Skip to main content
We’re so back. See what’s new for the 2026-2027 school year →

What's on the AP Physics C: Mechanics Unit 5 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 3 – Experimental Design (24 minutes)

Questions are drawn from 1597 multiple-choice questions and 19 FRQs written for Unit 5, Torque and Rotational Dynamics.

Sample AP Physics C: Mechanics Unit 5 question

A rigid body rotates with an angular position given by θ(t)=2t3−4t\theta(t) = 2t^3 - 4t, where θ\theta is in radians and tt is in seconds. How does the angular acceleration α\alpha at time t=4t = 4 s compare to the angular acceleration at time t=2t = 2 s?

The angular acceleration at t=4t = 4 s is two times the angular acceleration at t=2t = 2 s

Correct answer

The angular acceleration at t=4t = 4 s is four times the angular acceleration at t=2t = 2 s

The angular acceleration at t=4t = 4 s is half the angular acceleration at t=2t = 2 s

The angular acceleration at t=4t = 4 s is equal to the angular acceleration at t=2t = 2 s

Explanation

Differentiating the position function twice yields α(t)=12t\alpha(t) = 12t. Comparing values shows α(4)=48\alpha(4) = 48 rad/s² and α(2)=24\alpha(2) = 24 rad/s², resulting in a ratio of 2:1.

Practice AP Physics C: Mechanics Unit 5 FRQs

Answer the unit's free-response questions one at a time and get a score on every part.

Review Unit 5 before you start

Other AP Physics C: Mechanics unit tests