| Step | Derivation/Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | \( v = v_0 + at \) | Use the kinematic equation for vertical motion. Here, \(v\) is the final velocity at the max height (which is 0), \(v_0\) is the initial velocity, \(a\) is the acceleration (gravity, acting downward), and \(t\) is the time. |
| 2 | \( 0 = v_0 – g \times 0.586 \) | Set the final velocity \(v\) at the maximum height to 0, and solve for \(v_0\). The acceleration due to gravity \(g\) is \(9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2\). |
| 3 | \( v_0 = g \times 0.586 \) | Rearrange to solve for \(v_0\) |
| 4 | \( v_0 = 9.8 \times 0.586 \) | Substitute the values of \(g\) and \(t\) |
| 5 | \( v_0 = 5.74 \, \text{m/s} \) | Final answer for the initial speed. |
| Step | Derivation/Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | \( v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a \Delta x \) | Use the kinematic equation to relate velocity, acceleration, and displacement. Here, \(v\) is the final velocity at the max height (0), \(v_0\) is the initial velocity, \(a\) is the acceleration (gravity), and \(\Delta x\) is the displacement. |
| 2 | \( 0 = (5.74)^2 – 2 \cdot 9.8 \cdot \Delta x \) | Substitute \(v = 0\), \(v_0 = 5.74 \, \text{m/s}\), and \(a = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2\) |
| 3 | \( 2 \cdot 9.8 \cdot \Delta x = (5.74)^2 \) | Rearrange to solve for \(\Delta x\). |
| 4 | \( \Delta x = \frac{(5.74)^2}{2 \cdot 9.8} \) | Solve for \(\Delta x\). |
| 5 | \( \Delta x = 1.68 \, \text{m} \) | Compute the displacement \(\Delta x\). |
| 6 | \(\text{Max height} = 3.25 + 1.68 = 4.93 \, \text{m} \) | Since the ice cube was initially 3.25 m above the ground, add this to \(\Delta x\) to get the maximum height. |
| Step | Derivation/Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | \(\Delta y = v_0 t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2\) | Use the kinematic equation for vertical displacement, where \(\Delta y\) is the change in height, \(v_0\) is the initial velocity, \(a\) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \(t\) is the time. |
| 2 | \(\Delta y = 0\) at maximum height, then use \(y = 4.93 \, \text{m}\) | The maximum height the ice cube reaches is previously calculated as 4.93 m. |
| 3 | \( -4.93 \, \text{m} = – \frac{1}{2} \cdot 9.8 \cdot t^2\) | Solve for the time taken to fall from the maximum height to the ground. Note the displacement (\(\Delta y\)) is negative when falling down. |
| 4 | \(t = \sqrt{\frac{2 \cdot 4.93}{9.8}}\) | Substitute the values and solve for \(t\). |
| 5 | \(t = \sqrt{\frac{9.86}{9.8}} = \sqrt{1.01} \approx 1.005 \, \text{s}\) | Calculate the square root to find the fall time. |
| 6 | Total time = \(0.586 \, \text{s} (up) + 1.005\, \text{s} (down) \approx 1.59 \, \text{s}\) | Add the time going up (0.586 s) to the time coming down (1.005 s) to get the total time. |
| 7 | \( t_{\text{total}} = 1.59 \, \text{s} \) | Final time taken for the ice cube to reach the ground. |
| Step | Derivation/Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | \(v_y^2 = v_{max}^2 + 2 a \Delta y\) | Use the kinematic equation relating velocity, acceleration, and displacement, where \(v_y\) is the final velocity, \(v_{max}\) is the velocity at maximum height (0 m/s), \(a\) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \(\Delta y\) is the displacement (4.93 m). |
| 2 | \(v_y^2 = 0 + 2 \cdot 9.8 \cdot 4.93\) | Substitute the values into the equation. |
| 3 | \( v_y^2 = 96.508 \) | Calculate the right side of the equation. |
| 4 | \( v_y = \sqrt{96.508}\) | Take the square root to solve for \(v_y\). |
| 5 | \( v_y \approx 9.82 \, \text{m/s}\) | Final speed of the ice cube when it reaches the ground. |
| 6 | \( v_{\text{final}} \approx 9.82 \, \text{m/s} \) | The boxed final answer for the speed of the ice cube when it hits the ground. |
| Step | Derivation/Formula | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | \(v_y^2 = v_{max}^2 + 2 a \Delta y\) | Use the kinematic equation relating velocity, acceleration, and displacement, where \(v_y\) is the final velocity (7.00 m/s), \(v_{max}\) is the velocity at maximum height (0 m/s), \(a\) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \(\Delta y\) is the displacement from the maximum height. |
| 2 | \( (7.00)^2 = 0 + 2 \cdot 9.8 \cdot \Delta y \) | Substitute the given speed and constants. |
| 3 | \( 49 = 19.6 \cdot \Delta y\) | Solve for \(\Delta y\) by isolating it on one side of the equation. |
| 4 | \( \Delta y = \frac{49}{19.6}\) | Rearrange to solve for \(\Delta y\). |
| 5 | \(\Delta y = 2.5 \, \text{m}\) | Final height change from the maximum height when the ice cube reaches a speed of 7.00 m/s downward. |
| 6 | \( \text{Height above ground} = 4.93 – 2.5 \) | Subtract the downwards displacement from the maximum height to get the current height above the ground. |
| 7 | \( \text{Height above ground} = 2.43 \, \text{m}\) | Final height of the ice cube above the ground when traveling at 7.00 m/s downward. |
| 8 | \( \text{Height} = 2.43 \, \text{m} \) | Boxed final answer. |
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A rollercoaster leaves the station at rest. Its speed increases steadily for \( 6 \) \( \text{s} \) as it heads down the first drop. The ride then levels out and it moves at a constant speed for \( 4 \) \( \text{s} \) before hitting the brakes and stopping in \( 3 \) \( \text{s} \). Draw the velocity vs. time graph or explain it in terms of functions.
A runner completes one full lap around a \( 400 \) \( \text{m} \) track in \( 100 \) \( \text{s} \). What is their average velocity?

The figure shows a graph of the position \(x\) of two cars, \(C\) and \(D\), as a function of time \(t\). According to this graph, which statements about these cars must be true? (There could be more than one correct choice.)
An object travels along a path shown above, with changing velocity as indicated by vectors \( A \) and \( B \). Which vector best represents the net acceleration of the object from time \( t_A \) to \( t_B \)?
You throw a ball straight upward. It leaves your hand at \( 20 \) \( \text{m/s} \) and slows at a steady rate until it stops at the peak. The ball then comes back down, speeding up steadily until it hits the ground with the same speed it left your hand. Draw the velocity vs. time graph or explain it in terms of functions.
An object undergoes constant acceleration. Starting from rest, the object travels \( 5 \, \text{m} \) in the first second. Then it travels \( 15 \, \text{m} \) in the next second. What additional distance will be covered in the third second?
A large beach ball is dropped from the ceiling of a school gymnasium to the floor about 10 meters below. Which of the following graphs would best represent its velocity as a function of time? (do not neglect air resistance)

Which of the following graphs represent an object having zero acceleration?
A car is driving at \(25 \, \text{m/s}\) when a light turns red \(100 \, \text{m}\) ahead. The driver takes an unknown amount of time to react and hit the brakes, but manages to skid to a stop at the red light. If \(\mu_s = 0.9\) and \(\mu_k = 0.65\), what was the reaction time of the driver?
Can an object have a non-zero distance and zero average speed?
Note answers may vary by \( \pm 0.2 \).
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| Kinematics | Forces |
|---|---|
| \(\Delta x = v_i t + \frac{1}{2} at^2\) | \(F = ma\) |
| \(v = v_i + at\) | \(F_g = \frac{G m_1 m_2}{r^2}\) |
| \(v^2 = v_i^2 + 2a \Delta x\) | \(f = \mu N\) |
| \(\Delta x = \frac{v_i + v}{2} t\) | \(F_s =-kx\) |
| \(v^2 = v_f^2 \,-\, 2a \Delta x\) |
| Circular Motion | Energy |
|---|---|
| \(F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}\) | \(KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2\) |
| \(a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}\) | \(PE = mgh\) |
| \(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{r}{g}}\) | \(KE_i + PE_i = KE_f + PE_f\) |
| \(W = Fd \cos\theta\) |
| Momentum | Torque and Rotations |
|---|---|
| \(p = mv\) | \(\tau = r \cdot F \cdot \sin(\theta)\) |
| \(J = \Delta p\) | \(I = \sum mr^2\) |
| \(p_i = p_f\) | \(L = I \cdot \omega\) |
| Simple Harmonic Motion | Fluids |
|---|---|
| \(F = -kx\) | \(P = \frac{F}{A}\) |
| \(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}\) | \(P_{\text{total}} = P_{\text{atm}} + \rho gh\) |
| \(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}\) | \(Q = Av\) |
| \(x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)\) | \(F_b = \rho V g\) |
| \(a = -\omega^2 x\) | \(A_1v_1 = A_2v_2\) |
| Constant | Description |
|---|---|
| [katex]g[/katex] | Acceleration due to gravity, typically [katex]9.8 , \text{m/s}^2[/katex] on Earth’s surface |
| [katex]G[/katex] | Universal Gravitational Constant, [katex]6.674 \times 10^{-11} , \text{N} \cdot \text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2[/katex] |
| [katex]\mu_k[/katex] and [katex]\mu_s[/katex] | Coefficients of kinetic ([katex]\mu_k[/katex]) and static ([katex]\mu_s[/katex]) friction, dimensionless. Static friction ([katex]\mu_s[/katex]) is usually greater than kinetic friction ([katex]\mu_k[/katex]) as it resists the start of motion. |
| [katex]k[/katex] | Spring constant, in [katex]\text{N/m}[/katex] |
| [katex] M_E = 5.972 \times 10^{24} , \text{kg} [/katex] | Mass of the Earth |
| [katex] M_M = 7.348 \times 10^{22} , \text{kg} [/katex] | Mass of the Moon |
| [katex] M_M = 1.989 \times 10^{30} , \text{kg} [/katex] | Mass of the Sun |
| Variable | SI Unit |
|---|---|
| [katex]s[/katex] (Displacement) | [katex]\text{meters (m)}[/katex] |
| [katex]v[/katex] (Velocity) | [katex]\text{meters per second (m/s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]a[/katex] (Acceleration) | [katex]\text{meters per second squared (m/s}^2\text{)}[/katex] |
| [katex]t[/katex] (Time) | [katex]\text{seconds (s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]m[/katex] (Mass) | [katex]\text{kilograms (kg)}[/katex] |
| Variable | Derived SI Unit |
|---|---|
| [katex]F[/katex] (Force) | [katex]\text{newtons (N)}[/katex] |
| [katex]E[/katex], [katex]PE[/katex], [katex]KE[/katex] (Energy, Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy) | [katex]\text{joules (J)}[/katex] |
| [katex]P[/katex] (Power) | [katex]\text{watts (W)}[/katex] |
| [katex]p[/katex] (Momentum) | [katex]\text{kilogram meters per second (kgm/s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]\omega[/katex] (Angular Velocity) | [katex]\text{radians per second (rad/s)}[/katex] |
| [katex]\tau[/katex] (Torque) | [katex]\text{newton meters (Nm)}[/katex] |
| [katex]I[/katex] (Moment of Inertia) | [katex]\text{kilogram meter squared (kgm}^2\text{)}[/katex] |
| [katex]f[/katex] (Frequency) | [katex]\text{hertz (Hz)}[/katex] |
Metric Prefixes
Example of using unit analysis: Convert 5 kilometers to millimeters.
Start with the given measurement: [katex]\text{5 km}[/katex]
Use the conversion factors for kilometers to meters and meters to millimeters: [katex]\text{5 km} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{m}}{1 \, \text{km}} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{mm}}{1 \, \text{m}}[/katex]
Perform the multiplication: [katex]\text{5 km} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{m}}{1 \, \text{km}} \times \frac{10^3 \, \text{mm}}{1 \, \text{m}} = 5 \times 10^3 \times 10^3 \, \text{mm}[/katex]
Simplify to get the final answer: [katex]\boxed{5 \times 10^6 \, \text{mm}}[/katex]
Prefix | Symbol | Power of Ten | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
Pico- | p | [katex]10^{-12}[/katex] | 0.000000000001 |
Nano- | n | [katex]10^{-9}[/katex] | 0.000000001 |
Micro- | µ | [katex]10^{-6}[/katex] | 0.000001 |
Milli- | m | [katex]10^{-3}[/katex] | 0.001 |
Centi- | c | [katex]10^{-2}[/katex] | 0.01 |
Deci- | d | [katex]10^{-1}[/katex] | 0.1 |
(Base unit) | – | [katex]10^{0}[/katex] | 1 |
Deca- or Deka- | da | [katex]10^{1}[/katex] | 10 |
Hecto- | h | [katex]10^{2}[/katex] | 100 |
Kilo- | k | [katex]10^{3}[/katex] | 1,000 |
Mega- | M | [katex]10^{6}[/katex] | 1,000,000 |
Giga- | G | [katex]10^{9}[/katex] | 1,000,000,000 |
Tera- | T | [katex]10^{12}[/katex] | 1,000,000,000,000 |
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