Call Now to Set Up Tutoring:

(888) 888-0446

AP Physics 1 : AP Physics 1

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics 1

Create An Account

All AP Physics 1 Resources

7 Diagnostic Tests 170 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Frequency And Period

A pendulum of length with a ball of mass is released at an angle $\theta$ away from the equilibrium point. Which of the following adjustments will result in an increase in frequency of oscillation?

Possible Answers:

Increasing the length

Decreasing the length

Increasing the initial angle $\theta$

Increasing the ball's mass

Decreasing the ball's mass

Correct answer:

Decreasing the length

Explanation:

For a pendulum on a string, the period at which it oscillates is:

$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}$

Period is the reciprocal of frequency.

$T = \frac{1}{f}$

Calculate the frequency of oscillation.

$f = \frac{1}{2\pi}\sqrt{\frac{g}{l}}$

The only parameter that the frequency depends on is the length . Decreasing length increases frequency.

Report an Error

Example Question #36 : Electricity And Waves

The wavelength of a ray of light travelling through a vaccuum is $450\:nm$ . What is the period of this wave?

Possible Answers:

$1.5\cdot10^{-15}\:s$

$6.67\cdot10^{14}\:s$

$6.67\cdot10^{5}\:s$

$1.5\cdot10^{-6}\:s$

Correct answer:

$1.5\cdot10^{-15}\:s$

Explanation:

In this question, we're given the wavelength of light in a vaccuum. Since we know that the speed of light in a vaccuum is equal to $3.0\cdot10^{8}\: \frac{m}{s}$ , we can first calculate the frequency of the light, and then use this value to calculate its period.

To begin with, we'll need to make use of the following equation to solve for frequency.

$c=f\lambda$

$f=\frac{c}{\lambda }=\frac{3.0\cdot10^{8}\: \frac{m}{s}}{450\cdot 10^{-9}\: m}=6.67\cdot10^{14}\:s^{-1}$

Then, using this value, we can calculate the period by noting that the period is the inverse of frequency.

$T=\frac{1}{f}=\frac{1}{6.67\cdot10^{14}\:s^{-1}}=1.5\cdot10^{-15}\:s$

And for completion's sake, it is worth noting that the period refers to the amount of time it takes for one wavelength to pass, which in this case is a very, very small fraction of a second!

Report an Error

Example Question #4 : Frequency And Period

Waves are hitting the side of a pier in a regular fashion. During 1 minute, waves that hit the side of the pier. Calculate the period of the waves during this time in seconds.

Possible Answers:

25s

2.4s

Cannot be determined.

0.417s

Correct answer:

2.4s

Explanation:

In order to calculate the period , we need to find the frequency, , at which the waves hit the pier. We are told that waves hit within a 60s window. Therefore,

$f=\frac{25}{60s}=0.417\frac{1}{s}$ . We can then calculate the period from this information.

$T=\frac{1}{f}=\frac{1}{0.417\frac{1}{s}}=2.4s$

Report an Error

Example Question #1 : Frequency And Period

How does the period of a pendulum react to its length quadrupling?

Possible Answers:

Increases twofold.

Increases by $\sqrt{2}$ .

Decreases by $\sqrt{2}$ .

Is cut in half.

Correct answer:

Increases twofold.

Explanation:

The equation for the period of a pendulum is as follows: $T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}$ When quadrupling the length, the square root of four can be taken out which doubles the period. $2\pi \sqrt{\frac{4l}{g}} = 2\pi\sqrt{4} \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}} = 2(2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}})$

Report an Error

Example Question #1 : Frequency And Period

A string produces the following frequencies: 100 Hz , 150 Hz , 200 Hz , and 250 Hz .

What is the fundamental frequency of this string?

Possible Answers:

100 Hz

500 Hz

50 Hz

10 Hz

1000 Hz

Correct answer:

50 Hz

Explanation:

Since the frequencies produced, differ by 50 Hz we know that the fundamental frequency must be the difference. This is because the fundamental is the very first frequency and the lowest one that can be produced.

Therefore the correct answer is 50 Hz .

Report an Error

Example Question #5 : Frequency And Period

A buoy is rocking in the ocean when a storm hits. From the lowest point to the highest point, the buoy goes up a total of 10m . Over the last 20 minutes, the buoy has moved up and down a total of 500m .

What is the frequency of the buoy's oscillation?

Possible Answers:

34mHz

55mHz

17.5mHz

21mHz

55Hz

Correct answer:

21mHz

Explanation:

The buoy moves a total of 500m . From the problem, you know the buoy moves a total of 20m with every wavelength (10 meters up and 10 meters coming back down). This means that in 20 minutes, the buoy went through $\frac{500}{20}=25$ cycles. In order to find the frequency, you divide the total amount of cycles over the total amount of time in seconds that passed:

$f=\frac{#\ of\ cycles}{time\ in\ seconds}=\frac{25}{20*60}$

$f=\frac{25}{1200}=0.021Hz=21mHz$

Report an Error

Example Question #6 : Frequency And Period

If the wavelength of a light wave is $435\:nm$ , what is the period of this wave?

Possible Answers:

$7.51\cdot10^{-22}\:s$

$6.83\cdot10^{-13}\:s$

$1.28\cdot10^{-17}\:s$

$3.66\cdot10^{-11}\:s$

$1.45\cdot10^{-15}\:s$

Correct answer:

$1.45\cdot10^{-15}\:s$

Explanation:

To answer this question, it's important to have an understanding of the interrelationship between wavelength and period. Also, because we're told that this is a light wave, it's also essential that we know the speed at which light travels.

First, we can show an equation that relates wavelength and wave speed.

$c=\lambda f$

Moreover, we can relate the frequency of a wave to its period, both of which are inversely related to each other.

$T=\frac{1}{f}$

Using these two expressions, we can combine them into the following expression.

$c=\frac{\lambda}{T}$

Next, we can rearrange the equation in order to isolate for the variable representing the period of the wave.

$T=\frac{\lambda}{c}$

Lastly, we just need to plug in the value for wavelength given to us in the question stem, along with the speed of light, to obtain our answer.

$T=\frac{435\cdot 10^{-9}\: m}{3\cdot 10^{8}\: \frac{m}{s}}=1.45\cdot10^{-15}\:sec$

What this answer tells us is that it will take $1.45\cdot10^{-15}\:sec$ in order for a single wavelength of light to cross a given point - a very, very short amount of time!

Report an Error

Example Question #1 : Frequency And Period

The frequency of a sound wave traveling through water at $1482 \frac{m}{s}$ is record to be 40 Hz , what is the period of the wave?

Possible Answers:

.4 s

.0275 s

25 s

37.05s

0.025 s

Correct answer:

0.025 s

Explanation:

Frequency is simply represent as the inverse of Period as represented below

$f = \frac{1}{T}$

where f is frequency and T is period. To solve the equation for period we just reverse the inverse relation

$T = \frac{1}{f}$

Report an Error

Example Question #1191 : Ap Physics 1

You and your friends are spending an afternoon at a lake. You are racing a friend across the lake while staying under the water. Being the faster swimmer, you are averaging a pace of about $1.5\frac{m}{s}$ . Another friend on shore is cheering you on. If the average frequency of your friend's voice is 500Hz, and the wavelength of the sound in the water is 0.85m, what is the speed of the sound in the water?

$v_{s_{air}}=340\frac{m}{s}$

Possible Answers:

$588\frac{m}{s}$

$556\frac{m}{s}$

$340\frac{m}{s}$

$400\frac{m}{s}$

$425\frac{m}{s}$

Correct answer:

$425\frac{m}{s}$

Explanation:

This problem emphasizes the importance of being able to sift through a problem statement and pick out only the information you need to solve the problem. We are given four values, but only need two of them. If you are unable to sift through the problem effectively, you are likely to get bogged down by all the details and waste time performing unneeded calculations.

To find the speed of sound in the water, we only need one equation:

$v = f\lambda$

We are given the frequency of the sound and its wavelength in water. It is important to note that the frequency of a sound does not change as it enters a different medium; only the velocity and wavelength do.

Plugging in our values, we get:

$v = 500 Hz \cdot 0.85 m = 425 \frac{m}{s}$

If you got the answer 400 m/s, watch your units! You probably divided 340 m/s by 0.85 m, which gives you units of 1/s. That is a unit of frequency, not velocity.

Report an Error

Example Question #1192 : Ap Physics 1

One of your friends decides to do a massive cannonball into a swimming pool in an attempt to splash the lifeguard. Your friend hits the water from where the lifeguard is and the cannonball creates a series of waves. If one wave is created every 2 seconds, and there are four full waves between your friend and the lifeguard, what is the speed of the waves created?

Possible Answers:

$0.12\frac{m}{s}$

$0.40 \frac{m}{s}$

$2.5\frac{m}{s}$

$0.63\frac{m}{s}$

$1.67 \frac{m}{s}$

Correct answer:

$0.63\frac{m}{s}$

Explanation:

In order to determine the velocity of a wave, we need to know the frequency and wavelength. From the problem statement, we know that a wave is created every 2 seconds. This is the period of the wave; therefore we can say that the frequency is:

$f = \frac{1}{T}=\frac{1}{2s}=0.5Hz$

Now we just need the wavelength. We are told that there are four full waves over a distance of 5 meters.

$\lambda = \frac{5m}{4\ \text{waves}} = 1.25m$

We can use the following formula to get the velocity:

$v = f\lambda = (0.5Hz)(1.25m) = 0.63\frac{m}{s}$

Report an Error

View AP Physics 1 Tutors

Mauricio
Certified Tutor

Universidad del Atlantico, Bachelor of Science, Mathematics. University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Master of Science, Physics.

View AP Physics 1 Tutors

Tahir
Certified Tutor

Cleveland State University, Master of Science, Electrical Engineering.

View AP Physics 1 Tutors

Clarke
Certified Tutor

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus, Bachelor of Science, Biological and Physical Sciences.

All AP Physics 1 Resources

7 Diagnostic Tests 170 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Popular Subjects

GMAT Tutors in Houston, Calculus Tutors in San Francisco-Bay Area, ACT Tutors in Boston, Spanish Tutors in Atlanta, Spanish Tutors in Washington DC, Algebra Tutors in Chicago, MCAT Tutors in Philadelphia, ACT Tutors in New York City, Statistics Tutors in Atlanta, GMAT Tutors in San Francisco-Bay Area

Popular Courses & Classes

SAT Courses & Classes in Los Angeles, ISEE Courses & Classes in Dallas Fort Worth, LSAT Courses & Classes in Houston, ISEE Courses & Classes in New York City, MCAT Courses & Classes in Miami, ACT Courses & Classes in Miami, SAT Courses & Classes in Denver, GMAT Courses & Classes in San Francisco-Bay Area, GMAT Courses & Classes in Seattle, LSAT Courses & Classes in Phoenix

Popular Test Prep

SSAT Test Prep in Phoenix, SSAT Test Prep in Boston, GRE Test Prep in Miami, SAT Test Prep in Houston, GMAT Test Prep in Houston, SSAT Test Prep in Chicago, GRE Test Prep in Seattle, GRE Test Prep in New York City, GRE Test Prep in Dallas Fort Worth, MCAT Test Prep in Washington DC

DMCA Complaint

If you believe that content available by means of the Website (as defined in our Terms of Service) infringes one or more of your copyrights, please notify us by providing a written notice (“Infringement Notice”) containing the information described below to the designated agent listed below. If Varsity Tutors takes action in response to an Infringement Notice, it will make a good faith attempt to contact the party that made such content available by means of the most recent email address, if any, provided by such party to Varsity Tutors.

Your Infringement Notice may be forwarded to the party that made the content available or to third parties such as ChillingEffects.org.

Please be advised that you will be liable for damages (including costs and attorneys’ fees) if you materially misrepresent that a product or activity is infringing your copyrights. Thus, if you are not sure content located on or linked-to by the Website infringes your copyright, you should consider first contacting an attorney.

Please follow these steps to file a notice:

You must include the following:

A physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or a person authorized to act on their behalf; An identification of the copyright claimed to have been infringed; A description of the nature and exact location of the content that you claim to infringe your copyright, in \ sufficient detail to permit Varsity Tutors to find and positively identify that content; for example we require a link to the specific question (not just the name of the question) that contains the content and a description of which specific portion of the question – an image, a link, the text, etc – your complaint refers to; Your name, address, telephone number and email address; and A statement by you: (a) that you believe in good faith that the use of the content that you claim to infringe your copyright is not authorized by law, or by the copyright owner or such owner’s agent; (b) that all of the information contained in your Infringement Notice is accurate, and (c) under penalty of perjury, that you are either the copyright owner or a person authorized to act on their behalf.

Send your complaint to our designated agent at:

Charles Cohn Varsity Tutors LLC
101 S. Hanley Rd, Suite 300
St. Louis, MO 63105

Or fill out the form below:

Do not fill in this field

Contact Information

* Full legal name

Company name

* Phone number

* Email address

Address

* Address1

Address2

* City

* State

* Zipcode

* Country

Complaint Details

* URL of copyrighted work (where your original material is located)

* Please describe the copyrighted work so that it may be easily identified

I am the owner, or an agent authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.

I have a good faith belief that the use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.

This notification is accurate.

I acknowledge that there may be adverse legal consequences for making false or bad faith allegations of copyright infringement by using this process.

* Signature (your digital signature is legally binding)

HIGH SCHOOL

GRADUATE SCHOOL

K-8

Search 50+ Tests

math tutoring

science tutoring

foreign languages

elementary tutoring

other

Search 350+ Subjects

AP Physics 1 : AP Physics 1

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics 1

All AP Physics 1 Resources

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Frequency And Period

Example Question #36 : Electricity And Waves

Example Question #4 : Frequency And Period

Example Question #1 : Frequency And Period

Example Question #1 : Frequency And Period

Example Question #5 : Frequency And Period

Example Question #6 : Frequency And Period

Example Question #1 : Frequency And Period

Example Question #1191 : Ap Physics 1

Example Question #1192 : Ap Physics 1

All AP Physics 1 Resources

Report an issue with this question

DMCA Complaint

Contact Information

Address

Complaint Details

Email address:
Your name:
Feedback: