<p>The answer to the fractal question was the shape of a bug. Fractals are geometric patterns that have repeating patterns. For example, a tree can be considered a fractal, as one branch branhces of to an average number of branches, and each of these branches branch out, etc... I believe that this question was definitely a wierd one. I can see how this ties in with modern physics and chaos theory, however I dont think this is something that would be taught in a physics course. </p>
<p>Also, regarding the horizontal distance question, I am fairly certain the answer was variations in the g field. Considering terminal velocity, the shape of the object would have much more to do with its trajectory than changes in gravity. As i said before the deviations from g anywhere near the earths surface is essentially zero. (If you look at newtons laws of gravity... f = gm1m2/r^2.... the aearths radius is so large, adding a few hundred meters to this value does nothing to change the gravitational force.)</p>
<p>If you are near the earth surfice at the antarctic and then at the equator, the variation can be quite noticable. And the point is that a variation in g is sure to change the distance, no matter big or small, while the shape is not, if u control the mass/s ratio well. </p>
<p>But it's really difficult to define "the least effect".</p>
<p>I made the stupidest mistake in history with the fractal question. I stared at the choices and unblinkingly altered what was before my eyes. </p>
<p>I said, "Shape of an insect. Hm. Perhaps that means the pattern of a dragonfly's wings (it's what first came to mind). Certainly fractally. Wait, could it possibly mean the shape, like the silhouette outline, of like, a beetle?...Nahhhhh!"</p>
<p>Concerning the horizontal distance question, why would the answer be variations in the g field? If it's near the surface, then the gravitational field would not vary significantly.</p>
<p>That magnetic field one? Ah! I was very tempted by the coil choice but after trying several times couldn't make heads or tails with it via the right hand rule. The circle choice checked out, so I picked that one...although...I'm not sure. x_x</p>
<p>There is significantly little variation in the acceleration of g throughout the entire surface of the earth. At sea level, it's 9.81m/s^2, at the highest peak, it's probably 9.79 or 9.78 m/s^2. Nowhere near significant enough to cause a change in the time it takes to fall, especially within the distance of a throw.</p>
<p>then why don't u talk about air resistence? how small is that can you imagine? And as i said, distance can remain unchanged while shape changes, while a variation of g is sure to change the distance, however small.</p>
<p>But g does not variate, certainly not if you're tossing it out the window. Air resistance? It's the friction between the stone and the air, and depends on the speed of the object. It's significant enough that many problems need a "disregarding air resistance" parameter, while you just don't "disregard gravity."</p>
<p>The logic is that in some cases we have to disregard air resistance because if we didn't, it would affect our calculations. </p>
<p>g variates very insignificantly; the questions asks for what would least affect it, and given that the variation of g is approximately zero, then that would make this choice the answer, methinks.</p>
<p>do u know that we neglect the variation of g as well? It's 9.78 in the equator area and 9.83 in the antarctic. but we just use 9.8 or even 10.0. </p>
<p>we neglect air resistence cuz it's really hard to calculate. sometimes it does greatly affect the distance while at other times it affects only a little. and the point is not the significance of air resistance, but how the change of shape would cauze the change of air resistance? the change in shape is sure to change air resistence? i would say nope.</p>
<p>You shouldn't always talk abt the insignificance of g, but compare the change of g and air resistence, since it's asking "least",not insignificant.</p>
<p>I think the change in shape would. If you were to throw a smooth, streamlined pebble compared a jagged mass, it would affect air resistance, wouldn't it? I think shape is rather important. </p>
<p>Also, I believe the question states the stone is thrown out a window. It's not going to travel the length to the equator. It's not going to travel far enough for g to vary very much at all.</p>
<p>I don't know. I wish I had the problem in front of me. But I'll leave this to others with better memory to discuss now and just see what I get in two weeks' time.</p>
<p>I also chose shape, because I just thought of the equations about projectile motion. There's nothing that shows the shape of the stone has something to do with its motion. But I also think air resistance may change a bit but not much.</p>
<p>Well, whenever we’re describing motion, aren’t we describing the motion of point particles? I’m not sure that’s the correct term, but in electricity we talk about point charges and in gravity, for instance, the distance r is between two “points” which we take to be the center of say, two orbiting bodies. </p>
<p>So for shapes, consider:</p>
<ol>
<li>What if it’s delta shaped (smooth, triangle-ish)</li>
<li>What if it’s shaped like a long stick?</li>
</ol>
<p>Assuming they’re both made of the same material, evenly distributed, same mass, and such, the two objects have different centers of mass. They would also respond differently to air resistance, wouldn’t they? I really don’t know. If I’m wrong, someone please correct me. </p>
<p>x-x I don’t really want to think about this test anymore. Good luck.</p>
<p>The bird would seem to be above its actual position. I'm quite sure about this. Just draw two rays: one a normal and one refracted. I also remember that a person looking into water would see that a fish would be nearer to the water surface. So, something in water would see another thing in air as farther.</p>
<p>Trangham is right about that bird question. I am certain that the bird would seem to be above its actual position.
I asked range question (gravity or shape) to my teachers, and my two teachers completely disagreed on the answer. I think collegeboard would be obliged to cancel some questions. (I also think that magnetic field question was wrong; or it was terribly hard)</p>