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The Qualitative / Quantitative Translation is one of the 5 FRQs that appear on the AP Physics 1 Exam. This particular question is usually worth 12 points (out of a total of 45) and is suggested to take around 25 minutes to complete. The word qualitative implies the use of words. The word quantitative implies the use of mathematics. This means that a QQT is a question that requires you to go between words and mathematics in describing and analyzing a situation.
0364_lecture_notes_-_qqt_and_pasa_for_ap_physics_explained.pdfSample QQT #1
Sample QQT #1
Students are to carry out a series of experiments with blocks in a lab. For the first experiment, some students decide to use a launcher to give both blocks the same initial velocity, v_0 , and launch them across a table. The coefficient of friction between the table and the blocks is μ. The blocks are made of the same material, but the mass of block A (mA ) is twice the mass of block B (mB ).
a. i. Student 1 says block A will slide farther along the table before coming to rest. What reasoning would support this prediction? (Do not use an equation; state the reasoning conceptually.)
ii. Student 2 says block B will slide farther. What reasoning would support this prediction? (Do not use an equation; state the reasoning conceptually.)
b. Derive a mathematical expression you could use to find the distance traveled by block A after it leaves the launcher, in terms of given quantities and physical constants.
c. Does the expression you derived in (b) support the reasoning you used in part (a) to support either Student 1 or Student 2, or both? Explain briefly.
d. In a second experiment, you decide to connect a string which has length L from a pivot to the side of block A (which has width d) so that the block will be constrained to go in a circular path about the pivot once it leaves the launcher.
i. Write an equation for the maximum tension in the string during the motion in terms of the given variables and relevant physical constants and justify its choice and the variables used.
ii. Qualitatively describe how the tension in the string changes during the motion and explain.
Sample QQT #2
Sample QQT #2
In the question to the left,
i. and ii. are both considered qualitative portions of the question.
iii. requires a quantitative description of the scenario.
iv. asks the students to translate between the qualitative and quantitative portions of their answer.
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