AP Physics C: Mechanics 1.1 A Describe a Scalar or Vector Quantity Using Magnitude and Direction As Appropriate Questions

Describe vector direction from component geometry by relating horizontal and vertical changes to a magnitude, reference axis, and trigonometric angle.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2024
Course
AP Physics C: Mechanics

Exam points

  • derive a vector's direction angle from horizontal and vertical geometric components using trigonometry

AP Physics C: Mechanics 1.1 A Describe a Scalar or Vector Quantity Using Magnitude and Direction As Appropriate Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

A small sled slides across a rough horizontal table with an initial velocity v0v_{0}. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the sled and the table is μk\mu_{k}. A string connects the sled to a device on the ground. The device maintains constant tension FTF_{T} in the string by unwinding the string as the sled slides to the right. The total mass of the sled is m. The string is attached to the device at x=0 and at a height of y, as shown in Figure 1. The horizontal position of the sled is represented by x, as shown in Figure 2. Express all algebraic answers in terms of m,μkm, \mu_{k}, FT,x,yF_{T}, x, y, and physical constants, as appropriate.

Determine an expression for the angle θ\theta that the string makes with the vertical when the sled has traveled a horizontal distance x.

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