Review: Unit 1
This unit review has four parts:

Part 1: A video presentation that provides a review of the topics discussed in Unit 1 and provides a practice problem to help prepare for the test. In addition, the list of specific learner objectives you are required to know (as given by the College Board) is outlined. There are no questions allowed on the AP* Physics 1 test that are not assocated with a specific learner objective. So it is critical that you become familiar with these objectives. The video is approximately 19 minutes in length, not counting the time needed to solve the problem.

Part 2: Think about the "False Claim" shown below the video. Write a paragraph length argument expressing why the claim is false. The argument MUST contain a claim, evidence, and justification for the evidence. The argument must also utilize concepts learned in this unit and be clear and well thought out. The AP test will have a free-response question that requires a paragraph length argument. So, practicing your skill in scientific argumentation is an essential part of preparing for the AP exam.

Part 3: A very important part of preparation for the test is to answer the conceptual questions below the false claim.

Part 4: (PA Homeschoolers only) Login to your MYAP account at the College Board website. Take the Unit 1 Review Test for our class section. Here is a link to the answers for this review test. Use it to check your work.

False Claim: "When an object is tossed vertically upward, its acceleration vector cannot be constant because the object returns to the Earth."

Please write your false claim rebutals with formatting that highlights the claim in yellow, the evidence in green, and the justification in blue. Recall that evidence is something you can observe or measure, while justification is the conceptual rationale for why the evidence is supportive of the claim. You can view an example of a strong argument against this false claim in the answers to the conceptual questions listed below.

Conceptual Questions:
Click here to see the answers.

1. Can the distance an object moves be the same as its displacement magnitude? If so, give an example.

2. Your friend says that your car has a speed of -5 mph. How would you explain that he is wrong?

3. Write down an example when the average speed and the magnitude of the average velocity are the same.

4. Explain how a negative acceleration can cause an object to speed up.

5. Describe the physical condition needed to use the kinematic equations.

6. If an object is tossed upward from the ground, and we assume free fall conditions, how does the time going upward compare to the time going downward? Assume the same start and finish point. 

7. A friend tells you that its possible for an x-t graph of a real object to take the shape of a full circle. Besides the fact that the object would appear to move backward in time, make an argument proving that she is incorrect.

8. Can a v-t graph shaped like the letter V ever indicate that the motion of an object is zero? How about that the acceleration of the object is zero? 

9. Can the area under a v-t graph ever, by itself, indicate where an object is positioned? Explain your response.

10. Your classmate claims that accuracy and uncertainty are the same regarding measurements. Explain why he is wrong.