Question 1

A vole is being chased by a bobcat. The vole starts at rest, 10 m from its burrow, and accelerates at $$-0.5\ \mathrm{m/s^2$}. $$The bobcat starts at rest, 6 m behind the vole, and accelerates at $$-1\ \mathrm{m/s^2$}. $$Which equation would you use to determine the time it takes for the vole to reach its burrow?

Accepted Answer

$$x = x_0$ + v_0$ t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2$

Question 2

Given the scenario above, what is the minimum time required for the vole to reach its burrow?

Accepted Answer

$$6.32\ \mathrm{s}$$

Question 3

A model train designer creates an 80:1 scale model of an Amtrak train. If the real train accelerates at $$1.6\ \mathrm{m/s^2$}$$, what is the expected acceleration of the model (assuming dynamic similarity)?

Accepted Answer

$$0.02\ \mathrm{m/s^2$}$$

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the difference between distance and displacement?

Accepted Answer

Distance is a scalar and measures the total path traveled; displacement is a vector and measures the straight-line change in position.

Question 5

A soccer ball's velocity over time is shown in the graph. What is the displacement of the ball from $$t=3\ \mathrm{s} to$$ $$t=10\ \mathrm{s}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$8\ \mathrm{m}$$

Question 6

A car is traveling at $$11\ \mathrm{m/s}$$ and is $$25\ \mathrm{m}$$ behind another car when the front car suddenly stops. If the driver's reaction time is $$0.75\ \mathrm{s}$$ and the car decelerates at $$5\ \mathrm{m/s^2$}$$, will the car stop before hitting the one in front?

Accepted Answer

No, the car will collide with the one in front.

Question 7

A plane starts $$350\ \mathrm{m}$$ from the start of a $$4000\ \mathrm{m}$$ runway, moving at $$3\ \mathrm{m/s}$$ for $$4\ \mathrm{s}$$, then accelerates at $$2.5\ \mathrm{m/s^2$}$$ until it reaches $$90\ \mathrm{m/s}. $$Does the plane take off before the end of the runway?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the plane takes off before the end of the runway.

Question 8

Which of the following is a valid assumption when creating an $$x vs$$ $$t$$ graph from a $$v vs$$ $$t$$ graph?

Accepted Answer

The initial position is known and velocity changes are accurately represented.

Question 9

A snail moves with constant velocity. If it travels $$0.5\ \mathrm{cm}$$ every $$2\ \mathrm{min}$$, where will it be after $$26\ \mathrm{min}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$6.5\ \mathrm{cm}$$

Question 10

Which of the following is a source of uncertainty when collecting position vs time data for a moving snail?

Accepted Answer

Reaction time when starting and stopping the timer.

Question 11

A skateboarder’s $$x vs$$ $$t$$ graph is a straight line with a positive slope. What does this indicate about the skateboarder’s motion?

Accepted Answer

The skateboarder is moving at constant velocity.

Question 12

If the area under a $$v vs$$ $$t$$ graph from $$t=0 to$$ $$t=12\ \mathrm{s} is $$zero, what does this tell you about the displacement?

Accepted Answer

The object returned to its starting position.

Question 13

A bird watcher records the velocity of geese as increasing, then decreasing, then increasing again. Which of the following best describes the geese’s motion?

Accepted Answer

The geese are accelerating, decelerating, then accelerating again.

Question 14

Which kinematic equation would you use to find the final velocity of an object given its initial velocity, acceleration, and displacement?

Accepted Answer

$$v^2$$ = $$v_0^2 + 2a(x$$ - $$x_0$$)$$

Question 15

If a soccer ball’s velocity is negative, what does this indicate about its motion?

Accepted Answer

The ball is moving in the opposite direction to the positive axis.

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