AP Physics 1 : Forces

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics 1

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Example Questions

Example Question #801 : Ap Physics 1

An elevator accelerates upward for a short period of time at a rate of . A mass of  is hung by a rope from the top of the elevator.  

During the period when the elevator is accelerating, what is the magnitude of the tension in the rope?

Possible Answers:

None of the other answers

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Elevator tension

Here is a (simplistic) diagram of the elevator. There are three forces acting on this object. There is it's own weight due to gravity ; the tension in the rope holding it up, which we will call ; and there is an external force  due to the fact that the elevator is accelerating upward. Since the mass is fixed, it has zero velocity with respect to the elevator, and therefore the net force on the mass is 0 by Newton's 2nd law. The net force is given by . Solving this equation for  and plugging in the values gives us:

Since we want the magnitude of the tension, and not the value of the vector, we omit the minus sign. Therefore the tension in the rope is , as desired.

 

Example Question #802 : Ap Physics 1

Suppose that a  object is lifted upwards while hanging to a rope. If the object accelerates upwards at a rate of , what is the tension in the rope?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

For this question, we're presented with a scenario in which an object of a given mass is hanging to a rope. That rope is being pulled on, causing the object to accelerate upwards at a certain rate. We're then asked to calculate the tension that results in the rope.

In order to answer this question, it's best if we approach this by examining a force diagram. Since there are no pertinent forces occurring in the x direction, the only concern we have is in the y direction.

One of the forces acting on the object is the downward force of gravity. Another force is the upward tension caused by the rope. Hence, we know what force components contribute to the net force. Furthermore, we're told that as it is pulled up, the object accelerates at a rate of . Since this is the net acceleration in the y direction, we can determine the net force in the y direction.

Next, we can rearrange the above terms in order to isolate the term for tension.

Finally, if we plug in the values that we know, we can calculate our answer.

Example Question #801 : Ap Physics 1

Two objects of equivalent mass are attached with a very strong rope that goes through a pulley. The masses are left to hang. What will happen?

Possible Answers:

Both masses will rise.

One mass will fall and the other will rise.

The masses will remain motionless.

None of these

Both masses will fall.

Correct answer:

The masses will remain motionless.

Explanation:

The masses will each provide an equal force to each other through the rope. Thus, there will be no net force and no net acceleration.

Example Question #13 : Tension

Four ropes are used to lift a car with a vertical acceleration of . Determine the tension in an individual rope.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Using superposition of forces and definition of force:

All four ropes will be providing the same force.

Combining equations

Solving for , the force of tension in one rope:

Plugging in values, remembering that gravity is pointing down and thus will be a negative number.

Example Question #771 : Newtonian Mechanics

Suppose that a person is pulling a  box tied to a string across the ground, as shown in the diagram below.

Vt physics 11 25 15 moving box

If the string is situated at an angle of  with respect to the horizontal and the coefficient of kinetic friction of the box with respect to the ground is , what tension in the string is necessary so that the box moves at a constant speed?

Possible Answers:

There is not enough information given to answer this question

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To answer this question, we need to separately consider the component forces acting in the horizontal and vertical direction.

First, let's consider the vertical component. Since the box is only moving in the horizontal direction, we know that there are no net forces acting in the vertical direction. Consequently, the net force in the y-direction is zero.

Next, let's look at the forces acting in the horizontal direction. Since we need to figure out the force in the string necessary to make the box move at a constant speed, we're looking for a situation in which the box is not accelerating in the horizontal direction. Thus, we're looking for a case in which the net force in the x-direction is zero.

Now, let's rewrite the expression for the force of kinetic friction.

Now, plugging in the expression for the normal force, we obtain the following.

Next, let's go ahead and plug in the values given to us in the question stem.

Example Question #201 : Forces

 toy is held to a hook on the ceiling with fishing line, determine the tension in the line.

Possible Answers:

None of these

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #12 : Tension

 toy if being lifted to the ceiling at  by a fishing line. Determine the tension in the line.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #202 : Forces

A crane is used to lift a safe of mass  at . Determine the tension in the cable between the crane and the safe.

Possible Answers:

None of these

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #12 : Tension

A  string is used to hold up a  rock. The nickel is swaying back and forth. At the bottom of the swing, the rock is moving at . Determine the tension in string at this time.

Possible Answers:

None of these

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The swinging back and forth motion is a part of a circle, thus

Combining equations

There will be the force of gravity and the string acting on the coin

Solving for tension:

Converting and plugging in values:

Example Question #204 : Specific Forces

A 20 kg box hangs in an elevator by a cord rated to withstand  a tension force of 250 N. If the elevator, from rest, moves upward until the cord breaks, what was the acceleration of the elevator when the cord broke? Assume .

Possible Answers:

None of these

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Start with the formula for force and solve for acceleration. Then subtract the acceleration of gravity because the elevator is moving up.

 

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