Question 1

According to Jonathan's Physics Problem-Solving Chain, what should you do immediately before choosing an equation to solve a physics problem?

Accepted Answer

Identify the governing physics principle.

Question 2

A vector $$\vec{A}$$ makes an angle $$	heta$$ with the x-axis. Which equation correctly gives the x-component of $$\vec{A}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$A_x = A \cos 	heta$$

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the graphs of position, velocity, and acceleration for constant positive acceleration is correct?

Accepted Answer

The area under the acceleration vs. time graph gives the change in velocity.

Question 4

A projectile is launched at an angle. Which statement best describes its horizontal and vertical motions (neglecting air resistance)?

Accepted Answer

Horizontal velocity is constant, while vertical velocity changes due to gravity.

Question 5

In a free-body diagram for a box on an incline, which force is responsible for the box sliding down the slope?

Accepted Answer

The component of gravity parallel to the incline ($$mg \sin 	heta)$$

Question 6

According to Newton's Third Law, which of the following is true about the forces between two interacting objects?

Accepted Answer

They are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, acting on different objects.

Question 7

A block slides down a frictionless incline. Which equation gives the acceleration of the block?

Accepted Answer

$$a = g \sin 	heta$$

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the energy transformation for a ball thrown upward (ignoring air resistance)?

Accepted Answer

Kinetic energy is converted to potential energy as the ball rises.

Question 9

In a perfectly inelastic collision between two carts, which of the following is always conserved?

Accepted Answer

Total momentum

Question 10

Which of the following is the correct relationship between linear and rotational quantities?

Accepted Answer

Momentum $$p$$ corresponds to angular momentum $$L$$

Question 11

A wheel of radius $$r$$ rotates with angular speed $$\omega. $$What is the tangential speed $$v_t at $$the rim?

Accepted Answer

$$v_t = r \omega$$

Question 12

Which equation gives the torque $$	au$$ produced by a force $$F$$ applied at a distance $$r$$ from a pivot, at an angle $$\phi to $$the lever arm?

Accepted Answer

$$	au = rF \sin \phi$$

Question 13

A mass $$m$$ attached to a spring oscillates with amplitude $$A. At $$which point is the speed of the mass maximum?

Accepted Answer

At the equilibrium position

Question 14

Which of the following statements about waves is correct?

Accepted Answer

Wave speed in a given medium is $$v = f \lambda.$$

Question 15

In fluid mechanics, what happens to the speed of an incompressible fluid when it flows from a wide pipe into a narrower pipe?

Accepted Answer

The speed increases.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a mode of heat transfer?

Accepted Answer

Compression

Question 17

According to kinetic theory, what is the microscopic origin of gas pressure?

Accepted Answer

Collisions of gas molecules with the container walls

Question 18

On a P-V diagram, what does the area under the curve represent for a gas undergoing expansion?

Accepted Answer

The work done by the gas

Question 19

Why can't a cyclic heat engine convert all absorbed heat into work, according to the second law of thermodynamics?

Accepted Answer

Because some heat must always be rejected to a cold reservoir.

PHYS 2010 Zero-Assumption Companion: Structured Study Guide for College Physics (Non-Calculus)

Study Guide - Practice Questions