Problem Topics: Types of problems that may appear on the exam…

1. 1-D Kinematics – be able to apply any of the six basic kinematics formulas to solve for any variable.

2. 2-D Kinematics

a. Given a vector with a provided direction (in degrees relative to some known direction) and magnitude, resolve the vector into its X and Y components.

b. Given the X and Y components of a vector, provide the vector’s magnitude and direction (in degrees relative to some known direction).

c. Projectile Motion Problems (acceleration in the y dimension, constant velocity in the x dimension). Possible variations…

i. Symmetric problem (initial and final positions are at the same elevation) -- be able to apply the Range Formula.

ii. Asymmetric problem (initial and final positions are at different elevations)

iii. Half of a symmetric problem (flight either begins or ends with horizontal velocity)

d. River Problems – be able to identify component and resultant vectors. Use two provided vectors to find the third. Provided vectors will be orthogonal. Solutions may not be orthogonal.

i. Given two component vectors, find the resultant (magnitude and direction)

ii. Given a resultant vector and one component, find the other component vector (magnitude and direction)

3. 1-D Newton’s Laws – Apply Newton’s laws to solve problems. The general strategy is to write two equations for net force – one using Newton’s 2^nd Law (the object’s mass times it acceleration), and one using the vector sum of all forces acting on the object in question.

a. Simple problems relating to acceleration, net force, and friction.

b. Vertically Accelerating Objects:

i. Supported by tension

ii. Supported by normal force (e.g. elevator problems)

c. Find tensions and acceleration in systems of blocks connected by strings. Some blocks slide on a horizontal surface, and at least one block hangs vertically. There may or may not be friction between the surface and the sliding block(s).

4. 2-D Newton’s Laws – Resolve forces into useful directions (x and y components or perpendicular and parallel components). Then apply Newton’s Laws.

a. Static equilibrium – a non-moving mass is supported by strings. Find tensions.

b. One or more blocks on an incline in a “tug-of-war” with another block that is hanging vertically (facilitated by a pulley). Find acceleration and tension.

5. Work and Energy – Be able to apply all of the formulas, except efficiency…

a. Work

b. Kinetic Energy

c. Work-Energy Theorem

d. Power

e. Potential Energies (gravitational and spring)

f. Conservation of energy without non-conservative work

g. Conservation of energy with non-conservative work