What's on the AP Physics 1 Unit 1 practice test
The standard version takes about 88 minutes and follows the timing and directions of the AP exam, sized to one unit:
- 20 Multiple Choice Questions (40 minutes)
- 1 FRQ – FRQ 1 – Mathematical Routines (24 minutes)
- 1 FRQ – FRQ 2 – Translation Between Representations (24 minutes)
Questions are drawn from 1929 multiple-choice questions and 56 FRQs written for Unit 1, Kinematics.
Sample AP Physics 1 Unit 1 question
A block starts from rest and slides down a frictionless incline. Scenario 1 is the block's motion during the first second (t=0 to t=1). Scenario 2 is the block's motion during the second second (t=1 to t=2). Which statement correctly compares the magnitude of displacement Δx in Scenario 2 to Scenario 1?
Δx in Scenario 2 is greater because the average velocity is higher.
Δx in Scenario 2 is equal because the acceleration is constant.
Δx in Scenario 2 is less because the acceleration is decreasing.
Δx in Scenario 2 is equal because the time interval is the same.
Explanation
Since the block accelerates uniformly from rest, its velocity increases continuously. Therefore, the average velocity during the second interval is higher than during the first, resulting in greater displacement for the same duration.
Practice AP Physics 1 Unit 1 FRQs
Answer the unit's free-response questions one at a time and get a score on every part.
- FRQ 1 – Mathematical Routines (14 questions)
- FRQ 2 – Translation Between Representations (13 questions)
- FRQ 3 – Experimental Design (11 questions)
- FRQ 4 – Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (18 questions)
Review Unit 1 before you start
- 1.1 Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension
- 1.2 Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration
- 1.3 Representing Motion
- 1.4 Reference Frames and Relative Motion
- 1.5 Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions