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AP Physics C: Mechanics 1.4 Reference Frames and Relative Motion Questions

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

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 ?

Figure for Question 1 — AP Physics C: Mechanics
A
Figure for Question 1 — AP Physics C: Mechanics — Option A
B
Figure for Question 1 — AP Physics C: Mechanics — Option B
C
Figure for Question 1 — AP Physics C: Mechanics — Option C
D
Figure for Question 1 — AP Physics C: Mechanics — Option D
E
Figure for Question 1 — AP Physics C: Mechanics — Option E
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