PHYS 2300 BYT1 Physics: Mechanics
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Free PHYS 2300 BYT1 Physics: Mechanics Questions
You toss a rock upward. What is the rock's acceleration at the instant that it reaches the top of its trajectory?
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The rock has an upward acceleration of 9.8 m/s2
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The rock has a downward acceleration of 9.8 m/s2
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The rock has a downward acceleration of 19.6 m/s2
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The acceleration of the rock is zero
Explanation
Explanation:
Regardless of whether the rock is moving up, at rest at the peak, or moving down, the only significant force acting (neglecting air resistance) is gravity. Gravity produces a constant downward acceleration of about 9.8 m/s². Even at the very top, where its velocity is momentarily zero, the rock still accelerates downward at this rate.
Correct Answer:
The rock has a downward acceleration of 9.8 m/s2.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The rock has an upward acceleration of 9.8 m/s2.
This is incorrect because gravity always acts downward, never upward.
The rock has a downward acceleration of 19.6 m/s2.
This is incorrect because the acceleration due to gravity is about 9.8 m/s², not twice that value.
The acceleration of the rock is zero.
This is incorrect because even though the velocity is zero at the peak, the gravitational acceleration remains constant downward.
When an object is moving with uniform circular motion, the centripetal acceleration of the object
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is circular
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is perpendicular to the plane of motion
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is zero
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is directed toward the center of motion
Explanation
Explanation:
The correct answer is "is directed toward the center of motion." In uniform circular motion, even though the object’s speed is constant, its direction changes continuously, resulting in acceleration toward the center of the circle, called centripetal acceleration. This acceleration is always perpendicular to the velocity vector and points radially inward, keeping the object moving along the circular path.
Correct Answer:
is directed toward the center of motion
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
is circular
This is incorrect because acceleration is a vector quantity and is not “circular.” Its direction is toward the center, not along the circular path.
is perpendicular to the plane of motion
This is wrong because centripetal acceleration lies in the plane of the circle, not perpendicular to it.
is zero
This is incorrect because even at constant speed, changing direction produces acceleration toward the center, so it is not zero.
What is pressure?
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same as force but expressed in different units
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force times the area over which the force acts
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force times the distance over which the force acts
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force divided by the area over which the force acts
Explanation
Explanation:
Pressure is defined as the amount of force applied per unit area. It quantifies how concentrated a force is over a surface and is a fundamental concept in fluid mechanics and physics. The correct mathematical representation of pressure is Pressure = Force ÷ Area, which means that for a given force, the pressure increases as the area over which the force is applied decreases. Pressure is not simply a force in different units, nor is it the product of force and area or force and distance.
Correct Answer:
force divided by the area over which the force acts
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
same as force but expressed in different units
This is incorrect because pressure and force are distinct physical quantities. Pressure depends on both the force and the area over which it is applied, not just a unit conversion of force.
force times the area over which the force acts
This is incorrect because multiplying force by area gives a different physical quantity, not pressure. Pressure decreases as the area increases for the same force, which contradicts this formula.
force times the distance over which the force acts
This is incorrect because multiplying force by distance calculates work, not pressure. Pressure is independent of distance and only relates to force and area.
For a mechanic to apply more torque to a bolt, she could:
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Heat the wrench before applying force
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Use a longer wrench.
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Apply more force to the wrench.
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Both B and C
Explanation
Explanation:
Torque is calculated as the product of force and the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation (Torque = Force × Lever Arm). Therefore, to increase torque, a mechanic can either apply a greater force or increase the length of the wrench, which effectively increases the lever arm. Using both strategies together maximizes the torque applied to the bolt. Heating the wrench does not directly increase torque; it may affect the material properties but is not relevant to the torque calculation.
Correct Answer:
Both B and C.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Heat the wrench before applying force.
This is incorrect because heating the wrench does not increase the force applied or the lever arm length. Torque depends on force and distance, not temperature.
Use a longer wrench.
While correct in principle, using only a longer wrench without increasing the applied force may not maximize torque. The combination of a longer wrench and more force is more effective.
Apply more force to the wrench.
This is partially correct, but maximizing torque can be further achieved by also using a longer wrench. Therefore, the best answer is the combination of both strategies.
A projectile is launched at an angle of 30° above the horizontal. Which other angle will yield the same horizontal range?
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15°
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30°
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60°
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75°
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90°
Explanation
Explanation:
For a projectile launched with the same speed and neglecting air resistance, the horizontal range is proportional to sin(2θ).
Two launch angles θ₁ and θ₂ give the same range when their sums equal 90°, because sin(2θ₁) = sin(2θ₂) when 2θ₂ = 180° − 2θ₁.
If θ₁ = 30°, then θ₂ = 90° − 30° = 60°.
Correct Answer:
60°
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
15°
The complement of 15° is 75°, not 30°, so it does not produce the same range as 30°.
30°
This is simply the same angle as the original and does not provide a distinct second angle with the same range.
75°
The complement of 75° is 15°, not 30°, so it will not match the range of a 30° launch.
90°
A 90° launch is straight upward, giving zero horizontal range, which is entirely different from the range at 30°.
What type of lever is exemplified by a seesaw, where the fulcrum is positioned between the effort and the load?
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a first-class lever
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a second-class lever
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a third-class lever
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a compound lever
Explanation
Explanation:
A seesaw is an example of a first-class lever. In a first-class lever, the fulcrum is located between the effort (force applied) and the load (resistance to be moved). This arrangement allows the lever to change the direction of the applied force and can provide a mechanical advantage depending on the distances from the fulcrum to the effort and load. Examples include seesaws, scissors, and crowbars. The position of the fulcrum in relation to the effort and load is the defining characteristic of first-class levers.
Correct Answer:
a first-class lever
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
a second-class lever
This is incorrect because, in a second-class lever, the load is positioned between the effort and the fulcrum. An example is a wheelbarrow. A seesaw does not fit this configuration.
a third-class lever
This is incorrect because, in a third-class lever, the effort is applied between the fulcrum and the load. Examples include tweezers or a broom, which differ from the seesaw setup.
a compound lever
This is incorrect because a compound lever consists of multiple levers connected together to multiply force or distance. A simple seesaw is a single first-class lever, not a compound lever.
Which of the following statements regarding the concept of weight is NOT accurate?
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Weight is a measure of the gravitational force acting on an object
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Weight remains constant regardless of location in the universe
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Weight can change if the mass of the object changes
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Weight is influenced by the local gravitational field strength
Explanation
Explanation:
Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity and is calculated as the product of mass and the local gravitational acceleration (Weight = Mass × g). This means that weight depends on both the mass of the object and the strength of the gravitational field where the object is located. Therefore, weight can change if the gravitational field changes, such as on the Moon versus Earth. The statement that weight remains constant regardless of location is inaccurate because weight varies with gravitational strength, even though mass remains constant.
Correct Answer:
Weight remains constant regardless of location in the universe
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Weight is a measure of the gravitational force acting on an object
This is correct. Weight is defined precisely as the gravitational force acting on an object, which depends on its mass and the local gravitational acceleration.
Weight can change if the mass of the object changes
This is correct. Since weight is directly proportional to mass, any change in mass will result in a corresponding change in weight, assuming the gravitational field remains the same.
Weight is influenced by the local gravitational field strength
This is correct. Weight varies depending on the strength of the gravitational field, which is why an object weighs less on the Moon than on Earth despite having the same mass.
What is the vertical acceleration of a rock thrown straight upward on the way up? At the top of its flight? On the way down?
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Negative, Zero, Negative
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Positive, Zero, Negative
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Negative, Negative, Negative
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Negative, Zero, Positive
Explanation
Explanation:
Throughout the entire motion—going up, at the top, and coming down—the only vertical acceleration is due to gravity, which acts downward and is conventionally negative if upward is positive. It never becomes zero or positive.
Correct Answer:
Negative, Negative, Negative
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Negative, Zero, Negative
This is incorrect because the vertical acceleration is not zero at the top; gravity continues to act downward.
Positive, Zero, Negative
This is wrong because the acceleration is never upward (positive) and never zero at the top.
Negative, Zero, Positive
This is incorrect because acceleration is never zero and never changes sign; it remains downward (negative) at all times.
To maximize the distance a baseball travels after being hit, the player should aim to
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strike the ball with minimal force
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ensure the bat makes contact with the ball at an optimal angle
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swing the bat at a slower speed
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hit the ball with a flat trajectory
Explanation
Explanation:
To maximize the distance of a baseball hit, the optimal strategy is to strike the ball at an angle that maximizes projectile range, typically around 30–45 degrees relative to the ground. This allows the ball to achieve an ideal combination of vertical and horizontal motion. Contact at this optimal angle, combined with sufficient force and bat speed, ensures that the ball travels the greatest distance according to the principles of projectile motion in physics.
Correct Answer:
ensure the bat makes contact with the ball at an optimal angle
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
strike the ball with minimal force
This is incorrect because minimal force would not provide enough kinetic energy to the ball for maximum distance. Maximizing distance requires sufficient force, not minimal.
swing the bat at a slower speed
This is incorrect because a slower swing reduces the velocity imparted to the ball, decreasing the distance it travels. High bat speed contributes to greater kinetic energy transfer.
hit the ball with a flat trajectory
This is incorrect because a flat trajectory (close to horizontal) would reduce the time the ball stays in the air and limit distance. An optimal angle is necessary to balance height and horizontal range.
A golf ball is thrown straight up at 10 m/s from the front seat of a convertible that is traveling at a constant velocity of 20 m/s forward. Where does the ball land when it comes back down? Ignore air resistance
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Behind the convertible
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In the front seat of the convertible
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To the side of the convertible
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In front of the convertible
Explanation
Explanation:
The golf ball initially has both the vertical velocity from the throw (10 m/s upward) and the horizontal velocity of the car (20 m/s forward). With no air resistance, there is no horizontal force, so the ball keeps the same horizontal speed as the car. Because the convertible continues at 20 m/s forward and the ball maintains 20 m/s forward horizontally, they stay aligned throughout the flight, so the ball comes down exactly where it was thrown relative to the car.
Correct Answer:
In the front seat of the convertible
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Behind the convertible
Incorrect because the ball continues moving forward with the car’s initial horizontal velocity; it does not lag behind.
To the side of the convertible
Incorrect because no sideways force acts on the ball to move it left or right relative to the car.
In front of the convertible
Incorrect because the ball’s horizontal velocity matches the car’s, so it will not land ahead of the car.
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