AP Physics 1 2.9: Circular Motion
Relate an object’s circular path to tangential speed, radius, and centripetal acceleration, and identify the inward direction of the acceleration.
- Syllabus
- Effective Fall 2025
- Course
- AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
Relate an object’s circular path to tangential speed, radius, and centripetal acceleration, and identify the inward direction of the acceleration.
(7 points, suggested time 13 minutes)
A block of mass M is released from rest at Point A, a height 6 R above the horizontal. After being released, the block slides down a track, as shown. When released from Point A, the block does not lose contact with the track at any point. Points B and C are located at the highest points of their respective circular loops, both of radius R. All frictional forces are negligible.

Diagram A shows an energy bar chart that represents the gravitational potential energy Ug of the block-Earth system and the kinetic energy K of the block at Point A, when the block is released from rest at height 6 R.
On the following dot that represents the block, draw and label the forces (not components) that are exerted on the block at the instant the block slides through Point C. Each force must be represented by a distinct arrow starting on, and pointing away from, the dot.
(i) For drawing a downward arrow labeled as the gravitational force 1 point
For drawing a downward arrow labeled as the normal force 1 point
Example Response

Scoring Note: Examples of appropriate labels for the gravitational force include FG,Fg, Fgrav ,W,mg,Mg, "grav force," " F Earth on block," " F on block by Earth," FEarth on Block ,FE, Block , or FBlock, E. The labels G or g are not appropriate labels for the gravitational force.
Scoring Note: Examples of appropriate labels for the normal force include Fn,FN,N, "normal force," or "track force."
Scoring Note: Arrows of any nonzero magnitude can earn these points.
A student claims that 4 R is the minimum height of Point A, such that the block can slide through Point C without losing contact with the track after the block is released from rest. Briefly explain why this claim is incorrect.

Figure 1
(ii) For indicating one of the following: 1 point
- The block must be moving at the top of the loop to remain in contact with the loop
- If the block has zero speed at Point C the block will lose contact with the loop
- The block does not have enough kinetic energy and will lose contact with the loop
- The block does not have enough momentum and will lose contact with the loop
Scoring Note: Responses that use relevant derivations may earn this point.
Example Response
If the block were released from a height 4 R above the ground, then based on energy conservation, the block will have a speed equal to zero at Point C. If the speed is zero, the block will lose contact with the track.
Total for part (c)
for question 1
7 points