied to a long string of negligible mass, as shown. The
sphere is released from rest from an initial height and allowed to swing down freely. The sphere strikes a stationary
block of known mass at the bottom of the sphere’s swing. After the collision, the sphere immediately comes to rest
and the block moves to the right along a track of negligible friction that curves upward. The block travels along the
track before momentarily coming to rest. Which of the following sets of measurements can be used to determine the
mass of the sphere?
(A) The change in height of the sphere and the speed of the sphere just before the sphere strikes the block
The speed of the block immediately after the collision and the change in height of the block when the block
(B)
momentarily comes to rest
The change in height of the sphere and the change in height of the block when the block momentarily comes
(C)
to rest
(D) The length of the pendulum and the speed of the block immediately after the collision
(E) The length of the pendulum and the speed of the sphere just before the sphere strikes the block

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A student conducts an experiment in which a cart of mass is moving on a level horizontal surface of negligible
friction with speed toward a second cart of mass that is at rest. The carts collide, stick together, and move with
speed . The carts then travel up a ramp, momentarily come to rest, and then roll back down the ramp. The student
repeats the experiment for several different values of .

The student plots as a function of and draws a best-fit straight line to represent the data.

83. Which of the following expressions can be determined using the slope of the best-fit line?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

(E)

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In the diagram above, a block of mass is initially at rest on a horizontal surface at the base of an inclined plane. The
surface and plane have negligible friction. The block is struck by a projectile of mass traveling with a horizontal
velocity . The projectile becomes embedded in the block, and they move together to the right with speed .

84. Which of the following is a correct expression for ?

(A)

(B)

(C)
(D)
(E)

A block of mass 3 kg, initially at rest, is pulled along a frictionless, horizontal surface with a force shown as a function of
time t by the graph above.

85. The speed of the block at t = 2s is

(A) 4/3 m/s
(B) 8/3 m/s
(C) 4 m/s
(D) 8 m/s
(E) 24 m/s

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86.

An arrow of mass m and speed v0 strikes and sticks to one end of a meterstick of mass M as shown in the diagram
above. The meterstick is initially at rest on a horizontal surface and free to move without friction. The speed of the
center of mass of the stick-arrow system after the arrow strikes is given by which of the following expressions?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E) 0

87.

As shown in the figure above, a child of mass 20 kg who is running at a speed of 4.0 m/s jumps onto a stationary
sled of mass 5.0 kg on a frozen lake. The speed at which the child and sled begin to slide across the ice is most
nearly
(A) 0.20 m/s
(B) 0.80 m/s
(C) 1.2 m/s
(D) 3.2 m/s
(E) 16 m/s

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88.

As shown in the top view above, a disc of mass m is moving horizontally to the right with speed v on a table with
negligible friction when it collides with a second disc of mass 2m. The second disc is moving horizontally to the
right with speed at the moment of impact. The two discs stick together upon impact. The speed of the composite
body immediately after the collision is
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E) 2v

89. A person with a mass of is sitting on a raft of mass that is floating on water. A rock of mass
is also on the raft. Resistive forces between the raft and the water are negligible. With what horizontal speed must
the person throw the rock of mass in order to cause the person-raft system to move with a speed of
in the opposite direction?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)

90.

A toy cannon is fixed to a small cart and both move to the right with speed v along a straight track, as shown above.
The cannon points in the direction of motion. When the cannon fires a projectile the cart and cannon are brought to
rest. If M is the mass of the cart and cannon combined without the projectile, and m is the mass of the projectile,
what is the speed of the projectile relative to the ground immediately after it is fired?

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(A)
(B)

(C)

(D)
(E)

91.

Blocks A, B, and C are aligned along a straight line on a horizontal frictionless surface. The masses of the blocks
are M, 2M, and 3M, respectively. Block A is initially moving to the right along the same line at a speed v, as shown
in the figure above. Blocks B and C are initially at rest. Block A collides with and sticks to block B. The two blocks
then collide with and stick to block C. What is the speed of block C after the collisions?
(A) 0
(B) v/6
(C) v/3
(D) v/2
(E) 6v

92.

Two balls with masses m and 2m approach each other with equal speeds v on a horizontal frictionless table, as
shown in the top view above. Which of the following shows possible velocities of the balls for a time soon after the
balls collide?

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(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

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93. The sum of all the external forces on a system of particles is zero. Which of the following must be true of the
system?
(A) The total mechanical energy is constant.
(B) The total potential energy is constant.
(C) The total kinetic energy is constant.
(D) The total linear momentum is constant.
(E) It is in static equilibrium.

Two pucks moving on a frictionless air table are about to collide, as shown above. The 1.5 kg puck is moving directly east
at 2.0 m/s. The 4.0 kg puck is moving directly north at 1.0 m/s.

94. What is the magnitude of the total momentum of the two-puck system after the collision?
(A) 1.0
(B) 3.5
(C) 5.0
(D) 7.0
(E) 5.5

95.

Object X of mass m is moving to the right with a speed of 3 m/s when it collides with object Y of mass m that is
moving to the right with a speed of 2 m/s, as shown above. After the collision, X is moving to the right with a speed
of 2 m/s and Y is moving to the right with a speed of 3 m/s. Which of the following is true of the collision?

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(A) It is elastic because momentum is conserved.

(B) It is elastic because kinetic energy is conserved.
(C) It is inelastic because momentum is not conserved.
(D) It is inelastic because kinetic energy is not conserved.
(E) More information is needed to determine whether the collision is elastic or inelastic.

96. Two people are initially standing still on frictionless ice. They push on each other so that one person, of mass 120
kg, moves to the left at 2 m/s, while the other person, of mass 80 kg, moves to the right at 3 m/s. What is the
velocity of their center of mass?
(A) Zero
(B) 0.5 m/s to the left
(C) 1 m/s to the right
(D) 2.4 m/s to the left
(E) 2.5 m/s to the right

97. Which of the following is equivalent to a unit of momentum?

(A) Joule
(B) Newton
(C) Joule • second
(D) Newton • second
(E) Newton • meter

98. Two objects, and , move along a horizontal line. Object has mass and initial velocity . Object has
mass and initial velocity . Object collides head-on with Object . The objects stick together and move
with final velocity . Which of the following are possible values for , , and ?

A
B
C
D
E

(A) A
(B) B
(C) C
(D) D
(E) E

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99.

The graph of velocity as a function of time shown above is for a box moving along the -axis. Based on the
graph, which of the following is a true statement?
(A) The linear momentum of the box is constant over the entire time frame.
(B) The linear momentum of the box is only constant between and seconds.
(C) The linear momentum of the box is constant between and seconds.
(D) The maximum linear momentum of the box is .
(E) The minimum linear momentum of the box is .

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