2015 AP Physics 1 Free Response #1

Allen Tsao The STEM Coach
24 Sept 201806:40
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this educational video, Alan from Bottle Stem Coach tackles the 2015 AP Physics 1 exam's free response question, which marks the transition from AP Physics B to Physics 1. He explains how to draw and analyze free body diagrams for a system with two blocks connected by a string over a pulley, deriving the acceleration of the blocks. Alan provides a clear solution using net force equations and discusses the impact of additional mass on the system's acceleration. He also offers homework help on Twitch and Discord for those interested in further learning.

Takeaways
  • πŸ§‘β€πŸ« The video covers AP Physics 1, specifically the 2015 exam, which was the first year AP Physics B switched to AP Physics 1.
  • πŸ“˜ The presenter, Alan, plans to continue working on AP Physics B questions but will be pausing AP Physics 1 free response questions for a while.
  • πŸ“Š The video focuses on question 1, involving two blocks connected by a string over a pulley, with m2 being greater than m1.
  • πŸ–οΈ Viewers are instructed to draw free body diagrams for both blocks, showing and labeling the forces with relative lengths reflecting magnitudes.
  • βš–οΈ The forces acting on the blocks include gravitational force (m1g and m2g) and tension (T).
  • πŸ“ To find the acceleration (a) of block 2, the net force equations are set up: m2g - T = m2a and T - m1g = m1a.
  • πŸ”„ Both blocks accelerate at the same rate but in opposite directions. The tension in the rope is expressed in terms of m1, m2, and g.
  • πŸ“ Solving the equations yields the acceleration: a = g(m2 - m1) / (m1 + m2).
  • βš–οΈ In a system with an additional block (m3), the acceleration of block 2 decreases due to the increased mass, making it harder to pull.
  • πŸŽ₯ The video includes a scoring guideline review and an alternative solution, emphasizing the importance of clear free body diagrams and net force calculations.
Q & A
  • What is the context of the video?

    -The video is a tutorial by Alan from Bottle Stem, discussing AP Physics 1, specifically the 2015 exam, which was the first year the exam transitioned from AP Physics B to Physics 1.

  • What is the main focus of the first question in the video?

    -The first question focuses on a physics problem involving two blocks connected by a string over a pulley, where the mass of one block is greater than the other, and the system is released from rest.

  • What are Freebody diagrams and why are they important in the context of the video?

    -Freebody diagrams are diagrams that show all the forces acting on an object. They are important in the video because they help visualize and calculate the net forces acting on each block in the system.

  • What is the significance of the tension force (T) in the system described in the video?

    -The tension force (T) is significant because it is the force transmitted through the string connecting the two blocks. It is equal on both sides but acts in opposite directions, affecting the acceleration of the blocks.

  • How does the mass of the blocks affect the acceleration of the system?

    -The acceleration of the system is inversely proportional to the total mass. If the total mass increases, the acceleration decreases, as seen when comparing the original system to the one with an additional block.

  • What is the formula derived in the video to calculate the acceleration of the blocks?

    -The formula derived in the video to calculate the acceleration (a) is \( a = \frac{m_2 - m_1}{m_1 + m_2} \times g \), where \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \) are the masses of the blocks and \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity.

  • What is the effect of adding a third block to the system in terms of acceleration?

    -Adding a third block to the system increases the total mass, which in turn decreases the acceleration of the system because the net force remains the same while the mass increases.

  • How does the video suggest improving the Freebody diagrams?

    -The video suggests that the arrows representing forces should be adjusted to reflect their relative magnitudes accurately. For example, the tension force should be shown larger than the gravitational force on the heavier block.

  • What is the role of the net force in the system described in the video?

    -The net force is the sum of all forces acting on an object, and it determines the object's acceleration according to Newton's second law, \( F = ma \).

  • What additional resources does Alan offer for students who need help with homework or want to learn more about math and physics?

    -Alan offers free homework help on platforms like Twitch or Discord, where students can ask questions or learn about different parts of math and physics.

  • How does the video conclude?

    -The video concludes with a summary of the problem and an invitation for viewers to join Alan on Twitch or Discord for further assistance or to learn more about math and physics.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ“š AP Physics 1 Free Response Question Analysis

In this paragraph, Alan from Bottle Stem, Coach introduces a video tutorial on the AP Physics 1 exam, specifically addressing the first year of the exam post-transition from AP Physics B. He discusses his plan to continue covering AP Physics B questions but acknowledges the differences in the format of the new Physics 1 exam. The focus then shifts to a detailed walkthrough of the first free response question involving two blocks connected by a string over a pulley system. Alan explains the process of drawing free body diagrams, labeling forces, and calculating the acceleration of the blocks using Newton's second law. He emphasizes the importance of setting up the diagrams correctly and solving for acceleration by considering the net forces acting on the system.

05:01
πŸ” Examining the Effects of Mass on Acceleration

The second paragraph delves into the implications of adding more mass to the system described in the first paragraph. Alan explains how the net force remains constant but the acceleration decreases due to the increased mass that needs to be moved. He provides an intuitive understanding of this concept without delving into complex equations, suggesting that a larger mass would naturally result in a slower acceleration. The paragraph also includes a brief mention of the scoring guidelines for the question, emphasizing the importance of correctly labeling forces and understanding the relationship between tension, mass, and acceleration. Alan concludes by offering additional help for homework questions and inviting viewers to join him on Twitch or Discord for further learning and discussion.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘AP Physics
AP Physics refers to the Advanced Placement Physics courses and exams offered by the College Board to high school students. In this video, the theme revolves around the AP Physics 1 exam, which is a specific course that was introduced after the transition from AP Physics B. The script discusses the first year of the AP Physics 1 exam and contrasts it with the previous AP Physics B course.
πŸ’‘Free Response Question
A Free Response Question is a type of question on the AP Physics exam that requires students to provide a written explanation or solution to a problem. The video script mentions that the presenter will be doing the free response questions from the 2015 AP Physics 1 exam, indicating the focus on this particular type of question.
πŸ’‘Free Body Diagram
A Free Body Diagram is a tool used in physics to visualize all the forces acting on an object. In the script, the presenter instructs viewers to draw Freebody diagrams for two blocks connected by a string over a pulley, showing and labeling the forces exerted on each block, which is a fundamental step in solving the problem discussed in the video.
πŸ’‘Tension
Tension is the force transmitted through a string, rope, or cable when it is pulled tight by forces acting from opposite ends. In the context of the video, tension is the force in the string connecting the two blocks, and it plays a crucial role in the analysis of the system's motion.
πŸ’‘Mass
Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, often related to its resistance to acceleration. The script discusses two blocks with different masses, m1 and m2, which is essential for understanding the dynamics of the system as the heavier block will affect the acceleration and tension in the string.
πŸ’‘Acceleration
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object. The video script involves calculating the acceleration of the blocks when they are released from rest, which is a key concept in understanding the motion of the system described.
πŸ’‘Net Force
Net Force is the vector sum of all the forces acting on an object. In the script, the presenter calculates the net force on each block by considering the gravitational force and the tension in the string, which is necessary to determine the acceleration according to Newton's second law of motion.
πŸ’‘Friction
Friction is the force that resists the relative motion of two surfaces in contact. The script mentions that the pulley has negligible friction, which simplifies the problem by assuming no energy is lost to friction as the pulley turns.
πŸ’‘Pulley
A pulley is a wheel with a grooved rim that supports a rope or cable. In the video's problem, a massless pulley is used to change the direction of the tension force in the string, allowing the two blocks to move in opposite directions.
πŸ’‘Newton's Second Law
Newton's Second Law of Motion states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass (F = ma). The script applies this law to find the acceleration of the blocks in the system.
πŸ’‘Homework Help
The presenter offers homework help on platforms like Twitch or Discord, indicating an additional service or resource for viewers who may need assistance with their physics or math homework, which is a way to engage with the audience beyond the video content.
Highlights

Introduction to the AP Physics 1 exam and the transition from AP Physics B to Physics 1.

Explanation of the first free response question involving two blocks connected by a string over a pulley.

Instructions to draw Freebody diagrams for each block and label the forces.

Discussion on the relative lengths of vectors to reflect their magnitudes.

Clarification on the direction of net forces and the role of tension in the system.

Derivation of the acceleration of block 2 using net force equations.

Use of algebraic manipulation to solve for the acceleration 'a' in terms of m1, m2, and G.

Explanation of how the acceleration of the two blocks must be the same due to their connection.

Analysis of the new block system and its effect on the magnitude of acceleration.

Intuitive reasoning for why the acceleration decreases with an increase in mass.

Scoring guidelines for the Freebody diagrams and the importance of accurate labeling.

Alternative solution approach using key variables and the system's mass.

Final conclusion on the straightforward nature of the problem and its educational value.

Offer of free homework help on Twitch or Discord for further learning and assistance.

Invitation to join the community for homework questions and learning about math and physics.

Closing remarks and thanks for watching the video, with an encouragement to return for more content.

Transcripts
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