AP Physics 2 Representations FRQ Practice
65 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.
65 questions
sorted by unit
Piston equilibrium and gas pressure relationships
Unit 9: Thermodynamics
A sample of a monatomic ideal gas is sealed in a vertical cylinder by a movable piston of mass 2 (see Figure dot).00 kg and area 4.00×10^−3 m^2, as shown in Figure 1. The pressure of the air above the piston is 1.01×10^5 Pa, and g = 9.80 m/s^2. At the instant shown, the piston is at rest and the gas occupies a volume of 2.40×10^−3 m^3.
Figure dot. Force diagram of piston
Figure 1. Vertical cylinder with monatomic ideal gas
On the dot shown, representing the piston, draw and label the forces that are exerted on the piston. Each force must be represented by a distinct arrow starting on, and pointing away from, the dot.
Derive an expression for the pressure Pgas of the gas in terms of Patm, M, A, and g. Begin your derivation by writing a fundamental physics principle or an equation from the reference information, and show the intermediate steps that lead to your final expression.
Figure 2. Blank axes for thermodynamic process
On the axes provided in Figure 2, sketch the expected relationship between the pressure P and volume V of the gas for the thermodynamic process the gas undergoes from the initial equilibrium state to the final equilibrium state. Draw an arrow on your sketch to represent the direction of the process. A 1.50 kg block is slowly placed on top of the piston, and the piston moves until it comes to rest in a new equilibrium position. During this process, the cylinder remains in thermal contact with the 320 K water bath so that the gas temperature remains constant.
Indicate whether the change in entropy of the gas, ΔSgas, is greater than, less than, or equal to zero. Consider the process in part C. Assume the initial and final equilibrium states are at the same temperature of 320 K.
ΔSgas > 0
ΔSgas < 0
ΔSgas = 0
Briefly justify your answer by referencing at least one feature of your answers to parts B or C.
What the Representations FRQ asks
The Translation Between Representations (TBR) question is FRQ 2 on the AP Physics 2 exam. You describe one scenario with a diagram, a derivation, and a graph, then reach a final result, usually one you indicate and justify.
- 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 or other representation 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: Result
A final result, usually one you indicate and justify
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: 0/1 point
Did not earn the point. You did not provide a drawing on the energy-level diagram. To earn this point, you needed to draw an arrow starting at the n = 4 energy level.
Part B: 1/1 point
Earned the point. You correctly began your derivation by stating the fundamental equations for photon energy (E = hc/λ) and the energy levels of hydrogen.
Part B: 1/1 point
Earned the point. You correctly wrote the expression for the energy difference between the two hydrogen levels in terms of ni and nf.
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 also asks for a diagram and a graph, and ends with a result you justify. 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 2 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
Pick one from the list, or let us choose for you.
Teaching AP Physics 2? Assign these Representations FRQs to your class