Q: A 2 kg object is moving in a circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. What is the magnitude of the centripetal force acting on the object?

$$F_c = \frac{mv^2$}{r} = \frac{2 \times 4^2$}{3} = \frac{32}{3} \approx 10.67 N$$

Q: A 5 kg object is dropped from a height of 10 m. What is its velocity just before hitting the ground? (Assume $$g = 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2)$$

$$v = \sqrt{2gh} = \sqrt{2 \times 9.8 \times 10} \approx 14 m/s$$

Q: A student lifts a 10 kg box to a shelf 2 m high. How much work is done against gravity?

$$W = mgh = 10 \times 9.8 \times 2 = 196 J$$

Q: A 0.5 kg mass attached to a spring oscillates with an amplitude of 0.2 m and a spring constant $$k = 50 N/m. $$What is the maximum kinetic energy?

$$KE_{max} = \frac{1}{2} k A^2$ = \frac{1}{2} \times 50 \times 0.2^2$ = 1 J$$

Question 1

A car accelerates from rest under a constant force. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the car's velocity $$v$$ and time $$t if $$the force $$F$$ and mass $$m$$ are constant?

Accepted Answer

$$v = \frac{F}{m} t$$

Question 2

A ball is thrown vertically upward with an initial velocity $$v_0. $$Neglecting air resistance, what is the maximum height $$h_{max}$$ reached by the ball?

Accepted Answer

$$h_{max} = \frac{v_0$^2}{2g}$$

Question 3

A satellite orbits Earth in a circular path. Which force provides the necessary centripetal acceleration?

Accepted Answer

Gravitational force

Question 4

A block slides down a frictionless incline of height $$h. $$What is its speed $$v at $$the bottom?

Accepted Answer

$$v = \sqrt{2gh}$$

Question 5

Which of the following statements about Newton's Third Law is correct?

Accepted Answer

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Question 6

A 2 kg object is moving in a circle of radius 3 m at a constant speed of 4 m/s. What is the magnitude of the centripetal force acting on the object?

Accepted Answer

$$F_c = \frac{mv^2$}{r} = \frac{2 	imes 4^2$}{3} = \frac{32}{3} \approx 10.67 N$$

Question 7

A spring with spring constant $$k is $$compressed by a distance $$x. $$What is the potential energy stored in the spring?

Accepted Answer

$$U = \frac{1}{2} k x^2$

Question 8

A student pushes a box across a rough floor at constant speed. Which statement is true about the forces acting on the box?

Accepted Answer

The applied force equals the frictional force in magnitude.

Question 9

A pendulum swings with a period $$T. If $$the length of the pendulum is quadrupled, what happens to the period?

Accepted Answer

The period doubles: $$T' = 2T$$

Question 10

A 5 kg object is dropped from a height of 10 m. What is its velocity just before hitting the ground? (Assume $$g = 9.8 	ext{ m/s}^2)$$

Accepted Answer

$$v = \sqrt{2gh} = \sqrt{2 	imes 9.8 	imes 10} \approx 14 m/s$$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the energy transformation in a hydroelectric dam?

Accepted Answer

Potential energy to kinetic energy to electrical energy

Question 12

A student lifts a 10 kg box to a shelf 2 m high. How much work is done against gravity?

Accepted Answer

$$W = mgh = 10 	imes 9.8 	imes 2 = 196 J$$

Question 13

A car traveling at 20 m/s comes to a stop in 5 seconds. What is its acceleration?

Accepted Answer

$$a = \frac{v_f - v_i}{t} = \frac{0 - 20}{5} = -4 m/s$^2$$

Question 14

A 0.5 kg mass attached to a spring oscillates with an amplitude of 0.2 m and a spring constant $$k = 50 N/m. $$What is the maximum kinetic energy?

Accepted Answer

$$KE_{max} = \frac{1}{2} k A^2$ = \frac{1}{2} 	imes 50 	imes 0.2^2$ = 1 J$$

Question 15

A student observes that a heavier ball and a lighter ball dropped from the same height hit the ground at the same time. Which principle does this demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Acceleration due to gravity is independent of mass.

Question 16

A 3 kg object moves at 6 m/s. What is its momentum?

Accepted Answer

$$p = m v = 3 	imes 6 = 18 kg m/s$$

Question 17

A student uses a scientific calculator during a physics exam. According to the course policy, which of the following is allowed?

Accepted Answer

A stand-alone scientific calculator with no internet or communication capability.

Question 18

During a physics experiment, a student measures the temperature and kinetic energy of a gas. Which law relates these two quantities?

Accepted Answer

The kinetic theory of gases

Question 19

A student is late to class and misses a quiz. According to the course policy, what is the consequence?

Accepted Answer

No make-up for missed in-class assignments without prior notice and official approval.

Physics I Syllabus and Course Structure – South Dakota State University (Fall 2025)

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