AP Physics 1 practice problems: practice problems and exam questions

Practice for the AP Physics 1 exam topics: kinematics, forces and Newton’s laws, circular motion, energy, momentum and simple harmonic motion.

Practise this course for freePractise this courseTake a mock exam5 free problems every day. No card needed.

Cram pack (PDF)Formula sheets, method steps and practice problems with full solutions, ready to print.

This is independent practice material. ExamProblems is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organisation that runs this exam, and the exam name is used only to describe the content.

Topics in this course

  1. Kinematicsspeeding up · braking · vertical throwcalculations
  2. Newton’s lawspush with friction · inclined plane · table and pulleycalculations
  3. Projectile motionhorizontal launch · launch from ground · launch from heightcalculations
  4. Circular motioncentripetal force · friction on a curve · vertical circlecalculations
  5. Work & energyfree fall · slope with friction · ramp, friction and springcalculations
  6. Momentum & collisionsperfectly inelastic · elastic · impulse and forcecalculations
  7. Springs & pendulumsmass on a spring · pendulum · speed, acceleration and energycalculations

Exam tips for AP Physics 1 practice problems

  • Start force problems with a free-body diagram and a chosen positive direction.
  • Use energy conservation when the question does not ask about time.
  • Check the units and the size of your answer before moving on.

Worked examples

KinematicsEasy
t (s)v (m/s)20 s10

A train slows down uniformly from 15 m/s to 10 m/s in 20 s. How far does it travel in that time? Find s.

v₀ = 15 m/sv = 10 m/st = 20 s

Find s (m)

Show hints
  1. With constant acceleration the average speed is the mean of the initial and final speeds.
  2. s = (v₀ + v)/2 · t. It is the area under the v–t graph.
  3. average speed = 12.5 m/s.
Show the answer and the step-by-step solution

Motion with constant acceleration: v = v₀ + a·t, s = v₀·t + ½·a·t² and v² = v₀² + 2·a·s. Pick the equation that contains the three things you know and the one you want, and keep the signs consistent with one positive direction.

Average speed

(v₀ + v)/2 = (15 + 10)/2 = 12.5 m/s

Distance

s = 12.5·20 = 250 m

Answer

s = 250 m
Newton’s lawsMedium
25 kg35°F = 140 Nμ = 0.25

A 25 kg sled is pulled across level snow by a rope at 35° above the horizontal with a force of 140 N. The coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.25. Use g = 9.81 m/s². Find the acceleration a of the sled.

m = 25 kgF = 140 Nθ = 35°μ = 0.25g = 9.81 m/s²

Find a (m/s²)

Show hints
  1. Split the pull into F·cos θ (forward) and F·sin θ (up).
  2. Vertically: N + F·sin θ = m·g. Friction is μ·N.
  3. N = 164.9 N.
Show the answer and the step-by-step solution

Newton’s second law: the net force on a body equals its mass times its acceleration, ΣF = m·a. Draw a free-body diagram, choose a positive direction along the motion, and add every force in that direction: applied forces, friction μ·N against the motion, and the components of gravity.

Normal force

N = m·g − F·sin θ = 245.3 − 140·sin 35° = 164.9 N

Horizontal forces

m·a = F·cos θ − μ·N = 114.7 − 41.24
a = 73.44/25 = 2.938 m/s²

Answer

a = 2.938 m/s²

How practising works

  • “Practise this course” mixes problems from all its topics, like a real exam.
  • Every problem has new values, so you learn the method instead of an answer.
  • Stuck? Open a small hint first, and the full explanation only when you need it.
  • Mock exams are timed and have no hints, and you get your score and a full review at the end.

Calculators for this course

Projectile motion calculatorKinematics calculator (SUVAT)Centripetal force calculatorCollision and momentum calculatorPendulum and spring period calculatorSpring constant calculator (Hooke’s law)Kinetic energy calculator (and potential energy, work and power)Free fall calculator (time, height and impact speed)Engineering unit converterAcceleration calculator (and average velocity)

Related courses

Physics 1: MechanicsDynamicsPhysics for EngineersFE Mechanical exam practiceWaves and OpticsPhysics 2: Electricity and Magnetism
Practise this course for freePractise this courseTake a mock exam5 free problems every day. No card needed.