UY1 Basics & Kinematics Quiz

Exam-style MCQs on modelling choices, sign conventions, v = dx/dt, constant-acceleration kinematics, projectile components, and circular-motion decomposition.

University Physics Year 1

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In 1D motion, the instantaneous velocity is defined as

$v=\Delta x/\Delta t$
$v=dx/dt$
$v=d^2x/dt^2$
$v=\Delta v/\Delta t$

You choose $+y$ upward. For free fall near Earth (neglect air resistance), which is correct?

$a_y=+g$
$a_y=-g$
$a_y=0$
$a_y=-g$ only on the way down

A particle has position $x(t)=5+2t+3t^2$ (SI units). What are $v(t)$ and $a(t)$?

$v=2+3t,\ a=3$
$v=2+6t,\ a=6$
$v=5+2t+3t^2,\ a=2$
$v=2+6t,\ a=0$

When is it valid to use the constant-acceleration kinematics equations (SUVAT) in 1D?

Always, if the motion is along one axis
Only when acceleration is (approximately) constant over the interval considered
Only when the object starts from rest
Only when the net force is zero

In ideal projectile motion (air resistance neglected) with $+y$ upward, which accelerations are correct?

$a_x=-g,\ a_y=0$
$a_x=0,\ a_y=-g$
$a_x=g,\ a_y=-g$
$a_x=0,\ a_y=+g$

A projectile is launched with a nonzero horizontal velocity. Taking upward as positive and neglecting air resistance, which statement is true at the highest point of its flight?

The speed is zero
The horizontal velocity is zero
The vertical velocity is zero but the acceleration is still $-g$
Both velocity components are zero and acceleration is $-g$

A ball is launched horizontally from a cliff. Neglect air resistance. The time to hit the ground depends on

only the horizontal speed
only the height and $g$
both the horizontal speed and the height
the mass of the ball

In uniform circular motion, the acceleration vector points

tangent to the circle
toward the centre
away from the centre
along the velocity vector

A particle moves in a circle of fixed radius $R$. If its speed doubles, what happens to the centripetal acceleration?

It halves
It doubles
It quadruples
It stays the same

In non-uniform circular motion, the tangential acceleration $a_t$ is responsible for

changing the direction of the velocity only
changing the speed only
changing both speed and direction
keeping the speed constant

UY1 Basics & Kinematics Quiz

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