SAT II Physics : Definitions of Acceleration, Velocity, and Displacement
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II Physics
All SAT II Physics Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Sat Subject Test In Physics
A model rocket, launched vertically, travels upwards 
At the highest point of the flight
Just after launch
The answer cannot be determined from this information
The acceleration remains constant throughout the flight
Just before landing
The acceleration remains constant throughout the flight
Newton's second law tells us that force and acceleration are directly related; if there is an acceleration, then there is also a force. This principle can help conceptualize this question.
While the rocket is in the air, there is only one force acting on it: the force of gravity. We can thus conclude that the acceleration of the rocket is directly related to this force. Since the force on the rocket (the force of gravity) is constant, its acceleration is also constant.
Any object that is in projectile or free-fall motion will experience a constant acceleration due to gravity.
Certified Tutor
All SAT II Physics Resources
