# Ap physics Definition and 125 Discussions

In the United States, Advanced Placement (AP) Physics collectively refers to the College Board Advanced Placement Program courses and exams covering various areas of physics. These are intended to be equivalent to university courses that use best practices of physics teaching pedagogy.
Each AP Physics course culminates in an optional exam for which high-performing students may receive some credit towards their college coursework, depending on which college or university they attend.

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1. ### Glancing Elastic Collision Questionnaire

I was able to solve for the velocity of MB and got my answer as 4.47m/s. The main issue right now for me is how to get the angles. I'm really confused on what most people have been posting as we didn't get a groundwork on this topic and so most of the basics I had them self taught. So far I...

3. ### Torque on a circular current loop

Can anyone please tell me why the torque on a circular current loop can be calculated by the equation below? In other words, what is the intuition for the formula? Thank you. (I modified my question to a particular case) $$\vec{\tau} = I \vec{A} \times \vec{B}$$
4. ### Why Can We Consider a Conducting Sphere as a Point Charge When Finding Its Electric Field?

This page claims that "[t]he electric field outside the sphere is given by: ##{E} = {{kQ} \over {r^2}}##, just like a point charge". I would like to know the reason we should treat the sphere as a point charge, even if the charges are uniformly distributed throughout the surface of the...
5. ### Courses AP Bio then AP Physics 1 or other way around?

Hey! I’m a sophomore that is scheduling for next year. Hopefully, I will be taking AP Calc BC next year (junior year). As for my science course, I want to take AP Bio and AP Physics 1 before graduating, but we can only take one per year. So would you recommend Physics during my senior year when...
6. ### Car crash analysis

Homework Statement Your consulting agency, with its extensive knowledge of physics, has been subpoenaed to provide expert testimony at an automobile accident case in civil court. The case involves a crash between a Ford Escort car and a tractor-trailer truck. 1. The police department...
7. ### When is Work done by Force Negative or Positive?

Is it confusing to find when is Work done by a force negative or positive? It indeed can be. Learn in this chapter how the dot product of force and displacement can give you the value of work done by the force and also if it is negative or positive
8. ### Simple Harmonic Motion/Fundamental Frequency

Homework Statement A tuba is a instrument that can be modeled after a closed tube and has a length of 4.9m. A frequency of 122.5hz produces resonance in the Tuba. Is this the fundamental frequency of the instrument? If not, what harmonic is it? Homework Equations f=λv 4l=λ(open closed tube) v=...
9. ### Force problem with three masses and two pulleys

Homework Statement For the apparatus in the figure, what is the minimum value of the coefficient of static friction between the block (m3) and the table that would keep the system at rest if m1 = 0.10 kg, m2 = 0.20 kg, and m3 = 0.30 kg? (Assume ideal conditions for the string and pulleys.)...
10. ### Courses Homeschooling AP Physics C?

I have decided to go home schooled for my last two years of high school and I am trying to make a curriculum at the moment. Do any of you know a good resource for this? It has not been too hard to find a physics 1 or 2 course, but calculus based physics courses have been pretty sparse. So far I...
11. ### Finding internal resistance & EMF of a battery in a circuit

Homework Statement When an external resistor of resistance R 1 = 14 Ω is connected to the terminals of a battery, a current of 6.0 A flows through the resistor. When an external resistor of resistance R2 = 64.4 Ω is connected instead, the current is 2.0 A. Calculate the emf and the internal...
12. ### Masses connected to spring momentum

Homework Statement An m = 1.3 kg block and an M = 3.0 kg block have a spring compressed between them and rest on a frictionless table. With a stopper in place that prevents m from moving, the spring is compressed and released so that M moves away with a speed 2.0 m/s. The spring is...
13. ### Block sliding on top of cart

Homework Statement A block of mass m =0.75 kg is set on a large cart of mass M = 6.5 kg. The cart's rollers are frictionless, but there is a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.36 between the cart's surface and the block. The cart is at rest when the block is given an initial speed of 5.2...
14. ### Postion vs time graph without time or initial speed?

Homework Statement Consider the system shown to the right. Particles 1 and 2 are fixed in place while particle three is placed at the location shown and released. Let’s look at the mechanics of q3, which has a mass of 3.00 X 10-5 kg. What will be the net force on q3? What will be...
15. ### Work and energy

Homework Statement This is for my ap physics summer work and is giving me some trouble and could use any help A small block, with a mass of 250 g, starts from restart the top of the apparatus shown above. It then slides without friction down the incline, around the loop then onto the final...
16. ### When do I use Biot-Savart Law vs. Ampere's Law?

This isn't a homework problem, I have the solutions for this problem. I'm just wondering why, for question 3, letter a, part ii, it's necessary to use the Biot-Savart law instead of Ampere's law? What are the use cases for Biot-Savart law vs. Ampere's law...
17. ### Physics in everyday life

Hi there! So to wrap up the year in AP Physics 1, we have to take videos or pictures of physics in everyday life. Two of my situations are: 1. Situation where you have greatest net torque 2. Situation where acceleration changes both speed and direction at same time For the first one, I was...
18. ### Spinning Ice Skater Question

So basically, I was doing my AP Physics 1 homework and came across the spinning ice skater question yet again. The question states, "An ice skater is spinning about a vertical axis with arms fully extended. If the arms are pulled in closer to the body, in which of the following ways are the...
19. ### Collision Investigation (2-D)

Homework Statement I apologize in advance because this is a long question. This is a scenario based question where I role play as an intern for the Montreal Police Collision Investigation Unit. Basically I have to determine the initial velocity of vehicles to determine whether or not they are...
20. ### Testing AP Physics 1 and 2

Hi, When I am using Principles of Physics by Walker, Halliday, and Resnick to study for AP physics 1 and 2 exams, what chapters/subject areas should I focus on to get at least grade 3? Due to a lack of time to study I will need to study what's most important. Alternatively, recommendations for...
21. ### Finding Centripetal acceleration in a vertical system

Homework Statement Tarzan plans to cross a gorge by swinging in an arc from a hanging vine. If his arms are capable of exerting 1350 N on the vine, what is his acceleration at the point where the vine makes an angle of 45 degrees from the vertical assuming maximum speed at this point. His mass...
22. ### Find the final velocity of the block

Homework Statement So here is the problem, There is a .03kg block that is in an inverted cone, the cone has a slant length of 15 cm and a radius of 4 cm, and the coefficient of friction is .35. The block rotates around the inside of the cone, seamlessly, until it hits the bottom of the cone...
23. ### Help explain Physics Phenomenon

http://www.quora.com/How-can-sound-waves-alter-the-flow-of-water [Broken] Ok, so I carried out this experiment, and I understand some of it, but need help with other parts. Ok, so are we actually seeing a sine wave formed by the water? If so, I understand that waves are supposed to transport...
24. ### Other AP textbooks for Physics and Calculus

Hi, I'm studying on my own for AP exams a year from now and need some advice on which books to get. I'm taking AP calculus (AB or BC, haven't decided yet), AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, and AP Physics C: Mechanics. I already have a Calculus book by Ron...
25. ### Uniform Circular Motion question

1. The problem The answer is A. Homework Equations x = Acoswt y = Asinwt The Attempt at a Solution C is not correct because the x & y positions are in terms of sin & cos, so the acceleration can't be constant. D is not correct because x & y are oscillating in value. E is not correct because...
26. ### Escape velocity problem

1. Problem A rocket has landed on Planet X, which has half the radius of Earth. An astronaut onboard the rocket weighs twice as much on Planet X as on Earth. If the escape velocity for the rocket taking off from Earth is v , then its escape velocity on Planet X is a) 2 v b) (√2)v c) v d) v/2 e)...
27. ### Finding propagation speed/wavelength from an equation

Homework Statement A wave is described by y=12sin(4t-8x). What is its propagation speed? A. 0.2 B. 0.5 C. 4 D. 8 E. 12 Homework Equations v=wavelength/period v=wavelength×frequency The Attempt at a Solution period= 2π/w=2π/8=.7853 But confused on how to find the wavelength?
28. ### Conservation of Angular Momentum & Energy question

Question: A streetcar is freely coasting (no friction) around a large circular track. It is then switched to a small circular track. When coasting on the smaller circle its speed is: a) greater b) less c) unchanged Relevant Formulas: w = v/r KE = 1/2mv2 My teacher said the normal force from...
29. ### AP Physics ~ A good jump in the long jump event is

A good jump in the long jump event is 3.7m. If the jumper leaves the ground at an angle of 25°, what speed must he need to jump the 3.70m distance? →Could you use this equation: vf²=vi²+2aY aka (final velocity)²= (initial velocity)²+2(acceleration)(distance in the y-direction) →So, that...
30. ### Projectile Motion ~ AP Physics (A rifle is fired at an angle of )

A rifle is fired at an angle of 25° below the horizontal with an initial velocity of 400 m/s from the top of a cliff 60.0m high. How far from the base of the cliff does the bullet land? This is what I did, but i'm not sure if its right: y-component→ v=400sin(25°) ∴v=169.05 x-component→...
31. ### AP Physics C lab involving incline planes featuring motion laws

Homework Statement A dot on the floor with a diameter of 2cm. A table that is at a distance of 46cm horizontally from the center of said dot. The table is 90cm tall. The meat of the problem: A ping pong ball rolls off an incline plane (a wooden board) that is on top of the table. The...
32. ### AP Physics B Course Description Multiple Choice #3-4

Homework Statement http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap-physics-course-description.pdf Page 45 Homework Equations sinθ = opp/hyp tanθ = opp/adj cosθ = adj/hyp G ≈ 10 m/{s}^2 The Attempt at a Solution I know that the weight is a force pointing downwards...
33. ### How to ace in AP Physics

This is not a physics question. Just hoping for advice for any people who taken this course in high school. My school is a block schedule so I take AP pysics B and AP physics C in one year. Currently, the first semester i am making 23% on tests and the highest was a 40%. I am one of the top...
34. ### AP Physics B

Homework Statement A child rides on a pony around a circular track with a radius of 4.5 meters. Homework Equations What is her distance travelled and displacement after she has gone half way around the track? The Attempt at a Solution
35. ### Ap Physics C and Ap Comp Sci

Hi I'm an incoming junior in high-school and I am planning on self-studying for the AP Physics C/E&M and AP Computer Science exams since my school doesn't offer these courses. I am buying the Barrons review books but what other study materials do I need? I am also taking Physics B course in...
36. ### AP Physics homework problem

Homework Statement Ts (subscript s) = 2∏*√(4.5*10^-2 kg / 2.0*10^3 kg/s^2) kg = Kilograms s = seconds Ts = ? Homework Equations I do not have any relevant questions. The Attempt at a Solution Ts = 2∏*√(4.5*10^-2 kg)/√(2.0*10^3 kg/s^2) Simplified Ts = 6.28*[(0.212 kg)/√(44.72...
37. ### Courses Should I take AP Physics without ever having taken a physics course?

First off, I'm sorry if this is in the wrong section, but I am looking for some guidance other than my friends who don't see the beauty of math and science, or education in general. I am going into my senior year at public highschool and have never taken a physics course, although standard...

Hey, I know this is a long shot, but is anybody else on here involved in the AP Physics Reading? I am, and am wondering if anybody would want to meet up.
39. ### Preparing for AP Chem & AP Physics

Does anyone know/have a list of topics that a HS student should know for chemistry and physics before entering into their respective APs? (Basically, I'm asking what should a HS student know for a Pre-AP leveled cumulative final exam?) Any important topics that a HS should know are welcome...
40. ### Using Magnetic field to repel a paper plane AP Physics Project help?

I simply need to shoot a paper plane very far, the furthest distance. I cannot interfere with it during flight. I plan to have copper wires up a standing pole, from the pole, an extension (used as a ramp for the plane to gain acceleration), will stick out less than 90 deg/ Perpendicular). On...
41. ### AP Physics

I'm going to be taking AP Physics next year, and I really want to get an A (I'm going to be a senior, so in case my application gets deferred, I'll be able to improve my transcript). I've only taken two AP classes; AP Psych and AP Computer Science, both of which I got an A in Can you guys...
42. ### Studying Self Studying AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

No, you didn't read the title wrong. I am really self studying a physics class. I just finished Mechanics (Physics I) and since I want to go to college to study physics to become an engineer or physicist. I need to take the next class, E&M (Physics II, Electricity and Magnetism). However, I...
43. ### AP Physics C in 3 weeks?

I am not currently taking a physics class but decided a few months ago that I would self study the AP Physics C Mechanics exam (not the E&M), however I have been procrastinating ever since. The exam is scheduled for the 14th of May, and I haven't even begun to study for it. Could anyone here...
44. ### Ap physics questions on basic kinetics and newtons second law

1)A rock is dropped off a cliff and falls the first half of the distance in to the ground in t1 seconds. If it falls the second half of the distance in t2 seconds, what is the value of t2/t1? Relevant equations: I think the kinematics equations of d=vt+(1/2)at^2 I have no idea how to solve...
45. ### 2011 AP Physics C E&M frq #1 clarification

Problem 1 on last year's normal (not form b) frq for e&m part a asked to use Gauss' law to prove essentially that at any point P within a thin spherical shell of charge density σ = q/A and radius r that the electric field at this ambiguous point P is zero. The solutions for this problem went...
46. ### AP Physics Multiple Choice Question

5. A force of 12 N is applied tangentially to the rim of a wheel with radius 0.70 m and rotational inertia 3.0 kg-m2. What angular acceleration results? a) 2.6 rad/s2 b) 2.8 rad/s2 c) 3.2 rad/s2 d) 3.4 rad/s2 e) none of these ____6. If the force in question #5 acts for 20 s, what will be the...
47. ### Help! AP physics C mechanical

Homework Statement the position "r" of a moving particle moving in an xy plane is given by r=(2.00(t^3) -5t)î+ (6.00-7.00(t^4) )j with r in meters and t in seconds. In unit notation calculate: A) R B) Velocity C) R when t is 25 seconds What is the able between the positive direction of the...
48. ### AP Physics Homework Problem

George Washington Gale Ferris. Jr., a civil engineering graduate from RPI, built the original Ferris wheel. The wheel carried 36 wooden cars, each holding up to 60 passengers, around a circle 76m in diameter. The cars were loaded 6 at a time, and once all 36 cars were full, the wheel made a...
49. ### Where to find AP Physics C: Mechanics material?

Where to find AP Physics C: Mechanics material??? So I would like to write the AP Physics exam this year. Unfortunately, my school does not offer AP physics and therefore does not have any material I can look at. So I have gotten myself a textbook, sadly, it does not have much practice...
50. ### AP Physics Electric Field Homework Problem

Homework Statement A has a charge of -2uC, and B has a charge of +3uC. Initially, there is no charge at point P. What is the electric field at point P due to charges A and B? Diagram given below, ignore periods; they were used solely for spacing purposes. ..........(0,7m) .............P...