CSULA

MIDTERM EXAM I
Spring 2007
Professor: Rafael Obregon

PHYSICS 211

Name (Last, First): _________________________________________

1. PLEASE show all work, writing the essential steps in the problem solution, do not just write the
answers. Write appropriate formulas first (if you can, put in numbers). Partial credit will be GIVEN,
provided that essential work is shown. Organized, logical, easy to follow work will receive more
credit than disorganized, no logic and/or inadequate work (e.g. missing units).
2. PLEASE write neatly. Before handing in your solutions: a) number the pages and put the pages in
numerical order, b) keep the problem solutions in numerical order, and c) clearly mark your final
answers. If I cant read or find your answer, you can't expect me to give it the credit it deserves.
3. This exam, pen or pencil, eraser, Help Sheet provided by me and calculator (no sharing) are the only
things allowed on your desk.
GOOD LUCK!!!

Problem

Points

No. I (20 pts)

No. II (80 pts)

GRADE: _____________

TOTAL (100 pts)

I) CONCEPTUAL QUESTIONS (5 points ea): Answer these in a few complete and grammatically
correct English sentences. Note that a correct explanation will be worth 4 points and merely
choosing the correct answer will be worth 1 point.
1. A force F is applied to a block of mass m1, which pushes on a second block of mass m2.
There is friction between the table and the blocks. Draw the free-body diagram for m1 and
m2 (Show forces acting ON each mass and label them correctly)

2. For which of the following vectors is the magnitude of the vector equal to one of the
components of the vector?
r
r
r
a) A 2i 5 j b) B 3 j c) C 5k Explain (briefly!) your answer.

3. Carts A and B move along a horizontal track. The strobe diagram shows the locations of
the carts at instants 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, separated by equal time intervals. At the instant 3:
a) Is cart A speeding up, slowing down or moving with constant speed?
b) Is cart B speeding up, slowing down or moving with constant speed?
Explain (briefly!) your answer.

4. A particle moves in a circular path of radius r with speed v. If its speed increases to 3v while
traveling the same circular path, by what factor will the centripetal acceleration of the particle
change? (Use UCM equations)
II) Solve the following problems (20 points ea)
1. An astronaut on a strange planet find that she can jump a maximum horizontal distance (R) of
18.0m if her initial velocity vi is 3.00m/s. Find the gravitational acceleration gP on this strange
planet.
2. A car moves along the x-axis according to the equation:
x(t) = 3.00t2+ 2.00t - 3.00 (x is in meters and t in seconds).
A) (4 points) What are the values for initial position and initial velocity?
B) (8 points) Apply calculus (derivation) to write an expression for its instantaneous velocity at
any time t.
C) (8 points) Apply calculus (derivation) to write an expression for its instantaneous
acceleration at any time t.
3.
Vector A has negative x component 3.00 units in length and a positive component y
2.00 unit in length.
A) Determine the magnitude and direction of A.
B) What vector B when added to A gives a resultant vector with no x component and a negative
y component 4.00 units in length.

4. An object of mass m1 is placed on a horizontal table with a coefficient of friction k and

connected to a string that passes over a pulley and then is fastened to a hanging object of mass m2
as the figure. If m2 > m1:
A) Sketch a free-body y diagram for each mass (show motion direction as well as forces acting
ON each mass and label them correctly).
B) Using second Newtons law, write the equation of motion for m1.
C) Using second Newtons law, write the equation of motion for m2.
D) Using parts B & C, show that the acceleration of the system is given by: a

E) Using parts B & C, show that the tension in the string is given by: T

m1

m2

m2 m1 k g
m1 m2

m1m2 g 1 k
m1 m2