AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Systems and Center of Mass
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
What determines the properties of a system in physics?
The properties of a system are determined by the interactions between the constituent objects within that system.
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What determines the properties of a system in physics?
The properties of a system are determined by the interactions between the constituent objects within that system.
Can the center of mass be calculated for any system?
Yes, the location of a system's center of mass along any given axis can be calculated based on the masses and positions of its parts.
How would you find the center of mass of a uniform, flat, rectangular metal plate?
Since the plate has a symmetrical mass distribution, its center of mass is located at its geometric center, where its lines of symmetry intersect.
Why is it useful to treat the Earth-Moon system as a single object when describing its orbit around the Sun?
It simplifies the model because the internal interactions (the Moon's orbit around Earth) are not important for modeling the macroscopic behavior (the system's orbit around the Sun).
How is the location of a system's center of mass related to its individual parts?
The location of a system's center of mass is determined by the distribution and mass of its constituent parts.
Can the center of mass of a system be located at a point where there is no physical matter?
Yes, for hollow or L-shaped objects, the center of mass can be at a geometric center where no mass exists, such as the center of a ring.
Under what condition can a complex system be treated as a single object?
A system can be treated as a single object if the properties or interactions of its internal parts are not important for modeling its macroscopic behavior.
A system consists of a heavy bowling ball and a light tennis ball. Is the center of mass closer to the bowling ball or the tennis ball?
The center of mass will be located closer to the bowling ball, the constituent part with the greater mass.
What is a 'system' in the context of physics?
A system is a collection of objects that interact with each other, and its properties are defined by these internal interactions.
What are the 'constituent parts' of a system?
The constituent parts are the individual objects within a system whose properties and interactions determine the behavior of the system as a whole.
Where is the center of mass located for a system with a symmetrical mass distribution (e.g., a uniform sphere)?
For systems with symmetrical mass distributions, the center of mass is located on the system's lines or points of symmetry.
What is the primary benefit of modeling a system as a single object located at its center of mass?
It allows for the simplification of the system's overall translational motion, as if all the system's mass were concentrated at that single point.
When analyzing the parabolic flight of a thrown, spinning hammer, what specific point follows a perfect parabolic path?
The hammer's center of mass follows the simple parabolic path, as the system can be modeled as a single object located at that point.
What is the center of mass of a system?
The center of mass is the specific point where a system can be modeled as a singular object, representing the average location of the system's total mass.