ConceptConceptDocsDocuments

AP Physics C Mechanics 1.4: Reference Frames & Relative Motion

Practise AP Physics C Mechanics 1.4 by adding relative-velocity vectors and comparing how moving and stationary observers describe the same object’s path.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2024
Course
AP Physics C: Mechanics

Exam points

  • Add relative-velocity vectors to find a boat’s velocity with respect to the land.
  • Compare stone or projectile paths and ground velocities seen from moving and stationary frames.

Covered syllabus points

1.4.A—Describe the reference frame of a given observer1.4.B—Describe the motion of objects as measured by observers in different inertial reference frames

1.4 Reference Frames and Relative Motion question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Student 1 is standing on a cart holding a small stone, while student 2 is standing at rest on the ground, as shown in the figure above. The cart is moving at a constant speed v in the +x-direction, as indicated by the coordinate system shown. Student 1 drops the stone precisely when passing student 2. Which of the following best represents the path of the falling stone relative to student 1 and the path of the falling stone relative to student 2 ?

Student 1

Student 1

Student 2

Student 2

(B)

(B)

(C)

(C)

(D)

(D)

(E)

(E)

(E)

(E)

Figure for Question 1.4 Reference Frames and Relative Motion question 1 — AP Physics C: Mechanics
All question bank results loaded