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AP Physics 1 1.5 Two-Dimensional Motion Overview

Analyze two-dimensional motion by resolving vectors into components and applying separate one-dimensional relationships to horizontal and vertical motion.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2025
Course
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Exam points

  • Resolve vectors and two-dimensional motion into perpendicular components for analysis.
  • Use projectile-motion assumptions to connect horizontal motion with constant vertical acceleration.

1.5 Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions question 1

[Maximum number: 7]

(7 points, suggested time 13 minutes)

A stunt cyclist builds a ramp that will allow the cyclist to coast down the ramp and jump over several parked cars, as shown above. To test the ramp, the cyclist starts from rest at the top of the ramp, then leaves the ramp, jumps over six cars, and lands on a second ramp.
H0H_{0} is the vertical distance between the top of the first ramp and the launch point.
θ0\theta_{0} is the angle of the ramp at the launch point from the horizontal.
X0X_{0} is the horizontal distance traveled while the cyclist and bicycle are in the air.
m0m_{0} is the combined mass of the stunt cyclist and bicycle.

Question (a)

(a)

Derive an expression for the distance X0X_{0} in terms of H0,θ0,m0H_{0}, \theta_{0}, m_{0}, and physical constants, as appropriate.

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Question (b)

(b)

If the vertical distance between the top of the first ramp and the launch point were 2H02 H_{0} instead of H0H_{0}, with no other changes to the first ramp, what is the maximum number of cars that the stunt cyclist could jump over? Justify your answer, using the expression you derived in part (a).

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Question (c)

(c)

On the axes below, sketch a graph of the vertical component of the stunt cyclist's velocity as a function of time from immediately after the cyclist leaves the ramp to immediately before the cyclist lands on the second ramp. On the vertical axis, clearly indicate the initial and final vertical velocity components in terms of H0,θ0H_{0}, \theta_{0}, m0m_{0}, and physical constants, as appropriate. Take the positive direction to be upward.

Figure for Question (c) — AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
Figure for Question (c) — AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
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