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F = ma (11–17)
Momentum
FMA-2025-12 · 2025 F = ma (AAPT)

2025 F = ma Exam — Question 12

A 50 g piece of clay is thrown horizontally with a velocity of 20 m/s striking the bob of a stationary pendulum with length l = 1 m and a bob mass of 200 g. Upon impact, the clay sticks to the pendulum weight and the pendulum starts to swing. What is the maximum change in angle of the pendulum?
Source: Question 12, 2025 F = ma Exam, © 2025 American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the U.S. Physics Team. Adapted by PhysicsTrainer: reformatted into a separate question and answer choices for online multiple-choice practice; any shared setup from nearby questions is repeated here. Not affiliated with or endorsed by AAPT or the U.S. Physics Team.