AP Physics C: Mechanics

Force Concept Quiz

1. In the system below the ropes and pulleys are massless and surfaces frictionless unless
otherwise stated.

a) Describe the relationship between the acceleration of block m2 and block m1 . Write an
explanation for this relationship in paragraph form.
b) Draw a free body diagram of all forces on each block.
c) Describe in paragraph form the relationship between the upward force(s) on block m2 and
the force to the right on block m1 .
d) If there was now a friction force between block m1 and the surface it rests on, what
additional information would be necessary to determine the acceleration of the system?
Describe why, in paragraph form, this information is needed.
e) Describe in paragraph form any changes to the acceleration of the system and the tension in
the ropes which would occur if the pulleys were not massless.

2.
In the situation above the cart has massless wheels and all surfaces are frictionless.

a) Draw a free body diagram with all forces on each of the blocks. Apply Newtons third
law to write which forces are force pairs.
b) If the F applied was zero, does the system move? Write in paragraph form why or why
not?
c) If the cart M was moving at a constant velocity, is the solution for the acceleration of
block m2 the same as if it were not moving at all? Why or why not?
d) If the cart M is accelerating how does this effect the acceleration of block m1 and m2 ,
as compared with the cart moving at a constant velocity?