AP Physics 1 Representations FRQ Practice
59 Translation Between Representations questions written in the AP format. Pick one, read the full question, and write your response.
Your first scored response is included. A plan unlocks unlimited scoring.
59 questions
sorted by unit
Projectile motion velocity components and range
Unit 1: Kinematics
A drone of mass m = 1.2 kg is flying horizontally at a constant speed v₀ = 8.0 m/s at a height h = 45 m above level ground.
Figure 1. Package released from drone
Figure 2. Package velocity components
In Figure 2, sketch and label graphs of the horizontal velocity component vₓ and the vertical velocity component vᵧ of the package as functions of time from t = 0 s to t = 3.0 s. Clearly indicate the value of each component at t = 0 s and at t = 3.0 s. Use g = 10 m/s² for any necessary calculations. The motion of the package can be analyzed using its horizontal and vertical velocity components.
Starting with fundamental kinematic equations, derive an expression for the horizontal distance d that the package travels from the instant of release until it reaches the ground. Express your answer in terms of v₀, h, g, and physical constants, as appropriate. Begin your derivation by writing a fundamental physics principle or an equation from the reference information. The horizontal distance traveled by the package from release until it reaches the ground can be determined using kinematic principles.
Figure 3. Package acceleration components
The acceleration of the package during its flight can be represented using horizontal and vertical components.
In Figure 3, sketch and label a graph of the horizontal acceleration component aₓ of the package as a function of time from t = 0 s to t = 3.0 s. Clearly indicate the value at t = 0 s.
In Figure 3, sketch and label a graph of the vertical acceleration component aᵧ of the package as a function of time from t = 0 s to t = 3.0 s. Clearly indicate the value at t = 0 s.
Figure 4. Observer measuring package motion
Indicate whether the magnitude of the total acceleration of the package as measured by Observer A (stationary on the ground) is greater than, less than, or equal to the magnitude of the total acceleration of the package as measured by an observer in the drone's reference frame. Figure 4 shows Observer A standing on the ground at the location where the package lands. The drone continues moving horizontally at constant velocity v₀ = 8.0 m/s throughout the package's flight.
|a_ground| > |a_drone|
|a_ground| < |a_drone|
|a_ground| = |a_drone|
Justify your answer by describing how the acceleration of the package is related to the reference frame of measurement and how your response is consistent with the acceleration graphs you sketched in part C.
What the Representations FRQ asks
The Translation Between Representations (TBR) question is FRQ 2 on the AP Physics 1 exam. You describe one scenario with a diagram or chart, a derivation, and a graph, then indicate a result and justify it using those representations.
- 25–30 min
- suggested on the exam
- 12 points
- across parts A to D
- 95 min
- for all four FRQs
Part A: Representation
A diagram, bar chart, or graph of the scenario
3 pts
Part B: Derivation
An expression derived from a fundamental principle
4 pts
Part C: Graph
Sketch how one quantity changes with another
3 pts
Part D: Connection
Indicate a result and justify it with your earlier parts
2 pts
How Representations FRQ practice works
Each question follows the exam’s format, from the full prompt to a score on every part.
Read the full question
The scenario, its figures, and all four parts, A through D, laid out the way the exam shows them.
Write on a 27-minute timer
Inside the 25 to 30 minutes the exam suggests for this question. Pause it or turn it off, and your response saves as you go.
Submit for a score out of 12
Your response is scored against the scoring guidelines written for that question. Your first score is included.
Feedback on every part
A summary at the top tells you what to work on next. Below it, each part shows whether you earned the point and what the scoring guidelines were looking for.
Detailed Feedback
Part A: 1/1 point
Earned the point. You correctly described sketching a horizontal line at vₓ = 8.0 m/s from t = 0 to t = 3.0 s, indicating constant horizontal velocity.
Part A: 1/1 point
Earned the point. You correctly described sketching a straight line starting at vᵧ = 0 and going down linearly, indicating a constant downward acceleration.
Part C: 0/1 point
Did not earn the point. You did not provide a response for Part C(i) to sketch the horizontal acceleration graph.
Questions about the Representations FRQ
How many responses can I get scored?
You can read every question without a plan. Your first scored response is included. A plan unlocks unlimited scoring.
How do I draw the diagrams and graphs?
Open the drawing tool in the editor and draw them there. You can also switch to handwrite and add a photo of your page.
How is the TBR different from the Mathematical Routines question?
Both include a derivation. The TBR asks for two representations, a diagram or chart and a graph, and a final part that ties them together. It’s worth 12 points instead of 10.
How do I type equations and symbols?
Use the subscript, superscript, and special-character buttons in the editor toolbar. Or write your derivation on paper, switch to handwrite, and add a photo.
Are these real College Board questions?
No. We wrote them in the AP format, with the same four parts, and wrote scoring guidelines for each one.
More AP Physics 1 practice
Mathematical Routines FRQ practice
Mathematical Routines questions with the full scenario, figures, and both parts.
Experimental Design FRQ practice
Experimental Design and Analysis questions with the full lab setup and data table.
Qualitative/Quantitative FRQ practice
Qualitative/Quantitative Translation questions with the full scenario and all three parts.
Write your first Representations FRQ
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Teaching AP Physics 1? Assign these Representations FRQs to your class