2020

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which these questions align to the 2020 Exam.

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 From the 2017 Administration

Physics C: Mechanics
Practice Exam

This exam may not be posted on Further distribution of these

school or personal websites, nor materials outside of the secure
electronically redistributed for College Board site disadvantages
any reason. This Released Exam is teachers who rely on uncirculated
provided by the College Board for questions for classroom testing.
AP Exam preparation. Teachers are Any additional distribution is in
permitted to download the materials violation of the College Board’s
and make copies to use with their copyright policies and may result
students in a classroom setting only. in the termination of Practice Exam
To maintain the security of this exam, access for your school as well as the
teachers should collect all materials removal of access to other online
after their administration and keep services such as the AP Teacher
them in a secure location. Community and Online Score Reports.

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are registered trademarks of the College Board. Visit the College Board on the Web: www.collegeboard.org.
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Contents

Exam Instructions

Student Answer Sheet for the Multiple-Choice Section

Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions

Section II: Free-Response Questions

Multiple-Choice Answer Key

Free-Response Scoring Guidelines

Scoring Worksheet

Question Descriptors and Performance Data

Note: This publication shows the page numbers that appeared in

the 2016−17 AP Exam Instructions book and in the actual exam.
This publication was not repaginated to begin with page 1.

© 2017 The College Board. College Board, Advanced Placement Program, AP, SAT and the acorn logo are
registered trademarks of the College Board. All other products and services may be trademarks of their
respective owners. Permission to use copyrighted College Board materials may be requested online at:
www.collegeboard.com/inquiry/cbpermit.html.
Exam Instructions

The following contains instructions taken from

the 2016−17 AP Exam Instructions book.
 AP® Physics C: Mechanics Exam
Regularly Scheduled Exam Date: Monday afternoon, May 8, 2017
Late-Testing Exam Date: Friday afternoon, May 19, 2017

Section I Total Time: 45 minutes Section II Total Time: 45 minutes

Calculator Allowed Calculator Allowed
Number of Questions: 35* Number of Questions: 3
Percent of Total Score: 50% Percent of Total Score: 50%
Writing Instrument: Pencil required Writing Instrument: Pen with black or
dark blue ink, or pencil
*The number of questions may vary slightly
depending on the form of the exam.

What Proctors Need to Bring to This Exam

• Exam packets • Container for students’ electronic
• Answer sheets devices (if needed)
• AP Student Packs • Extra No. 2 pencils with erasers
• 2016-17 AP Coordinator’s Manual • Extra pens with black or dark blue ink
• This book — AP Exam Instructions • Extra paper
• AP Exam Seating Chart template • Stapler
• School Code and Home-School/Self- • Watch
Study Codes • Signs for the door to the testing room
• Extra calculators – “Exam in Progress”
• Extra rulers or straightedges – “Cell phones are prohibited in the
• Pencil sharpener testing room”

Before Distributing Exams: Check that the title on all exam covers is Physics C: Mechanics. If
there are any exam booklets with a different title, contact the AP coordinator immediately.
Students are permitted to use rulers, straightedges, and four-function, scientific, or graphing
calculators for this entire exam (Sections I and II). Before starting the exam administration, make
sure each student has an appropriate calculator, and any student with a graphing calculator has a
model from the approved list on page 49 of the 2016-17 AP Coordinator’s Manual. See pages 46–49
of the AP Coordinator’s Manual for more information. If a student does not have an appropriate
calculator or has a graphing calculator not on the approved list, you may provide one from your
supply. If the student does not want to use the calculator you provide or does not want to use a
calculator at all, he or she must hand copy, date, and sign the release statement on page 47 of the
AP Coordinator’s Manual.
During the administration of Section II, students may have no more than two calculators on
their desks. Calculators may not be shared. Calculator memories do not need to be cleared before
or after the exam. Students with Hewlett-Packard 48–50 Series and Casio FX-9860 graphing
calculators may use cards designed for use with these calculators. Proctors should make sure
infrared ports (Hewlett-Packard) are not facing each other. Since graphing calculators can
be used to store data, including text, proctors should monitor that students are using their
calculators appropriately. Attempts by students to use the calculator to remove exam questions
and/or answers from the room may result in the cancellation of AP Exam scores.

238
 AP Exam Instructions

Tables containing equations commonly used in physics are included in each AP Exam booklet,
for use during the entire exam. Students are NOT allowed to bring their own copies of the
equation tables to the exam room.
Students may take both Physics C exams, Mechanics only, or Electricity and Magnetism only.
The Mechanics exam is administered first, after which students taking both exams are given a
break. Then the Electricity and Magnetism exam is administered. Prior to testing day, determine
which exams students are taking. Those taking both Physics C exams and those taking Physics C:
Mechanics only should report for the 12 noon start time (11 a.m. in Alaska). Those taking
Electricity and Magnetism only should report to the testing room after the break (approximately
2 p.m., 1 p.m. in Alaska). If all students are taking Electricity and Magnetism only, you must not
begin the exam before 2 p.m.
The two exams are in separate exam packets, and require separate answer sheets. At the
beginning of the session, you will distribute only the packets and answer sheets for Mechanics.
The materials for Electricity and Magnetism will be distributed after the break.

SECTION I: Multiple Choice

! Do not begin the exam instructions below until you have completed the appropriate
General Instructions for your group.
This exam includes survey questions. The time allowed for the survey questions is in addition to
the actual test-taking time.
Make sure that you begin the exam at the designated time. Remember, you must complete a
seating chart for this exam. See pages 325–326 for a seating chart template and instructions. See
the 2016-17 AP Coordinator’s Manual for exam seating requirements (pages 51–54).

If you are giving the regularly scheduled exam, say:

It is Monday afternoon, May 8, and you will be taking the AP Physics C:

PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
Mechanics Exam.
If you are giving the alternate exam for late testing, say:
It is Friday afternoon, May 19, and you will be taking the AP Physics C:
Mechanics Exam.

In a moment, you will open the packet that contains your exam materials.
By opening this packet, you agree to all of the AP Program’s policies and
procedures outlined in the 2016-17 Bulletin for AP Students and Parents.
Look at your exam packet and confirm that the exam title is “AP Physics C:
Mechanics.” Raise your hand if your exam packet contains any title other than
“AP Physics C: Mechanics” and I will help you.
Once you confirm that all students have the correct exams, say:
You may now remove the shrinkwrap from your exam packet and take
out the Section I booklet, but do not open the booklet or the shrinkwrapped
Section II materials. Put the white seals aside. . . .

239
Physics C: Mechanics

Carefully remove the AP Exam label found near the top left of your exam
booklet cover. Now place it on page 1 of your answer sheet on the light blue
box near the top right corner that reads “AP Exam Label.”
If students accidentally place the exam label in the space for the number label or vice versa, advise
them to leave the labels in place. They should not try to remove the label; their exam can still be
processed correctly.
Read the statements on the front cover of Section I and look up when you
have finished. . . .
Sign your name and write today’s date. Look up when you have finished. . . .
Now print your full legal name where indicated. Are there any questions? . . .
Turn to the back cover of your exam booklet and read it completely. Look up
when you have finished. . . .
Are there any questions? . . .
You will now take the multiple-choice portion of the exam. You should have
in front of you the multiple-choice booklet and your answer sheet. You may
never discuss the multiple-choice exam content at any time in any form
with anyone, including your teacher and other students. If you disclose the
multiple-choice exam content through any means, your AP Exam score will
be canceled.
Open your answer sheet to page 2. You must complete the answer sheet
using a No. 2 pencil only. Mark all of your responses beginning on page 2 of
your answer sheet, one response per question. Completely fill in the circles. If
you need to erase, do so carefully and completely. No credit will be given for
anything written in the exam booklet. Scratch paper is not allowed, but you
may use the margins or any blank space in the exam booklet for scratch work.
Rulers, straightedges, and calculators may be used for the entire exam. You
may place these items on your desk. Are there any questions? . . .
You have 45 minutes for this section. Open your Section I booklet and begin.
12
9
Note Start Time here
6
3
. Note Stop Time here . Check that students are
marking their answers in pencil on their answer sheets and that they are not looking at their
shrinkwrapped Section II booklets. After 35 minutes, say:
There are 10 minutes remaining.
After 10 minutes, say:
Stop working and turn to the last page in your booklet. . . .
You have 2 minutes to answer Questions 101–106. These are survey questions
and will not affect your score. You may not go back to work on any of the
exam questions. You may now begin.

240
 AP Exam Instructions

To help you and your proctors make sure students are not working on the exam questions, the
two pages with the survey questions are identified with a large S on the upper corner of each page.
Give students 2 minutes to answer the survey questions. Then say:
Close your booklet and put your answer sheet on your desk, face up. Make
sure you have your AP number label and an AP Exam label on page 1 of your
answer sheet. Sit quietly while I collect your answer sheets.
Collect an answer sheet from each student. Check that each answer sheet has an AP number label
and an AP Exam label. After all answer sheets have been collected, say:
Now you must seal your exam booklet using the white seals you set aside
earlier. Remove the white seals from the backing and press one on each area
of your exam booklet cover marked “PLACE SEAL HERE.” Fold each seal over
the back cover. When you have finished, place the booklet on your desk, face
up. I will now collect your Section I booklet. . . .

SECTION II: Free Response

Check that each student has signed the front cover of the sealed Section I booklet. When all
Section I materials have been collected and accounted for, say:
May I have everyone’s attention? Place your Student Pack on your desk. . . .
You may now remove the shrinkwrap from the Section II packet, but do
not open the exam booklet until you are told to do so. . . .
Read the bulleted statements on the front cover of the exam booklet.
Look up when you have finished. . . .
Now take an AP number label from your Student Pack and place it on the
shaded box. If you don’t have any AP number labels, write your AP number in

PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
the box. Look up when you have finished. . . .
Read the last statement. . . .
Using a pen with black or dark blue ink, print the first, middle, and last
initials of your legal name in the boxes and print today’s date where
indicated. This constitutes your signature and your agreement to the
statements on the front cover. . . .
Turn to the back cover and, using your pen, complete Item 1 under
“Important Identification Information.” Print the first two letters of your last
name and the first letter of your first name in the boxes. Look up when you
have finished. . . .
In Item 2, print your date of birth in the boxes. . . .
In Item 3, write the school code you printed on the front of your Student
Pack in the boxes. . . .
Read Item 4. . . .
Are there any questions? . . .

241
Physics C: Mechanics

I need to collect the Student Pack from anyone who will be taking another
AP Exam. Keep it, however, if you will be taking the Physics C: Electricity
and Magnetism exam this afternoon. If you have no other AP Exams to take,
place your Student Pack under your chair now. . . .
Read the information on the back cover of the exam booklet. Do not open the
booklet until you are told to do so. Look up when you have finished. . . .
Collect the Student Packs. Then say:
Are there any questions? . . .
Rulers, straightedges, and calculators may be used for Section II. Be sure these
items are on your desk. . . .
You have 45 minutes to complete Section II. You are responsible for pacing
yourself and may proceed freely from one question to the next. You must
write your answers in the exam booklet using a pen with black or dark blue
ink or a No. 2 pencil. If you use a pencil, be sure that your writing is dark
enough to be easily read. If you need more paper during the exam, raise your
hand. At the top of each extra sheet of paper you use, be sure to write only
your AP number and the question number you are working on. Do not write
your name. Are there any questions? . . .
You may begin.
12
9
6Note Start Time here
3
. Note Stop Time here . You should also make
sure that Hewlett-Packard calculators’ infrared ports are not facing each other and that students
are not sharing calculators. After 35 minutes, say:
There are 10 minutes remaining.
After 10 minutes, say:
Stop working and close your exam booklet. Place it on your desk, face up. . . .
If any students used extra paper for a question in the free-response section, have those students
staple the extra sheet(s) to the first page corresponding to that question in their exam booklets.
Complete an Incident Report. A single Incident Report may be completed for multiple students
per exam subject per administration (regular or late testing) as long as all of the required
information is provided. Include all exam booklets with extra sheets of paper in an Incident
Report return envelope (see page 62 of the 2016-17 AP Coordinator’s Manual for complete details).
Then say:
Remain in your seat, without talking, while the exam materials are collected. . . .
Collect a Section II booklet from each student. Check for the following:
• Exam booklet front cover: The student placed an AP number label on the shaded box
and printed his or her initials and today’s date.
• Exam booklet back cover: The student completed the “Important Identification
Information” area.

242
 AP Exam Instructions

When all exam materials have been collected and accounted for, return to students who are
taking Mechanics only any electronic devices you may have collected before the start of the exam.

If you are giving the regularly scheduled exam, say:

You may not discuss or share the free-response exam content with anyone unless
it is released on the College Board website in about two days. Your AP Exam score
results will be available online in July.
If you are giving the alternate exam for late testing, say:
None of the content in this exam may ever be discussed or shared in any way
at any time. Your AP Exam score results will be available online in July.

If any students completed the AP number card at the beginning of this exam and are about to be
dismissed say:
Please remember to take your AP number card with you. You will need the
information on this card to view your scores and order AP score reporting
services online.
If no students are taking Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, say:
You are now dismissed.
If some students are taking Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, say:
Those of you taking Mechanics only are now dismissed.
The students taking the Electricity and Magnetism exam now get a 10-minute break. Remember
that the Electricity and Magnetism exam cannot begin before 2 p.m., but should start before
3 p.m. After the students taking Mechanics only have left, say:
If you will also be taking the Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism exam,

PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
please listen carefully to these instructions before we take a 10-minute
break. Please put all of your calculators under your chair. Your calculators
and all items you placed under your chair at the beginning of this exam
must stay there, and you are not permitted to open or access them in
any way. You are not allowed to consult teachers, other students, notes,
or textbooks during the break. You may not make phone calls, send text
messages, check email, use a social networking site, or access any electronic
or communication device. If you do not follow these rules, your score will be
canceled. Are there any questions? . . .
12
9
6
3
You may begin your break. Testing will resume at .
If you will be administering Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism at 2 p.m., be sure all
exam materials are kept secure during the break. When the students return from break, turn
to page 245 and begin the exam administration for Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism.
If you have no students taking Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, all exam materials must
be placed in secure storage until they are returned to the AP Program after your school’s last
administration.

243
Physics C: Mechanics

Post-Exam Tasks
Be sure to give the completed seating chart to the AP coordinator. Schools must retain seating
charts for at least six months (unless the state or district requires that they be retained for a longer
period of time). Schools should not return any seating charts in their exam shipments unless they
are required as part of an Incident Report.
The exam proctor should complete the following tasks if asked to do so by the AP coordinator.
Otherwise, the AP coordinator must complete these tasks.
Before storing materials, check the “School Use Only” section on page 1 of the answer sheet and:
• Fill in the appropriate section number circle in order to access a separate AP
Instructional Planning Report (for regularly scheduled exams only) or subject
score roster at the class section or teacher level. See “Post-Exam Activities” in the
2016-17 AP Coordinator’s Manual.
• Check your list of students who are eligible for fee reductions and fill in the
appropriate circle on their registration answer sheets.

244
Student Answer Sheet for
the Multiple-Choice Section

Use this section to capture student responses. (Note that the following
answer sheet is a sample, and may differ from one used in an actual exam.)
 AP Exam Label PAGE 1
AP Number Label
(from Student Pack) (from Section I Booklet)
Answer Sheet
2017 123456789
COMPLETE THIS AREA AT EVERY EXAM. USE NO. 2 PENCIL ONLY E. EXAM G. ONLINE
D. EXAM DATE F. MULTIPLE-CHOICE BOOKLET
To maintain the security of the exam and the validity of my AP score, I will allow no one else to see the multiple-choice exam content. C. YOUR AP NUMBER START PROVIDER
I will seal the multiple-choice booklet when asked to do so, and I will not discuss the exam content with anyone at any time after Month Day TIME SERIAL NUMBER CODE
completing the section. I am aware of and agree to the AP Program’s policies and procedures as outlined in the 2016-17 Bulletin for AP
Students and Parents, including using testing accommodations (e.g., extended time, computer, etc.) only if I have been preapproved by AM PM S
College Board Services for Students with Disabilities.
Sign your legal name as it will appear on your college applications. Date
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
A. SIGNATURE
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 8 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
B. LEGAL NAME Omit apostrophes, Jr., II. 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 9 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Legal Last Name — First 15 Letters Legal First Name — First 12 Letters MI 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 10 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 11 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E
COMPLETE THIS AREA ONLY ONCE. K. DATE OF BIRTH
F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F I. AREA CODE AND
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G PHONE NUMBER J. SCHOOL YOU ATTEND Month Day Year
SCHOOL CODE School Name
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H Jan
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Feb 0 0 0 0
J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mar 1 1 1 1
K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Apr 2 2 2 2
L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 May 3 3 3 3
M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 City Jun 4 4 4
N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 Jul 5 5 5
O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 State Aug 6 6 6
P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 Sep 7 7 7
Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 Oct 8 8 8
113913-00657 • UNLWEB1116

Country
R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 8 8 8 Nov 9 9 9
S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S INTERNATIONAL PHONE 9 9 9 9 9 9 Dec
T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
M. COLLEGE TO RECEIVE YOUR
U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U N. CURRENT
L. SOCIAL SECURITY AP SCORE REPORT
GRADE LEVEL
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V NUMBER (Optional) COLLEGE CODE Using the college code listed
in the AP Student Pack,
indicate the ONE college Not yet in
W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 11th
that you want to receive 9th grade
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 your AP score report. 9th 12th
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 College Name 10th No longer in
high school
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 O. STUDENT SEARCH SERVICE®

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Colleges and scholarship programs may
Exam Name: Form: Form Code: request your information to inform you of
H. AP EXAM I AM City
TAKING USING THIS 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 educational opportunities and financial aid.
Q4298/1-4

ANSWER SHEET 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Would you like us to supply your information?

State
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 Yes No
SCHOOL USE ONLY
792107 Section Number Fee Reduction Granted 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 Country
If you don’t answer and previously chose to
participate in this service, we will continue
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 Option 1 2 Option 2 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 providing your information.
PAGE 2
COMPLETE THIS AREA AT EACH EXAM (IF APPLICABLE).

P. SURVEY QUESTIONS — Answer the survey questions in the AP Student Pack. Do not put responses to exam questions in this section.

1 A B C D E F G H I 4 A B C D E F G H I 7 A B C D E F G H I

2 A B C D E F G H I 5 A B C D E F G H I 8 A B C D E F G H I

3 A B C D E F G H I 6 A B C D E F G H I 9 A B C D E F G H I

Q. LANGUAGE — Do not complete this section unless instructed to do so.

If this answer sheet is for the French Language and Culture, German Language and Culture, Italian Language and Culture, Spanish Language
and Culture, or Spanish Literature and Culture Exam, please answer the following questions. Your responses will not affect your score.
1. Have you lived or studied for one month or more in a country where the language of the 2. Do you regularly speak or hear the language at home?
exam you are now taking is spoken?

Yes No Yes No

QUESTIONS 1–75

Indicate your answers to the exam questions in this section (pages 2 and 3). Mark only one response per question
for Questions 1 through 120. If a question has only four answer options, do not mark option E. Answers written in
the multiple-choice booklet will not be scored.

A B C D You must use a No. 2 pencil and marks must be complete. Do not use a mechanical pencil. It
EXAMPLES OF
COMPLETE MARK is very important that you fill in the entire circle darkly and completely. If you change your response,
INCOMPLETE MARKS A B C D erase as completely as possible. Incomplete marks or erasures may affect your score.

1 A B C D E 26 A B C D E 51 A B C D E
2 A B C D E 27 A B C D E 52 A B C D E
3 A B C D E 28 A B C D E 53 A B C D E
4 A B C D E 29 A B C D E 54 A B C D E
5 A B C D E 30 A B C D E 55 A B C D E
6 A B C D E 31 A B C D E 56 A B C D E
7 A B C D E 32 A B C D E 57 A B C D E
8 A B C D E 33 A B C D E 58 A B C D E
9 A B C D E 34 A B C D E 59 A B C D E
10 A B C D E 35 A B C D E 60 A B C D E
11 A B C D E 36 A B C D E 61 A B C D E
12 A B C D E 37 A B C D E 62 A B C D E
13 A B C D E 38 A B C D E 63 A B C D E
14 A B C D E 39 A B C D E 64 A B C D E
15 A B C D E 40 A B C D E 65 A B C D E
16 A B C D E 41 A B C D E 66 A B C D E
17 A B C D E 42 A B C D E 67 A B C D E
18 A B C D E 43 A B C D E 68 A B C D E
19 A B C D E 44 A B C D E 69 A B C D E
20 A B C D E 45 A B C D E 70 A B C D E
21 A B C D E 46 A B C D E 71 A B C D E
22 A B C D E 47 A B C D E 72 A B C D E
23 A B C D E 48 A B C D E 73 A B C D E
24 A B C D E 49 A B C D E 74 A B C D E
25 A B C D E 50 A B C D E 75 A B C D E

ETS USE ONLY

R W O R W O
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 SELECTED MEDIA EXAMS OTHER EXAMS
Exam
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
PT02 TOTAL
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Exam PT03 Subscore (if applicable)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
PT04 Subscore (if applicable)

DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA

 PAGE 3
QUESTIONS 76–120

Be sure each mark is dark and completely fills the circle. If a question has only four answer options, do not mark option E.

76 A B C D E 91 A B C D E 106 A B C D E
77 A B C D E 92 A B C D E 107 A B C D E
78 A B C D E 93 A B C D E 108 A B C D E
79 A B C D E 94 A B C D E 109 A B C D E
80 A B C D E 95 A B C D E 110 A B C D E
81 A B C D E 96 A B C D E 111 A B C D E
82 A B C D E 97 A B C D E 112 A B C D E
83 A B C D E 98 A B C D E 113 A B C D E
84 A B C D E 99 A B C D E 114 A B C D E
85 A B C D E 100 A B C D E 115 A B C D E
86 A B C D E 101 A B C D E 116 A B C D E
87 A B C D E 102 A B C D E 117 A B C D E
88 A B C D E 103 A B C D E 118 A B C D E
89 A B C D E 104 A B C D E 119 A B C D E
90 A B C D E 105 A B C D E 120 A B C D E

QUESTIONS 121–126

For Students Taking AP Biology

Write your answer in the boxes at the top of the griddable area and fill in the corresponding circles.
Mark only one circle in any column. You will receive credit only if the circles are filled in correctly.

121 122 123 124 125 126

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

– . . . . . – . . . . . – . . . . . – . . . . . – . . . . . – . . . . .

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

QUESTIONS 131–142

For Students Taking AP Computer Science Principles, AP Physics 1, or AP Physics 2

Mark two responses per question. You will receive credit only if both correct responses are selected.

131 A B C D 135 A B C D 139 A B C D

132 A B C D 136 A B C D 140 A B C D
133 A B C D 137 A B C D 141 A B C D
134 A B C D 138 A B C D 142 A B C D

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 COMPLETE THIS AREA ONLY ONCE. PAGE 4
R. YOUR MAILING ADDRESS Use the address abbreviations from your AP Student Pack. Fill in only one circle per column. Indicate a space in your address by leaving a blank box; do not grid that column. V. SEX
COUNTRY
STREET ADDRESS (include street number, street name, apartment number, etc.) CITY ZIP OR POSTAL CODE CODE Female Male

W. WHICH LANGUAGE DO YOU

A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A 0 0 0 KNOW BEST?
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B 1 1 1 English
C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 2 2 2 English and another language
about the same
D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D 3 3 3 Another language

E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E 4 4 4

F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F 5 5 5 X. RACIAL/ETHNIC GROUP

G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G 6 6 6 Please answer both questions about

Hispanic origin and about race. For the
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H 7 7 7
following questions about your identity,
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 8 8 8 Hispanic origins are not races.

J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J 9 9 9
(You may mark all that apply.)
K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K
a. Are you of b. What is your race?
L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L Hispanic,
Latino, or
American Indian or
M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M Spanish origin? Alaska Native
N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N No, not of Asian (including Indian
Hispanic, Latino, subcontinent and
O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O or Spanish origin Philippines origin)

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P Yes, Cuban Black or African American

(including Africa and
Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Yes, Mexican Afro-Caribbean origin)

R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R Yes, Puerto Rican Native Hawaiian or other

Pacific Islander
S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S Yes, another White (including Middle
Hispanic, Latino, Eastern origin)
T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T or Spanish origin

U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V Y. PARENTAL EDUCATION LEVEL
In the first column, indicate the highest level of education of
W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W
one parent/guardian, and indicate whether this is your mother/
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X female guardian or father/male guardian. Then, if applicable,
indicate the highest level of education of your other parent/
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y guardian in the second column, and indicate whether this is
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z your mother/female guardian or father/male guardian.

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 STATE MI NY VT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mother or female guardian

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 AK HI MN OH WA 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Father or male guardian

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 AL IA MO OK WI 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Grade school

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 AR ID MS OR WV 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Some high school

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 AZ IL MT PA WY 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 High school diploma or equivalent

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 CA IN NC RI Puerto 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Vocational or trade school

Rico
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7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 CT KY NE SD AA 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 Associate or two-year degree

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Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions

This is the multiple-choice section of the 2017 AP exam.

It includes cover material and other administrative instructions
to help familiarize students with the mechanics of the exam.
(Note that future exams may differ in look from the following content.)
 ®
AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam
SECTION I: Multiple Choice 2017
DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO.
Instructions
At a Glance
Section I of this exam contains 35 multiple-choice questions. For these questions, fill in
Total Time only the circles for numbers 1 through 35 on your answer sheet. A table of information
45 minutes and lists of equations that may be helpful are in the booklet. Calculators, rulers and
Number of Questions straightedges may be used in this section.
35
Percent of Total Score Indicate all of your answers to the multiple-choice questions on the answer sheet. No
50% credit will be given for anything written in this exam booklet, but you may use the booklet
Writing Instrument for notes or scratch work. After you have decided which of the suggested answers is best,
Pencil required completely fill in the corresponding circle on the answer sheet. Give only one answer to
Electronic Device each question. If you change an answer, be sure that the previous mark is erased
Calculator allowed completely. Here is a sample question and answer.

Use your time effectively, working as quickly as you can without losing accuracy. Do not
spend too much time on any one question. Go on to other questions and come back to
the ones you have not answered if you have time. It is not expected that everyone will
know the answers to all of the multiple-choice questions.
Your total score on the multiple-choice section is based only on the number of questions
answered correctly. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers or unanswered
questions.

Form I
Form Code 4NBP4-S

80
 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C TABLE OF INFORMATION
CONSTANTS AND CONVERSION FACTORS
Proton mass, m p 1.67 – 10 27 kg Electron charge magnitude, e 1.60 – 10 19 C
Neutron mass, mn 1.67 – 10 27 kg 1 electron volt, 1 eV 1.60 – 10 19 J
Electron mass, me 9.11 – 10 31 kg Speed of light, c 3.00 – 108 m s
Universal gravitational 6.67 – 10 11 N<m 2 kg 2
Avogadro’s number, N 0 6.02 – 10 23 mol 1 G
constant,
Acceleration due to gravity
Universal gas constant, R 8.31 J (mol <K)
at Earth’s surface, g 9.8 m s2
Boltzmann’s constant, k B 1.38 – 10 23 J K
1 unified atomic mass unit, 1u 1.66 – 10 27 kg 931 MeV c 2
Planck’s constant, h 6.63 – 10 34 J <s 4.14 – 10 15 eV <s
hc 1.99 – 10 25 J <m 1.24 – 103 eV < nm
Vacuum permittivity, e0 8.85 – 10 12 C2 N < m 2

Coulomb’s law constant, k 1 4 pe0 9.0 – 109 N< m 2 C2

Vacuum permeability, m0 4 p – 10 7 (T <m) A
Magnetic constant, k „ m0 4 p 1 – 10 7 (T< m) A
1 atmosphere pressure, 1 atm 1.0 – 105 N m 2 1.0 – 105 Pa

meter, m mole, mol watt, W farad, F

kilogram, kg hertz, Hz coulomb, C tesla, T
UNIT second, s newton, N volt, V degree Celsius, ’C
SYMBOLS
ampere, A pascal, Pa ohm, W electron volt, eV
kelvin, K joule, J henry, H

PREFIXES VALUES OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS FOR COMMON ANGLES

D
Factor Prefix Symbol q 0 30D 37D 45D 53D 60D 90D
109 giga G sin q 0 12 35 2 2 45 3 2 1
106 mega M cos q 1 3 2 45 2 2 35 12 0
103 kilo k tan q 0 3 3 34 1 43 3 ‡
10 2 centi c
10 3 milli m The following assumptions are used in this exam.
10 6 micro m I. The frame of reference of any problem is inertial unless otherwise
stated.
10 9 nano n II. The direction of current is the direction in which positive charges
10 12 pico p would drift.
III. The electric potential is zero at an infinite distance from an isolated
point charge.
IV. All batteries and meters are ideal unless otherwise stated.
V. Edge effects for the electric field of a parallel plate capacitor are
negligible unless otherwise stated.

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 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C EQUATIONS

MECHANICS ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

Ãx Ãx 0  a x t a = acceleration G 1 q1q2 A = area
E= energy FE B = magnetic field
1 2 4pe0 r 2
x x0  Ãx 0 t  at F = force C = capacitance
2 x G
f = frequency G FE d = distance
Ãx2 2
Ãx 0  2 a x x  x0 E
h = height q E = electric field
G G I = rotational inertia e emf
=
G
a
ÇF Fnet
J = impulse G G Q F = force
m m
K = kinetic energy vÔ E < dA e0 I = current
G G k = spring constant J = current density
dp dV
F A = length Ex  L = inductance
dt dx
L = angular momentum A = length
G G G G G
J m= mass n
Ô F dt Dp
P = power
DV  Ô E <dr = number of loops of wire
per unit length
G G p = momentum N = number of charge carriers
p mv 1 q
G G
r = radius or distance V
4pe0 Ç rii P = power
per unit volume
T = i
Ff m FN period
t = time Q = charge
G G 1 q1q2
U= potential energy UE qV q = point charge
DE W Ô F <dr 4pe0 r R = resistance
v = velocity or speed
1 2 r = radius or distance
K mà W= work done on a system Q
2 x = DV t = time
position C
m = coefficient of friction U = potential or stored energy
dE k e0 A V = electric potential
P q = angle C
dt d
t = torque v = velocity or speed
G G r = resistivity
P F <v w = angular speed Cp
a = angular acceleration
Ç Ci F = flux
i
DUg mg Dh f = phase angle k = dielectric constant
G G 1 1 G G G
Fs k D x Cs
ÇC FM qv – B
Ã2 i i
ac w2r G G
r
G G G
Us
1
k Dx
2
I
dQ vÔ < d A m0 I
B
2 dt
t r –F G
x xmax cos( wt  f
G m0 I d A – r
G G 1
QDV
1
C DV 2 dB
G Çt t net UC 4p r 2
a 2 2
I I 2p 1 G G G
T rA
w f R F Ô A–B
I d
2 2 A
I Ô r dm Ç mr
m G G Bs m0 nI
Ts 2p E rJ
k
Ç mi xi G G
x cm I Nevd A FB Ô B < dA
Ç mi Tp 2p
A
g G G
à rw DV d FB
G I e vÔ < d A
E 
G Gm1m2 R dt
G G G FG
L r – p Iw r2 Rs Ç Ri dI
e L
1 2 Gm1m2 i dt
K Iw UG 
2 r 1 1 1 2
ÇR UL LI
Rp i i 2
w w0  at

1 2 P I DV
q q0  w0 t  at
2

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 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C EQUATIONS

GEOMETRY AND TRIGONOMETRY CALCULUS

Rectangle A = area df d f du
A bh C = circumference dx du dx
V = volume
Triangle d n
S = surface area x nx n  1
1 dx
A bh b = base
2 d ax
h = height e aeax
Circle  = length dx

A pr2 w = width d 1
ln ax
r = radius dx x
C 2p r s = arc length d
s rq q = angle dx
>sin ax @ a cos ax
Rectangular Solid
d
V wh dx
>cos ax @  a sin ax
Cylinder s
r n 1 n 1
V pr 
2
q
Ôx dx
n 1
x , n › 1

ax 1 ax
S 2p r   2p r 2
Ôe dx e
a
Sphere
dx
4 3 Ôxa ln x  a
V pr
3
1
S 4p r 2 Ô cos ax dx a
sin ax

1
Right Triangle Ô sin ax dx  cos ax
a
a 2  b2 c2
VECTOR PRODUCTS
a  
sin q
c A B AB cos q
c  
b a A–B AB sin q
cos q
c q 90°
b
a
tan q
b

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 PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
SECTION I
Time—45 minutes
35 Questions

Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete statements below is followed by five suggested answers or
completions. Select the one that is best in each case and then fill in the corresponding circle on the answer sheet.

Note: To simplify calculations, you may use g = 10 m/ s2 in all problems.

1. A plane starts at rest on a straight runway. For

the first 30 s, the plane’s acceleration a is given
as a function of time t by the equation a = bt 2 ,
where b = 1 90 m s4 and t is in seconds.
What is the plane’s speed at t = 30 s ?
(A) 10 m s
(B) 30 m s
(C) 100 m s
(D) 150 m s
(E) 300 m s

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 3. A particle of mass 2.0 kg is moving in the
xy-plane at a constant speed of 0.80 m s in the
+x-direction along the line y = 4 m. As the particle
travels from x = -3 m to x = +3 m, the magnitude
of its angular momentum with respect to the
origin is
(A) not constant
(B) 0
(C) 4.8 kgm2 s
2. Student 1 is standing on a cart holding a small
stone, while student 2 is standing at rest on the (D) 6.4 kgm2 s
ground, as shown in the figure above. The cart is (E) 8.0 kgm2 s
moving at a constant speed v in the +x-direction,
as indicated by the coordinate system shown. 4. Suppose that a spherical star spinning at an initial
Student 1 drops the stone precisely when passing angular velocity w suddenly collapses to half
student 2. Which of the following best represents
of its original radius without any loss of mass.
the path of the falling stone relative to student 1
Assume the star has uniform density before and
and the path of the falling stone relative to
after the collapse. What will the angular velocity
student 2 ?
of the star be after the collapse?
Student 1 Student 2
(A) w 4
(A) (B) w 2
(C) w
(D) 2w
(E) 4w

5. Two identical, unlabeled boxes are transported to

(B) an orbiting space station. The astronauts know
that one box is filled with a light sample of ants
for an experiment, and the other is filled with
heavy tools for repairs. How can the astronauts
tell, without opening the boxes, which box has
the tools?
(C)
(A) Weigh each box on a spring scale. The box
with the tools will have a higher reading.
(B) Shake each box. The box with the tools will
be harder to move back and forth.
(C) Push each box. The box with the tools
will travel farther before it stops.
(D) (D) Place each box on opposite sides of
a balance. The box on the side that goes
down lower will be the box with the tools.
(E) Toss each box straight up. The box with
the tools will go higher before coming
(E) back down.

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-7-
6. A block of mass M1 is connected by a string to a
sphere of mass M 2 . The block is on a frictionless
7. Two carts of equal mass are on a horizontal
plane inclined at an angle of 30 , as shown in the surface with negligible friction. Cart A is
figure above. The string passes over a pulley of approaching cart B, which is at rest, as shown in
negligible mass and friction, and the sphere hangs Figure 1 above. Attached to cart B is a spring that
freely. Which of the following is always true if is initially compressed. At the moment cart A
the block is accelerating down the incline? collides with cart B, the spring is released and
(A) M1 < M 2 pushes on cart A, as shown in Figure 2 above.
Which of the following correctly states what
(B) M 1 = M 2
happens to the kinetic energy and the momentum
(C) M1 < M 2 sin 30( ) of the two-cart system as a result of the collision
compared to those quantities before the collision?
( )
(D) M 1 sin 30 < M 2
Magnitude of
(E) M 1 (sin 30 ) > M 2 Kinetic energy Momentum
(A) Increases Decreases
(B) Increases Stays the same
(C) Increases Increases
(D) Stays the same Increases
(E) Stays the same Stays the same

8. A ball of mass m is dropped from rest from a

height h and collides elastically with the floor,
rebounding to its original height. What is the
magnitude of the average force applied by the
floor on the ball during the time the ball is in
contact with the floor?
(A) Zero
(B) mg
(C) 2mg
(D) 4mg
(E) It cannot be determined without knowing the
length of time that the ball is in contact with
the floor.

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-8-
Questions 9-10 11. A 2 kg object is released from rest from a height
of 3 m above Earth’s surface. How much kinetic
energy does the object have when it reaches a
height of 1 m?
(A) 2.5 J
(B) 10 J
Particle A and particle B, each of mass M, (C) 20 J
(D) 30 J
move along the x-axis exerting a force on each other. (E) 40 J
The potential energy of the system of two particles
associated with the force is given by the equation
U = b r 2 , where r is the distance between the
two particles and b is a positive constant. At
time t = 0, particle A is located at x = 2D with an
initial speed of v0 to the left, and particle B is at
12. A sphere of mass m hangs from two strings that
rest at the origin, as shown in the figure above.
each make an angle of 30 with the horizontal, as
shown in the figure above. What is the tension T
9. At time t = T1 , particle A is observed to be in one of the strings?
traveling with speed 2v0 3 to the left. The speed (A) mg 6
and direction of motion of particle B is (B) mg 4
(A) 2v0 3 to the left (C) mg 2
(B) v0 3 to the left (D) mg
(C) v0 3 to the right (E) 3mg 2
(D) 2v0 3 to the right
(E) 5v0 3 to the right 13. A skier is traveling down a slope that is
inclined 30∞ above the horizontal. The
10. Which of the following equations could be used to coefficient of kinetic friction between the
skier and the slope is 0.10. Which of the
find rMIN , the minimum distance between the
following best describes the acceleration
masses as particle A approaches particle B? of the skier?
2
b b Êv ˆ (A) It is zero.
(A) + Mv02 = 2 + M Á 0 ˜
4D 2
rMIN Ë2¯ (B) It is about 4.0 m s 2 .

b 1 b Êv ˆ
2 (C) It is about 9.0 m s 2 .
(B) + Mv 2 = 2 + M Á 0 ˜
4D2 2 0 rMIN Ë 2¯ (D) It is about 10 m s 2 .
b 1 b 1 (E) It cannot be determined without knowing the
(C) + Mv02 = 2 + Mv02 mass of the skier.
4D 2 2 rMIN 2
b 1 b
(D) + Mv02 = 2
4D 2 2 rMIN
b b
(E) + Mv02 = 2
4D 2 rMIN

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-9-
Questions 14-16 14. What is the ball’s acceleration at time t = 1 s?

A ball of mass 2.0 kg is thrown vertically upward (A) -10 m s2

from the top of a building. The ball’s velocity v (B) -5 m s 2
is given as a function of time t by the equation
(C) 0
v (t ) = R - St , where R = 5 m s and S = 10 m s 2 .
(D) 5 m s2
The positive direction is upward.
(E) 10 m s2

15. At what time does the ball reach its maximum

height above the building?
(A) 0.2 s
(B) 0.4 s
(C) 0.5 s
(D) 1.0 s
(E) 2.0 s

16. If the ball reaches the ground at t = 2.0 s, what is

the height of the building?
(A) 5m
(B) 10 m
(C) 15 m
(D) 20 m
(E) 30 m

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Questions 17-19 17. Which of the following properties of the
two-disk system must be conserved between
the time the second disk is dropped on the first
disk and the time that the two disks begin rotating
with the same speed?
(A) Kinetic energy only
(B) Angular momentum only
(C) Both kinetic energy and angular momentum
(D) Neither kinetic energy nor angular
momentum
(E) It cannot be determined without knowing the
nature of the forces between the two disks.
A solid disk of mass M and radius R is freely
18. The interval of time Dt is the elapsed time from
rotating horizontally in a counterclockwise direction
with angular speed ω about a vertical axis through its the moment of first contact between the two disks
until they are both spinning at the same angular
center with negligible friction. The rotational inertia
velocity. Which of the following expressions
2
of the disk is MR 2 . A second identical disk is at gives the magnitude of the average torque that
rest and suspended above the first disk with the the first disk exerts on the second disk?
centers of the two disks aligned, as shown in the
figure above. There is no contact between the disks. (A) MR 2 w f
The second disk is dropped onto the first disk, and 2
MR w f
after a short time they rotate counterclockwise with (B)
the same angular speed ω f . Dt
MR 2 w f
(C)
2 Dt
2 MR 2 w f
(D)
Dt
(E) It cannot be determined without knowing the
nature of the forces between the two disks.

19. The two disks are now shifted so that the axis of
rotation goes through a point on the edge of the
disks. The rotational inertia of the two-disk
system is now
(A) 2MR 2
(B) 3MR2
(C) 4MR 2
(D) 5MR 2
(E) 10MR 2

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 22. A 1500 kg car is pushing a 4000 kg truck. The car
and truck are accelerating at 2.0 m s2 . Assuming
that the frictional force on the truck is negligible,
what force is the truck exerting on the car?
(A) 0N
20. A student throws a metal sphere, which (B) 3000 N
(C) 5000 N
follows the path shown above. If air resistance
(D) 8000 N
is negligible, which of the following is a correct (E) 11,000 N
relationship between the magnitudes of the
accelerations aK , a L , and aM at the three points
shown?

(A) a K = a L = aM
(B) aK = aL > aM
(C) aK = aM > aL
(D) aK > aL = aM
(E) aK > aM > a L 23. The figure above shows the directions and relative
magnitudes of all three forces that are acting on an
object. Which of the following best shows the
21. A cannonball is shot from the top of a 30 m direction of the object’s acceleration?
high hill at a velocity of 25 m s and at an
angle of 40° above the horizontal and lands on (A)
the ground below. The speed of the cannonball
at the top of its path is most nearly
(A) 0 (B)
(B) 16 m s
(C) 19 m s
(C)
(D) 25 m s
(E) 29 m s

(D)

(E)

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Questions 24-26 24. The ratio of the speeds v1 v2 is

(A) R2 R1
(B) R1 R2
(C) m2 m1
(D) m1 m2
(E) 1

25. The magnitude of the angular momentum of the

two-satellite system is best represented by
(A) m1v1 + m2 v2
(B) m1v1 - m2 v2
(C) m1v1R1 + m2 v2 R2
Two satellites of masses m1 and m2 orbit a planet (D) m1v1R1 - m2 v2 R2
of mass M in circular orbits. The satellites travel in (E) m1v1 R1 + m2 v2 R2
opposite directions with speeds v1 and v2 , as shown
in the figure above. Their orbital radii are R1 and R2 , 26. If U1 is the potential energy of the planet-satellite
respectively. Assume that M >> m2 > m1 . system containing the satellite of mass m1 and
U 2 is the potential energy of the planet-satellite
system containing the satellite of mass m2 , which
of the following expressions best represents the
ratio U1 U 2 ?
m1R1
(A)
m2 R2
m2 R2
(B)
m1R1
m1R2
(C)
m2 R1
m2 R1
(D)
m1R2
m1 R22
(E)
m2 R12

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 28. Blocks A, B, and C are aligned along a straight
line on a horizontal frictionless surface. The
masses of the blocks are M, 2M, and 3M,
respectively. Block A is initially moving to the
right along the same line at a speed v, as shown in
the figure above. Blocks B and C are initially at
rest. Block A collides with and sticks to block B.
27. The graph above shows a variable force F that
acts on an object as it moves along a straight line The two blocks then collide with and stick to
block C. What is the speed of block C after the
as a function of time t. What is the change in
momentum of the object from t = 2 s to t = 4 s ? collisions?
(A) 0
(A) 1 kgm s
(B) v6
(B) 2 kgm s
(C) v3
(C) 4 kgm s
(D) v 2
(D) 6 kgm s
(E) 6v
(E) 8 kgm s

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 Questions 31-32

29. The graph above shows a conservative force Fx

as a function of position x acting on an object in
a closed system. If this is the only force acting A particle of mass m moves counterclockwise
on the object, what happens to the potential around a horizontal circle of radius r, as shown
energy of the system as the object moves from above. The angular speed of the particle is given as a
function of time t by w (t ) = bt , where b is a
0 m to 0.10 m?
(A) It increases only. positive constant and t ≥ 0.
(B) It decreases only.
(C) It increases and then decreases.
(D) It decreases and then increases. 31. Which of the following best describes the
(E) It does not change. acceleration vector for the particle at the
moment shown in the diagram?
30. How does the work required to accelerate a
(A) It is directed toward the left.
particle from 10 m s to 20 m s compare to that
(B) It is directed toward the bottom of the page.
required to accelerate it from 20 m s to 30 m s ? (C) It is directed toward the top of the page.
(D) It has components directed toward the right
(A) It is less.
and toward the bottom of the page.
(B) It is the same.
(E) It has components directed toward the left
(C) It is greater.
and toward the bottom of the page.
(D) It cannot be determined without knowing
the magnitude of the force exerted on
32. What is the magnitude of the angular momentum
the particle.
of the particle about the center of the circle as a
(E) It cannot be determined without knowing
function of time?
the mass of the particle.
(A) mbt r
(B) mbrt
(C) mbr 2 t
(D) mb2 rt 2
(E) mb2 r 2 t 2

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Questions 33-35 33. What is the position of the object at t = 3.0 s?
(A) 15 cm
(B) 7.5 cm
(C) 0 cm
(D) -7.5 cm
(E) -15 cm

34. What is the total distance traveled by the object

during the first 2.0 s of its motion?
(A) 90 cm
(B) 75 cm
An object is initially hanging in equilibrium from (C) 60 cm
a vertical spring. The object is pulled down 15 cm (D) 45 cm
from its equilibrium position, as illustrated above, and (E) 30 cm
released at time t = 0. The object then oscillates with a
period of 2.0 s. Let x = 0 be the equilibrium position 35. Which of the following statements is true of the
and let the positive direction be upward. magnitude of the acceleration of the object at time
t = 1.0 s?
(A) It is equal to zero.
(B) It is equal to g.
(C) It has its minimum value that is not zero.
(D) It has its maximum value.
(E) It has a value between zero and its maximum
value.

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 STOP
END OF MECHANICS SECTION I
IF YOU FINISH BEFORE TIME IS CALLED,
YOU MAY CHECK YOUR WORK ON MECHANICS SECTION I ONLY.

DO NOT TURN TO ANY OTHER TEST MATERIALS.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE DONE THE FOLLOWING.

• PLACED YOUR AP NUMBER LABEL ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET

• WRITTEN AND GRIDDED YOUR AP NUMBER CORRECTLY ON YOUR

ANSWER SHEET

• TAKEN THE AP EXAM LABEL FROM THE FRONT OF THIS BOOKLET

AND PLACED IT ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET

-17-
Section II: Free-Response Questions

This is the free-response section of the 2017 AP exam.

It includes cover material and other administrative instructions
to help familiarize students with the mechanics of the exam.
(Note that future exams may differ in look from the following content.)
 ®
AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam
SECTION II: Free Response 2017
DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO.

At a Glance
Total Time
45 minutes
Number of Questions
3
Percent of Total Score
50%
Writing Instrument
Either pencil or pen with
black or dark blue ink
Electronic Device
Calculator allowed
Weight
The questions are
weighted equally.

Instructions
The questions for Section II are printed in this booklet. You may use any blank space in
the booklet for scratch work, but you must write your answers in the spaces provided for
each answer. A table of information and lists of equations that may be helpful are in the
booklet. Calculators, rulers, and straightedges may be used in this section.
All final numerical answers should include appropriate units. Credit for your work
depends on demonstrating that you know which physical principles would be appropriate
to apply in a particular situation. Therefore, you should show your work for each part in
the space provided after that part. If you need more space, be sure to clearly indicate
where you continue your work. Credit will be awarded only for work that is clearly
designated as the solution to a specific part of a question. Credit also depends on the
quality of your solutions and explanations, so you should show your work.
Write clearly and legibly. Cross out any errors you make; erased or crossed-out work will
not be scored. You may lose credit for incorrect work that is not crossed out.
Manage your time carefully. You may proceed freely from one question to the next. You
may review your responses if you finish before the end of the exam is announced.

Form I
Form Code 4NBP4-S

80
 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C TABLE OF INFORMATION
CONSTANTS AND CONVERSION FACTORS
Proton mass, m p 1.67 – 10 27 kg Electron charge magnitude, e 1.60 – 10 19 C
Neutron mass, mn 1.67 – 10 27 kg 1 electron volt, 1 eV 1.60 – 10 19 J
Electron mass, me 9.11 – 10 31 kg Speed of light, c 3.00 – 108 m s
Universal gravitational 6.67 – 10 11 N<m 2 kg 2
Avogadro’s number, N 0 6.02 – 10 23 mol 1 G
constant,
Acceleration due to gravity
Universal gas constant, R 8.31 J (mol <K)
at Earth’s surface, g 9.8 m s2
Boltzmann’s constant, k B 1.38 – 10 23 J K
1 unified atomic mass unit, 1u 1.66 – 10 27 kg 931 MeV c 2
Planck’s constant, h 6.63 – 10 34 J <s 4.14 – 10 15 eV <s
hc 1.99 – 10 25 J <m 1.24 – 103 eV < nm
Vacuum permittivity, e0 8.85 – 10 12 C2 N < m 2

Coulomb’s law constant, k 1 4 pe0 9.0 – 109 N< m 2 C2

Vacuum permeability, m0 4 p – 10 7 (T <m) A
Magnetic constant, k „ m0 4 p 1 – 10 7 (T< m) A
1 atmosphere pressure, 1 atm 1.0 – 105 N m 2 1.0 – 105 Pa

meter, m mole, mol watt, W farad, F

kilogram, kg hertz, Hz coulomb, C tesla, T
UNIT second, s newton, N volt, V degree Celsius, ’C
SYMBOLS
ampere, A pascal, Pa ohm, W electron volt, eV
kelvin, K joule, J henry, H

PREFIXES VALUES OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS FOR COMMON ANGLES

D
Factor Prefix Symbol q 0 30D 37D 45D 53D 60D 90D
109 giga G sin q 0 12 35 2 2 45 3 2 1
106 mega M cos q 1 3 2 45 2 2 35 12 0
103 kilo k tan q 0 3 3 34 1 43 3 ‡
10 2 centi c
10 3 milli m The following assumptions are used in this exam.
10 6 micro m I. The frame of reference of any problem is inertial unless otherwise
stated.
10 9 nano n II. The direction of current is the direction in which positive charges
10 12 pico p would drift.
III. The electric potential is zero at an infinite distance from an isolated
point charge.
IV. All batteries and meters are ideal unless otherwise stated.
V. Edge effects for the electric field of a parallel plate capacitor are
negligible unless otherwise stated.

-3-
 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C EQUATIONS

MECHANICS ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

Ãx Ãx 0  a x t a = acceleration G 1 q1q2 A = area
E= energy FE B = magnetic field
1 2 4pe0 r 2
x x0  Ãx 0 t  at F = force C = capacitance
2 x G
f = frequency G FE d = distance
Ãx2 2
Ãx 0  2 a x x  x0 E
h = height q E = electric field
G G I = rotational inertia e emf
=
G
a
ÇF Fnet
J = impulse G G Q F = force
m m
K = kinetic energy vÔ E < dA e0 I = current
G G k = spring constant J = current density
dp dV
F A = length Ex  L = inductance
dt dx
L = angular momentum A = length
G G G G G
J m= mass n
Ô F dt Dp
P = power
DV  Ô E <dr = number of loops of wire
per unit length
G G p = momentum N = number of charge carriers
p mv 1 q
G G
r = radius or distance V
4pe0 Ç rii P = power
per unit volume
T = i
Ff m FN period
t = time Q = charge
G G 1 q1q2
U= potential energy UE qV q = point charge
DE W Ô F <dr 4pe0 r R = resistance
v = velocity or speed
1 2 r = radius or distance
K mà W= work done on a system Q
2 x = DV t = time
position C
m = coefficient of friction U = potential or stored energy
dE k e0 A V = electric potential
P q = angle C
dt d
t = torque v = velocity or speed
G G r = resistivity
P F <v w = angular speed Cp
a = angular acceleration
Ç Ci F = flux
i
DUg mg Dh f = phase angle k = dielectric constant
G G 1 1 G G G
Fs k D x Cs
ÇC FM qv – B
Ã2 i i
ac w2r G G
r
G G G
Us
1
k Dx
2
I
dQ vÔ < d A m0 I
B
2 dt
t r –F G
x xmax cos( wt  f
G m0 I d A – r
G G 1
QDV
1
C DV 2 dB
G Çt t net UC 4p r 2
a 2 2
I I 2p 1 G G G
T rA
w f R F Ô A–B
I d
2 2 A
I Ô r dm Ç mr
m G G Bs m0 nI
Ts 2p E rJ
k
Ç mi xi G G
x cm I Nevd A FB Ô B < dA
Ç mi Tp 2p
A
g G G
à rw DV d FB
G I e vÔ < d A
E 
G Gm1m2 R dt
G G G FG
L r – p Iw r2 Rs Ç Ri dI
e L
1 2 Gm1m2 i dt
K Iw UG 
2 r 1 1 1 2
ÇR UL LI
Rp i i 2
w w0  at

1 2 P I DV
q q0  w0 t  at
2

-4-
 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS C EQUATIONS

GEOMETRY AND TRIGONOMETRY CALCULUS

Rectangle A = area df d f du
A bh C = circumference dx du dx
V = volume
Triangle d n
S = surface area x nx n  1
1 dx
A bh b = base
2 d ax
h = height e aeax
Circle  = length dx

A pr2 w = width d 1
ln ax
r = radius dx x
C 2p r s = arc length d
s rq q = angle dx
>sin ax @ a cos ax
Rectangular Solid
d
V wh dx
>cos ax @  a sin ax
Cylinder s
r n 1 n 1
V pr 
2
q
Ôx dx
n 1
x , n › 1

ax 1 ax
S 2p r   2p r 2
Ôe dx e
a
Sphere
dx
4 3 Ôxa ln x  a
V pr
3
1
S 4p r 2 Ô cos ax dx a
sin ax

1
Right Triangle Ô sin ax dx  cos ax
a
a 2  b2 c2
VECTOR PRODUCTS
a  
sin q
c A B AB cos q
c  
b a A–B AB sin q
cos q
c q 90°
b
a
tan q
b

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THIS PAGE MAY BE USED FOR SCRATCH WORK.

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 PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
SECTION II
Time—45 minutes
3 Questions

Directions: Answer all three questions. The suggested time is about 15 minutes for answering each of the questions,
which are worth 15 points each. The parts within a question may not have equal weight. Show all your work in this
booklet in the spaces provided after each part.

1. A spring of negligible mass and with a spring constant of 50 N m is hung vertically, as shown above in the
figure on the left. A block of mass 1.0 kg is attached to the spring and slowly lowered a distance x0 until it
hangs at rest at the equilibrium position, as shown above in the figure on the right.
(a) On the dot below that represents the block, draw and label the forces (not components) that act on the block
when it is at the equilibrium position shown. Each force must be represented by a distinct arrow starting on,
and pointing away from, the dot.

(b) Calculate the distance x 0 that the spring is stretched from its original length to the equilibrium position.

Question 1 continues on the next 2 pages.

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 While the 1.0 kg block is in equilibrium, a 0.20 kg ball of clay is launched with speed v0 vertically from the
ground 1.0 meter below the hanging block. The clay has speed v1 = 5.0 m s when it collides with the block.
(c) Calculate the speed v0 .

Upon impact, the clay sticks to the 1.0 kg block.

(d)
i. Calculate the speed of the block immediately after the collision.

ii. Calculate the kinetic energy lost in the collision.

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 iii. Determine the period of oscillation for the block-clay-spring system.

(e) When the oscillating block-clay-spring system reaches its maximum speed after the collision, will the spring
be stretched from its original length by a distance greater than, less than, or equal to x0 ?
____ Greater than ____ Less than ____ Equal to
Justify your answer.

(f) The collision is repeated using a rubber ball with the same mass as the ball of clay. The rubber ball is
launched vertically with the same speed v0 . The collision between the rubber ball and the block is elastic.
Will the speed of the block immediately after colliding with the rubber ball be greater than, less than, or
equal to the speed of the block you calculated in part (d)i ?
____ Greater than ____ Less than ____ Equal to
Justify your answer.

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THIS PAGE MAY BE USED FOR SCRATCH WORK.

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2. A cart of mass M is on a level, horizontal track. The cart is attached to one end of an ideal spring, and the
other end of the spring is attached to a vertical support. The spring has a spring constant k. The cart is pulled
to the right, stretching the spring a distance d, as shown above, and released from rest at time t = 0. The
cart-spring system begins to oscillate, and the position x of the cart as a function of time t is given by the
equation x(t ) = d cos (ω t ) , where x is in meters, ω is in rad s , and t is in seconds. Assume the mass of the
cart’s wheels to be negligible.
(a) Derive an equation for the velocity of the cart v as a function of time t .

(b) On the axes below, sketch a graph of the velocity v of the cart as a function of time t for two complete
oscillations. On the graph, T represents the time for one complete oscillation. Explicitly label asymptotes,
maxima, or minima with algebraic expressions, as appropriate.

(c) Express all answers in part (c) in terms of w , t, M, d, k, and physical constants, as appropriate.
i. Determine an expression for the kinetic energy K of the system as a function of time t.

ii. Determine an expression for the potential energy U of the system as a function of time t.

iii. Using the equations from parts (c)i and (c)ii, show that the rate of change of the total energy of the
system dE dt is zero.

Question 2 continues on the next 2 pages.

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 Two springs identical to the spring above are attached to each side of the cart of unknown mass M, as shown in
Figure 1 above. The cart is on a level, horizontal track of negligible friction. A piece of clay is added to the top
of the cart so that it will stick to the cart. The cart is displaced to the left a distance d and released from rest, as
shown in Figure 2 above. The period of oscillation is recorded. This procedure is repeated for several different
pieces of clay of different masses. In each trial, the cart is displaced the same distance d. The data are shown
2
below on the linear graph of T as a function of mC , where T is the period of oscillation and mC represents the
mass of the clay.

(d) From the graph, determine the following.

i. k, the spring constant of each spring

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 ii. M, the mass of the cart

(e) The experiment is repeated, but in a second set of trials, the cart is pulled back a distance D, where D > d .
Describe any changes that will occur for the straight line on the graph in part (d).

Justify your answer.

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3. A sphere of mass m and radius r is released from rest at the top of a curved track of height H. The sphere travels
down the curved track and around a loop of radius R. The sphere rolls without slipping during the entire motion.
Point A on the loop is at height R, and point B is at the top of the loop. The rotational inertia of the sphere is
2mr 2 5. Express all of your answers in parts (a) through (d) in terms of m, r, H, R, and physical constants, as
appropriate. Assume r << R.
(a) On the dots below, which represent the sphere, draw and label the forces (not components) that are exerted
on the sphere at point A and at point B, respectively. Each force must be represented by a distinct arrow
starting on and pointing away from the dot.

(b)
i. Derive an expression for the speed of the sphere at point A.

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 ii. Derive an expression for the normal force the track exerts on the sphere at point A.

(c) Calculate the ratio of the rotational kinetic energy to the translational kinetic energy of the sphere at point A.

(d) The minimum release height necessary for the sphere to travel around the loop and not lose contact with the
loop at point B is H MIN . The sphere is replaced with a hoop of the same mass and radius. Will the value of
H MIN increase, decrease, or stay the same?

____ Increase ____ Decrease ____ Stay the same

Justify your answer.

Question 3 continues on the next page.

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 The sphere is again released from a known height H and eventually leaves the track at point C, which is a
height R above the bottom of the loop, as shown in the figure above. The track makes an angle of θ above the
horizontal at point C. Express your answer in part (e) in terms of m, r, H, R, θ , and physical constants, as
appropriate.
(e) Calculate the maximum height above the bottom of the loop that the sphere will reach.

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 THIS PAGE MAY BE USED FOR SCRATCH WORK.

STOP

END OF EXAM

THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS APPLY TO THE COVERS OF THE

SECTION II BOOKLET.

• MAKE SURE YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE IDENTIFICATION

INFORMATION AS REQUESTED ON THE FRONT AND BACK
COVERS OF THE SECTION II BOOKLET.

• CHECK TO SEE THAT YOUR AP NUMBER LABEL APPEARS IN

THE BOX ON THE COVER.

• MAKE SURE YOU HAVE USED THE SAME SET OF AP

NUMBER LABELS ON ALL AP EXAMS YOU HAVE TAKEN
THIS YEAR.

-17-
Multiple-Choice Answer Key

The following contains the answers to

the multiple-choice questions in this exam.
Answer Key for AP Physics C: Mechanics
Practice Exam, Section I

Question 1: C Question 19: B

Question 2: C Question 20: A
Question 3: D Question 21: C
Question 4: E Question 22: D
Question 5: B Question 23: A
Question 6: E Question 24: A
Question 7: B Question 25: D
Question 8: E Question 26: C
Question 9: B Question 27: D
Question 10: B Question 28: B
Question 11: E Question 29: A
Question 12: D Question 30: A
Question 13: B Question 31: E
Question 14: A Question 32: C
Question 15: C Question 33: A
Question 16: B Question 34: C
Question 17: B Question 35: D
Question 18: C
Free-Response Scoring Guidelines

The following contains the scoring guidelines

for the free-response questions in this exam.
 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2017 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 1
15 points total Distribution
of points
(a) 2 points

For correctly drawing and labeling the weight of the block 1 point
For correctly drawing and labeling the force of the spring 1 point
Note: A maximum of one point can be earned if there are any extraneous vectors.

(b) 2 points

For correctly substituting an expression for the spring force and the gravitational force 1 point
into Newton's second law
FS  mg
kx  mg

x0  mg k  1.0 kg  9.8 m s2   50 N m 
For a correct answer 1 point
x0  0.20 m

(c) 2 points

For using an appropriate kinematics equation to determine the initial speed of the clay 1 point
v12  v02  2 ay


v0  v12  2ay   5.0 m s   2  9.8 m s2 1.0 m 
2

For a correct answer with units 1 point
v0  6.68 m s

Alternate Solution Alternate points

For using an equation for the conservation of energy to determine the initial speed of 1 point
the clay
K1  K 2  U g 2  1 2  mv12  1 2  mv22  mgh2


v1  v22  2gh   5.0 m s   2  9.8 m s2 1.0 m 
2

For a correct answer with units 1 point
v1  6.68 m s

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2017 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 1 (continued)
Distribution
of points
(d)
i) 2 points

For using conservation of momentum to determine the speed of the block after the 1 point
collision
p1  p2  m1v1   m1  m2  v2
v2  m1v1  m1  m2    0.20 kg  5.0 m s   0.20 kg  1.0 kg 
For a correct answer with units 1 point
v f  0.83 m s

ii) 2 points

For substituting the correct mass and initial speed OR the same mass and initial speed as 1 point
part (d)(i) into the kinetic energy equation
K1  1 2  m1v12  1 2  0.20 kg  5.0 m s 2  2.5 J
For calculating the total kinetic energy after the collision using the combined mass and 1 point
using the speed from part (d)(i)
K2  1 2  m1  m2  v22  1 2  0.20 kg  1.0 kg  0.83 m s   0.41 J
2

Subtract the two kinetic energies

K  K1  K2  2.5 J  0.41 J  2.1 J
Note: A maximum of one point can be earned if any other energy is included in the
calculations above.

iii) 1 point

For using the combined mass in the equation for the period of oscillation of a spring 1 point
 m1  m2  1.0 kg  0.20 kg 
T  2  2  0.97 s
k  50 N m 

(e) 2 points

Select “Greater than”

For any correct equilibrium statement even if the wrong selection is made 1 point
For indicating that the greater mass will stretch the spring more at equilibrium and the 1 point
corresponding checkbox is selected
Example: Since maximum velocity occurs when the block is at equilibrium and there
is now more mass attached to the spring, the spring will be longer when the
block-spring system is at maximum velocity.

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2017 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 1 (continued)
Distribution
of points
(f) 2 points

For correctly selecting “Greater than” and attempting to justify the selection 1 point
For a correct justification 1 point
Example: Since kinetic energy is conserved in an elastic collision, the speed of the target
object (block) will be greater after the collision with the rubber ball than it was with
the piece of clay.
Note: If incorrect selection is made, the justification cannot earn credit.

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2017 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 2
15 points total Distribution
of points
(a) 2 points

For indicating that the velocity is the derivative of the position 1 point
dx
v t  
dt
 d  d cos  t   
v t    
 dt 
For correctly taking the derivative of the position 1 point
v  t    d sin t 

(b) 3 points

For labeling maximum and/or minimum velocity as d and/or d respectively OR 1 point
labels consistent with the expression in part (a)
For beginning the graph at zero and in the negative direction 1 point
For drawing two sinusoidal curves with the first ending at T and the second ending at 2T 1 point

(c)
i) 1 point

For an answer consistent with part (a) 1 point

1
K  t   mv  t 2 
2 
1
2
 M    d sin t  2 
M  2d 2
2
sin 2 t 

ii) 1 point

For an answer consistent with the position function used in part (a) 1 point
1
U  t   kx  t 2 
2 
1
2
 k   d cos t  2 
kd 2
2
cos 2 t 

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2017 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 2 (continued)
Distribution
of points
(c) (continued)
iii) 2 points

For indicating that the total energy is the sum of the equations for parts (c)(i) and (c)(ii) 1 point
M  2d 2 kd 2
E t   K t   U t   sin 2 t   cos 2 t 
2 2
For correctly indicating that the derivative of the above equation is zero 1 point
2
k  2
M   d
k  M  kd 2
   E t   sin 2  t   cos 2  t 
m 2 2
kd 2 2 kd 2 kd 2 kd 2
E t  
2
sin t  
2
cos2 t  
2 
sin2 t   cos2 t   
2
2
dE d  kd
 0
dt dt  2 

(d)
i) 2 points

For correctly calculating the slope using the best-fit line and not the data points 1 point
Example:

slope 
T 2

 0.88  0.38  s2  0.50 s2 kg
mclay 1.5  0.5  kg 
Acceptable range of answers: 0.48  0.60 s2 kg
For correctly relating the slope to the equivalent spring constant for the two-spring 1 point
system
Example:
4 2 4 2 
4 2 
T  2
m
 T  4
2
 
2 m
 slope  k  
keq 2k 2k 2  slope  
 2  0.50 s2 kg 
k  39.5 N m
Acceptable range of answers: 32.5  41.5 N m

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2017 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 2 (continued)
Distribution
of points
(d) (continued)
ii) 2 points

For relating the mass of the cart to the period and substituting values of a point from the 1 point
graph
For substituting the value for the spring constant from part (d)(i) 1 point
Example:
mc  M 2kT 2 
 2  39.5 N m  0.50 s 2 

T 2  4 2  M   m   0.75kg
2k 4 2
c
4 2  
m  0.25 kg

(e) 2 points

For indicating that the line would not change 1 point

For a correct justification 1 point
Example: Since the period does not depend on the amplitude of oscillation, the graph
would not change.
Note: If student does not indicate the line would not change, the justification cannot earn
credit.

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2017 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 3
15 points total Distribution
of points
(a) 3 points

f
FN

mg FN mg

For correctly drawing and labeling the weight and normal force at point A 1 point
For correctly drawing and labeling the weight and normal force at point B 1 point
For correctly drawing and labeling the frictional force at point A 1 point
Note: A maximum of 2 points can be earned if there are any extraneous vectors.

(b)
i) 2 points

For using the equation for conservation of energy for the sphere 1 point
U g1  U g 2  K
1 2 1 2
mgH  mgR  mv  I
2 2

  vr 
2
1 2 1 2 2 7
mg  H  R   mv  mr  mv 2
2 2 5 10
For a correct answer 1 point
10
v g  H  R
7

ii) 2 points

For correctly setting the normal force equal to the centripetal force 1 point
2
mv
FN  FC 
r
For an answer consistent with part (b)(i) above 1 point
10mg  H  R 
FN 
7R

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2017 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 3 (continued)
Distribution
of points
(c) 2 points

For using the equation for the ratio of the rotational and translational kinetic energies 1 point

  
2
2 2 v
mr
KR 1 2  I  2
5 r
 
KT 1 2  mv 2
mv 2

For a correct answer: 1 point

KR 2

KT 5
Note: Credit is given if units are included.

(d) 2 points

Correct answer: “Increase”

For a statement indicating the rotational inertia of the hoop is greater 1 point
For a statement indicating the effect of the greater rotational inertia on the linear speed 1 point
of the hoop

Example: Since the rotational inertia of the hoop is higher than that of the sphere, if the
hoop and sphere start at the same height, the hoop will rotate at a slower speed and
thus have a lower linear speed. Therefore, you need to start it at a higher initial
height so that it travels fast enough to make it through the loop.

(e) 4 points

For using an appropriate kinematics equation to determine the maximum height of the 1 point
sphere
v22  v12  2ay
For using only the vertical component of the velocity at point C to calculate the 1 point
maximum height of the sphere
0   vC sin    2   g  y
2

For indicating that the speed at point C is the same as the speed at point A 1 point
 v sin  2
y  A
2g
10
g  H  R  sin 2 
y MAX  R  7
2g
For a correct answer 1 point
5
yMAX  R   H  R  sin 2 
7
Alternate solution on next page

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 AP® PHYSICS C: MECHANICS
2017 SCORING GUIDELINES

Question 3 (continued)
Distribution
of points
(e) (continued)

Alternate solution Alternate points

For using conservation of energy to determine the maximum height of the sphere and 1 point
indicating the rotational kinetic energy does not change
K1  U1  K2  U2
1 2 1 2 1 1
mv1  I1  mgh1  mv22  I22  mgh2
2 2 2 2
1 2 1 2
mv  mgh1  mv2  mgh2
2 1 2
For using only the horizontal component of the velocity at point C to determine the 1 point
kinetic energy when the sphere is at its maximum height
1 2 1
v  gh1   vC cos   gh2
2
2 C 2
For indicating that the speed at point C is the same as the speed at point A 1 point


1 10
2 7 
g  H  R   gR  
1 10
2 7 
g  H  R  cos2   ghMAX

5
 H  R   R  5  H  R  cos2   hMAX
7 7
5

hMAX  R   H  R  1  cos2 
7 
For a correct answer 1 point
5
hMAX  R   H  R  sin 2 
7

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Scoring Worksheet

The following provides a scoring worksheet and conversion table

used for calculating a composite score of the exam.
 2017 AP Physics C: Mechanics Scoring Worksheet

Section I: Multiple Choice

× 1.2857 =
Number Correct Weighted Section I Score
(out of 35) (Do not round)

Section II: Free Response

Question 1 × 1.0000 =
(out of 15) (Do not round)

Question 2 × 1.0000 =
(out of 15) (Do not round)

Question 3 × 1.0000 =
(out of 15) (Do not round)

Sum =
Weighted
Section II
Score
(Do not round)

Composite Score

+ =
Weighted Weighted Composite Score
Section I Score Section II Score (Round to nearest
whole number)

AP Score Conversion Chart

Physics C: Mechanics
Composite
Score Range AP Score
53-90 5
42-52 4
33-41 3
24-32 2
0-23 1
Question Descriptors and Performance Data

The following contains tables showing the content assessed,

the correct answer, and how AP students performed on each question.
 2017 AP Physics C: Mechanics
Question Descriptors and Performance Data
Multiple-Choice Questions

Question Topic Key % Correct

1 Kinematics C 68
2 Kinematics C 70
3 Rotation & Circular Motion D 30
4 Rotation & Circular Motion E 39
5 Newton's laws B 58
6 Newton's laws E 90
7 Sys of particles & lin mom B 40
8 Sys of particles & lin mom E 28
9 Sys of particles & lin mom B 57
10 Work/energy/power B 23
11 Work/energy/power E 82
12 Newton's laws D 56
13 Newton's laws B 65
14 Kinematics A 89
15 Kinematics C 90
16 Kinematics B 66
17 Rotation & Circular Motion B 63
18 Rotation & Circular Motion C 55
19 Rotation & Circular Motion B 34
20 Kinematics A 85
21 Kinematics C 69
22 Newton's laws D 48
23 Newton's laws A 92
24 Gravity A 45
25 Gravity D 52
26 Gravity C 61
27 Sys of particles & lin mom D 71
28 Sys of particles & lin mom B 89
29 Work/energy/power A 28
30 Work/energy/power A 38
31 Rotation & Circular Motion E 37
32 Rotation & Circular Motion C 69
33 Oscillations A 41
34 Oscillations C 59
35 Oscillations D 41
 2017 AP Physics C: Mechanics
Question Descriptors and Performance Data

Free-Response Questions

Question Topic Mean Score

1 Sys of particles & lin mom 10.71
2 Oscillations 6.74
3 Rotation & Circular Motion 4.81
 AP Physics C:
Mechanics

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