Sample Constructed Response Exams

Domain I: Motion and Stability—Forces and Interactions

1. Free-Body Analysis of an Inclined Plane

A block slides down a rough incline.

• Draw and label all forces acting on the block.

• Derive an expression for its acceleration.

• Explain how increasing the coefficient of friction affects the motion.

2. Newton's Third Law in a Collision

A truck collides with a compact car.

• Explain the interaction forces during the collision.

• Compare the forces acting on each vehicle.

• Explain why the accelerations differ.

3. Elevator Dynamics

An elevator accelerates upward from rest.

• Draw a free-body diagram.

• Determine the apparent weight of a passenger.

• Explain how the apparent weight changes when the elevator accelerates downward.

4. Circular Motion and Banking Curves

A car travels around a banked curve.

• Identify the forces acting on the vehicle.

• Explain how the normal force contributes to circular motion.

• Discuss how friction influences safe turning.

5. Orbital Motion

A satellite orbits Earth.

• Derive the relationship between orbital speed and orbital radius.

• Explain why the satellite does not fall to Earth.

• Discuss how orbital period changes with altitude.

6. Momentum Conservation

Two carts collide on a frictionless track.

• State the conservation law involved.

• Compare elastic and inelastic collisions.

• Explain how kinetic energy behaves in each case.

7. Rocket Propulsion

A rocket moves through space far from any atmosphere.

• Use momentum conservation to explain propulsion.

• Explain why external forces are unnecessary.

• Describe how exhaust velocity affects performance.

8. Rotational Equilibrium

A uniform beam supports two loads.

• Calculate torque contributions.

• Determine conditions for equilibrium.

• Explain how changing one load affects balance.

9. Rotational Kinetic Energy

Compare a solid disk and hoop rolling down an incline.

• Explain differences in rotational inertia.

• Predict which reaches the bottom first.

• Justify using energy conservation.

10. Fluid Buoyancy

A block floats in water.

• Apply Archimedes' Principle.

• Determine conditions for floating equilibrium.

• Explain what happens when the fluid density changes.

Domain II: Energy

11. Work-Energy Theorem

A box is pushed across a floor.

• Calculate work done by the applied force.

• Explain energy transformations.

• Apply the Work-Energy Theorem.

12. Roller Coaster Energy Analysis

A roller coaster descends from a hill.

• Describe energy changes throughout the ride.

• Explain the effect of friction.

• Determine where kinetic energy is greatest.

13. Power Production

An electric motor lifts a load vertically.

• Define power.

• Relate power to force and velocity.

• Compare motors of different power ratings.

14. Thermal Expansion

A metal rod is heated.

• Explain expansion using atomic models.

• Describe practical consequences of thermal expansion.

• Provide engineering applications.

15. Calorimetry Investigation

Hot metal is placed into cooler water.

• Explain heat transfer.

• Develop an energy balance equation.

• Discuss assumptions used in calorimetry.

16. First Law of Thermodynamics

A gas expands in a cylinder.

• Describe the energy transfers.

• Explain the meaning of work and heat.

• Apply the First Law.

17. Heat Engine Efficiency

A heat engine operates between two reservoirs.

• Explain the energy flow.

• Define efficiency.

• Discuss why efficiency is always less than 100%.

18. Entropy and Natural Processes

Ice melts in a warm room.

• Explain entropy changes.

• Describe the Second Law.

• Discuss reversibility.

19. Electric Fields and Potential

A positive charge is placed near a negative charge.

• Sketch electric field lines.

• Explain electric potential differences.

• Relate potential energy to field strength.

20. Capacitor Behavior

A capacitor is connected to a DC source.

• Describe the charging process.

• Explain energy storage.

• Discuss dielectric effects.

21. DC Circuits

A battery powers a resistor network.

• Apply Ohm's Law.

• Analyze current and voltage distributions.

• Compare series and parallel configurations.

22. Kirchhoff's Rules

A multi-loop circuit contains several batteries.

• State Kirchhoff's Laws.

• Explain their physical foundations.

• Describe how they are applied to determine unknown currents.

23. Magnetic Force

A charged particle enters a magnetic field.

• Describe the resulting trajectory.

• Explain why magnetic fields do no work.

• Predict effects of changing velocity.

24. Electromagnetic Induction

A magnet moves through a coil.

• Apply Faraday's Law.

• Explain Lenz's Law.

• Predict how induced emf changes with speed.

25. Transformer Analysis

An ideal transformer is used in power transmission.

• Explain transformer operation.

• Relate voltage and turns ratio.

• Discuss energy conservation.

Domain III: Waves and Their Applications

26. Wave Motion on a String

A pulse travels along a stretched string.

• Define wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.

• Explain wave speed.

• Describe energy transport.

27. Standing Waves

A string is fixed at both ends.

• Explain how standing waves form.

• Describe nodes and antinodes.

• Determine allowed wavelengths.

28. Sound and Resonance

An organ pipe resonates.

• Explain resonance.

• Compare open and closed pipes.

• Describe harmonic frequencies.

29. Doppler Effect

A siren approaches an observer.

• Explain the frequency shift.

• Predict observed changes as the source passes.

• Discuss practical applications.

30. Wave Interference

Two coherent sources generate waves.

• Explain constructive interference.

• Explain destructive interference.

• Describe conditions for each.

31. Diffraction

Light passes through a narrow slit.

• Explain diffraction using wave theory.

• Predict effects of changing slit width.

• Relate diffraction to wavelength.

32. Reflection and Refraction

A beam enters water from air.

• State the laws involved.

• Explain changes in speed and direction.

• Relate behavior to refractive index.

33. Image Formation by Lenses

A converging lens forms an image.

• Use ray diagrams.

• Explain real versus virtual images.

• Describe image changes as object distance varies.

34. Electromagnetic Spectrum

Compare radio waves, visible light, and X-rays.

• Describe similarities.

• Compare wavelength, frequency, and energy.

• Discuss technological applications.

Domain IV: Modern Physics

35. Photoelectric Effect

Light shines on a metal surface.

• Describe observations.

• Explain why classical wave theory fails.

• Use photon theory to explain results.

36. Atomic Spectra

Hydrogen emits discrete spectral lines.

• Explain quantized energy levels.

• Describe electron transitions.

• Relate transitions to emitted photons.

37. Wave-Particle Duality

Electrons produce an interference pattern.

• Explain why this is significant.

• State the de Broglie relationship.

• Discuss implications for matter.

38. Radioactive Decay

A sample undergoes radioactive decay.

• Define half-life.

• Explain exponential decay.

• Discuss the probabilistic nature of decay.

39. Nuclear Energy

Compare fission and fusion.

• Describe each process.

• Explain energy release using mass defect.

• Discuss advantages and challenges.

40. Special Relativity

A spacecraft travels at a significant fraction of the speed of light.

• Explain time dilation.

• Explain length contraction.

• Discuss experimental evidence supporting relativity.