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17 September 2023

Mail time: using a fourth kinematics equation on the AP exam?

More mail about motion:

I was wondering if I could ask you an AP exam question.  I see on your algebraic kinematics information to memorize that the 3 given equations are on the AP equation sheet.  The fourth equation that 'may occasionally be useful' is not on the equation sheet.*  If students were to need it for a question on the AP exam, would it be provided?  Or would they need to derive it from the other 3 given equations?

*This is the equation x =  t(vf+vo)/2 

Also, do you allow your students to use the AP table of equations on the daily quiz?  Or do you expect them to have those equations memorized? 

Students are not allowed to use the equation sheet on the quizzes (though I do let them use handwritten notes, so many write the equations out).  My students get the equations for tests.  They memorize these equations through use, generally, though I don't formally "require" them to be memorized.

As for that fourth equation, it's really using the definition of average velocity with constant acceleration.  The exam will not give this equation, but it can be used if students know it.  It *can* be used as a starting point for a derivation or a justification.

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