2023

AP Physics C:
®

Mechanics
Scoring Guidelines
Set 1

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AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines

Question 1: Free-Response Question 15 points

(a) For correctly drawing and labeling the force of gravity and the normal force on both dots 1 point
For drawing and labeling the spring force to the left on both dots, where the force for 1 point
Spring Q (Trial 2) is twice as long as the force for Spring P (Trial 1)
Example Solution

Scoring Note: Examples of appropriate labels for the force due to gravity include: FG , Fg ,
Fgrav , W , mg , Mg , “grav force”, “F Earth on block”, “F on block by Earth”, FEarth on block ,
FE,Block . The labels G and g are not appropriate labels for the force due to gravity.
Fn , FN , N , “normal force”, “ground force”, or similar labels may be used for the
normal force.

Scoring Note: A response that includes extraneous vectors can earn a maximum of 1 point.
Total for part (a) 2 points
(b)(i) For a statement that the work is equal to the area under the curve 1 point
(b)(ii) For stating the spring compression will be greater than 0.040 m with an attempt at a relevant 1 point
justification
For a justification that indicates that the heights are equal when the area between each 1 point
function and the horizontal axis are equal, which happens after x = 0.040 m

Scoring Note: While a mathematical solution is not required to earn credit for this point,
students may reference a mathematical solution.
Example Solution

The work done by each spring is equal to the area under their respective curves. This work is
converted to the change in potential energy and therefore relates to the maximum height
reached by the block. At x = 0.040 m , the area under the curve for Spring Q is greater than
that of Spring P. Therefore, it is not until a compression greater than x = 0.040 m that the
areas under the two curves are equal, have the same work, and convert to the same
maximum height.

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AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
(b)(iii) For drawing smooth concave upward curves for both springs P and Q 1 point

For showing that the curves intersect after x = 0.05 m , but before x = 0.10 m 1 point

For showing the curve for Spring P below Spring Q before an intersection and the curve for 1 point
Spring P above Spring Q after this intersection
Example Solution

Total for part (b) 6 points

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AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
(c)(i) For correctly applying conservation of energy to solve for the velocity of Block A just before 1 point
it collides with Block B
Example Response

1
m A gH = m v2
2 A A
v A = 2 gH
m
v A = 2  9.8 2  ( 0.75 m )
 s 
∴ vA = 3.8 m s
For substituting the calculated value for vA into a correct conservation of linear momentum 1 point
expression and solving for v f
Example Response

v A ( m A + mB ) v f
m A=
m Av A
vf =
( m A + mB )
(0.120 kg) ( 3.8 m s )
vf =
( 0.120 kg + 0.070 kg )
∴ vf = 2.4 m s
Example Solution

1
m A gH = m v2
2 A A
v A = 2 gH
m
v A = 2  9.8 2  ( 0.75 m )
 s 
∴ vA = 3.8 m s

v A ( m A + mB ) v f
m A=
m Av A
vf =
( mA + mB )
(0.120 kg) ( 3.8 m s )
vf =
( 0.120 kg + 0.070 kg )
∴ vf = 2.4 m s

© 2023 College Board

AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
(c)(ii) For equating kinetic energy of the two-block system and elastic potential energy of the spring 1 point
Example Response

1 2
mv = ∫ F ( x ) dx
2
For correctly integrating to determine the elastic potential energy at the spring’s maximum 1 point
compression
Example Response

xmax
1 2
2
mv = ∫0 Cx1 2 dx

1 2 2
mv = Cxmax 3 2
2 3
For substituting the value for v f from part (c)(i) into the integrated equation and solving 1 point

for xmax

Example Response

23
 3 mv 2 
xmax = 
4 C 
23
 3 ( 0.190 kg )( 2.4 m s )2 
xmax =  
4 20.0 N m1 2 
Example Solution

K = Us
1 2
mv = ∫ F ( x ) dx
2
xmax
1 2
2
mv = ∫0 Cx1 2 dx

1 2 2
mv = Cxmax 3 2
2 3

( )
23
1 2 3
→ xmax = mv
2 2C
23
 3 mv 2 
xmax = 
4 C 
23
 3 ( 0.190 kg )( 2.4 m s )2 
xmax =  
4 20.0 N m1 2 
∴ xmax = 0.12 m

Total for part (c) 5 points

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AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
(d) For selecting C > D with an attempt at a relevant justification 1 point
For one of the following: 1 point
• a statement that correctly relates the total energy of the system, the maximum
compression distance of the springs, and the spring constant
• a statement that correctly relates the force exerted on the blocks by the spring, the
maximum compression distance of the springs, and the spring constant
Example Solutions

The energy of the two-block-spring system before the blocks compress the spring is the same
in both procedures, so the total potential energy of both springs must be the same when each
spring is at its maximum compression. Since Spring Q is compressed less than Spring R, C
must be greater than D.

OR

The blocks are traveling at the same speed before colliding with the spring in each
procedure. The maximum compression of Spring Q is less than Spring R, so the average
force exerted on the blocks by Spring Q to stop the blocks must be greater than that of
Spring R. Therefore, C must be greater than D.
Total for part (d) 2 points
Total for question 1 15 points

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AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines

Question 2: Free-Response Question 15 points

(a) For indicating the rotational inertia is the sum of the rotational inertia for all the stacked disks 1 point
Example Response

N
I eq = ∑
i =1
Ii

I eq = N ( 12 MR ) 2

For an expression for the period consistent with the previous rotational inertia expression 1 point
Example Response

T = 2π
N ( 12 MR ) 2

κ
Example Solution

N
I eq = ∑
i =1
Ii

I eq = N ( 12 MR ) 2

I
T = 2π
κ

T = 2π
(
N MR 2 )
2κ
Total for part (a) 2 points
(b) For a sketch that begins at a non-zero value 1 point
For a sketch that is constant with slope equal to zero 1 point
Example Solution

Total for part (b) 2 points

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AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
(c)(i) For drawing an appropriate line or curve of best fit that approximates the data 1 point
Example Solution

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AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
(c)(ii) For using two points on the line to calculate the slope 1 point
Example Response

T2 − T1
slope =
N 2 − N1
0.4 s − 0.2 s
=slope = 0.29 s
1.5 − 0.8

Scoring Note: Slope values may range from .22 s to .33 s.

For correctly relating the slope to the period of the torsional pendulum consistent with 1 point
part (a)
Example Response

NI
T = 2π
κ
I
2π
→ slope =
κ
For substituting the slope into the equation to determine the mass of the disk 1 point
Example Response

κ ( slope )2
→M = 2 2
2π R
Example Solution

NI
T = 2π
κ
I
2π
→ slope =
κ
2 I 2
( slope ) = 4π
κ

2
( slope ) = 4π 2
( 12 MR )
2

κ ( slope )2
→M = 2 2
2π R

0.4 s − 0.2 s 2
(1.6 N ⋅ m )  
M =  1.5 − 0.8 
2π 2 ( 0.2 m )2

∴ M = 0.17 kg

© 2023 College Board

AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
(c)(iii) For indicating a source of error that could correctly explain the observed difference with an 1 point
attempt at a relevant justification
For a correct justification that links the source of experimental error to the larger 1 point
experimental value for M . Accept one of the following:
• Experimental uncertainties for the period, for example the period is measured to be
larger
• The mass is more concentrated to the edge, or some other distribution that results in
a larger rotational inertia

Scoring Note: Responses that indicate the given κ is too large or the given radius is too
small may earn the second point.
Example Solution

The experimental value of the mass could be too large because the period measured by the
student is too large.

OR

The experimental value of the mass could be too large because the mass of the disk is
concentrated at the edge of the disk, causing the rotational inertia of the disk to be larger
than that used to determine the experimental value of mass.
Total for part (c) 6 points
(d)(i) For indicating that the slope would be greater with an attempt at a relevant justification 1 point
For indicating that using disks with densities that increase with r will increase the rotational 1 point
inertia
For indicating the functional relationship between slope and rotational inertia: I ∝ slope 1 point
Example Solution

The disks with a density that increases towards the edge of the disk will have a greater
proportion of their mass farther from the axis of rotation, so their rotational inertia will be
larger than that of a uniform disk. Therefore, the slope of the line will be greater because
the slope is proportional to I.

© 2023 College Board

AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
(d)(ii) For selecting ωU > ωnon-U with an attempt at a relevant justification, or a selection 1 point
consistent with part (d)(i)
For using energy conservation to justify the relationship 1 point
Example Solution

Energy in a torsion pendulum is conserved, 1 I ω 2 = 1 κθ 2 , where 1 κθ 2 is a constant.

2 2 2
Therefore, since I U < I non-U , ωU > ωnon-U to keep energy conserved.
Total for part (d) 5 points
Total for question 2 15 points

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AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines

Question 3: Free-Response Question 15 points

(a) For using a correct expression for conservation of energy of the rod-Earth system 1 point
Example Response

∆U + ∆K = 0
1
( 0 − MghCM ) +  I ω 2f − 0  =
0
2 
1 2
Mghcm = Iω f
2
For correctly substituting h and I into the correct energy expression 1 point
Example Response

 11 
Mg =  M  2  ω 2f
2 23 
Example Solution

0
∆U + ∆K =
1 2
( 0 − MghCM ) +  
Iω f − 0  =
0
2 
1 2
Mghcm =Iω f
2
 11 
Mg =  M  2  ω 2f
2 23 
3g
∴ω f =


© 2023 College Board

AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
Alternate Solution 1 point

For using a correct expression of Newton’s second law in rotational form

Alternate Example Response

τ net = Iα
For correctly substituting expressions for net torque and rotational inertia of the rod 1 point
Alternate Example Response

 1
Mg cos θ = M  2α
2 3
Alternate Example Solution

τ net = Iα
d ω d ω dθ d ω
α =
= = ω
dt dθ dt dθ
 1
Mg cos θ = M  2α
2 3
 1 dω
Mg cos θ = M  2 ω
2 3 dθ
 1
Mg cos θ dθ = M  2ω d ω
2 3
π
 ωf 1
∫02 2 Mg cos θ dθ = ∫0 3 M  ω dω
2

  π  1 1 
Mg sin − sin = 0 M  2  ω 2f − 0 
2  2  3 2 
g
3 [1 − 0] = ω 2f 

3g
ωf =


Scoring Note: The full integration is not needed to earn points but is presented for clarity.
Total for part (a) 2 points

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AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
(b) For using a correct expression for conservation of angular momentum 1 point
Example Response

Li = Lf
I ω = mvr
For correctly substituting the expression for 𝜔𝜔𝑓𝑓 from part (a) 1 point

Example Response

2 2 3g
m = mv0 
3 
Example Solution

Li = Lf
I ω = mvr
2 2 3g
m = mv0 
3 
4
∴ v0 = g 
3
Scoring Note: The last equation is not needed for scoring the item but is presented for clarity.

Total for part (b) 2 points

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AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
(c) For correctly drawing and labeling the force due to gravity and the normal force on the sphere 1 point
For drawing the frictional force horizontally to the right at the bottom of the sphere 1 point
Example Solution

Scoring note: Examples of appropriate labels for the force due to gravity include:
FG , Fg , Fgrav , W , mg , Mg , “grav force”, “ F Earth on sphere” , “ F on sphere by Earth”,
FEarth on sphere , FE,Sphere , FSphere,E . The labels G or g are not appropriate labels for the force due
to gravity. Fn , FN , N , “normal force”, “ground force”, or similar labels may be used for the
normal force.
Scoring Note: A response that includes extraneous vectors can earn a maximum of 1 point.

Scoring Note: Horizontally displacing the FN and Fg vectors slightly is permitted in order to
show the distinct points at which those forces are exerted on the sphere.
Total for part (c) 2 points

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AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
(d)(i) For using Newton’s second law in the horizontal direction 1 point
Example Response

ΣF = ma
− µ mg = ma
For a correct derivation of acceleration 1 point

Example Response
a = −µ g

For a correct expression for the velocity 1 point

Example Response

∴ v = v0 − µ gt
Example Solution

ΣF = ma
− µ mg = ma
a = −µ g
v= v0 + at
∴ v = v0 − µ gt
Scoring Note: Only the final expression for velocity must have correct signs.

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AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
(d)(ii) For using Newton’s second law in rotational form with substitutions for rotational inertia and 1 point
torque
Example Response

τ = Iα
2
Ff R = mR 2α
5
For correctly substituting for friction and solving for α 1 point
Example Response

Ff = µ mg
5µ g
α=
2R
For correctly substituting α into a rotational kinematic equation and solving for ω 1 point
Example Response

ω
= ω0 + α t
5µ g
∴ω = t
2R
Example Solution

τ = Iα
2
Ff R = mR 2α
5
Ff = µ mg
5µ g
α=
2R
ω
= ω0 + α t
5µ g
∴ω = t
2R
Total for part (d) 6 points

© 2023 College Board

AP® Physics C: Mechanics 2023 Scoring Guidelines
(e)(i) For indicating the linear speed is equal to Rω when slipping stops at Point B 1 point
Example Response

v = Rω

For correctly substituting v and ω from parts (d)(i) and (d)(ii) 1 point

Scoring Note: Substituting the acceleration from part (d)(i) into a valid kinematic equation
that includes time can earn this point.
Example Response

5µ g
v0 − µ gt =
R t
2R
Example Solution

v = Rω
5µ g
v0 − µ gt =R t
2R
2v
∴t = 0
7µ g
(e)(ii) For correctly substituting the expression for time from (e)(i) into the expression for velocity in 1 point
(d)(i)
Example Solution

v= v0 − µ gt
2v0
v= v0 − µ g
7µ g
5
∴ v = v0
7
Scoring Note: The last equation is not needed for scoring the item but is presented for clarity.

Total for part (e) 3 points

Total for question 3 15 points

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