AP Physics 1 FRQ Practice by Topic 2027
Choose a topic to practice four original free-response prompts: Mathematical Routines, Translation Between Representations, Experimental Design & Analysis, and Qualitative/Quantitative Translation.
How much AP Physics 1 FRQ practice is available?
There are 4 original free-response questions for each of the 43 official AP Physics 1 topics, giving 172 topic FRQs across the four current AP response modes.
- 43 topic banks.
- 4 FRQs per topic.
- 172 topic FRQs total.
Choose the exact AP Physics 1 topic
All 43 official topics are available. Each MCQ bank contains 42 original questions and each FRQ bank contains four prompts aligned to the four current free-response task types.
Kinetic & Static Friction FRQ Set
Write a complete response before opening the reasoning guide. The four prompts deliberately use different response modes.
A 10 kg box rests on a horizontal floor with μ_s = 0.40 and μ_k = 0.25. Take g = 10 m/s². Find the friction force when the applied horizontal force is (i) 20 N, (ii) 50 N after the box is sliding.
Reasoning and scoring guide
N = 100 N. f_s,max = 40 N. At 20 N the box remains at rest and f_s = 20 N opposite the pull. Once sliding, f_k = 25 N; with a 50 N pull the net is 25 N.
A graph shows friction magnitude increasing linearly with applied force, then dropping to a lower nearly constant value after slipping begins. Label the static and kinetic regions and explain the transition.
Reasoning and scoring guide
Before slip, static friction matches the required force up to f_s,max = μ_sN. At the threshold slipping begins; friction changes to approximately μ_kN, commonly smaller.
Design an experiment to determine μ_k for a block sliding on a horizontal surface using a force sensor. State what should be measured and how μ_k is calculated.
Reasoning and scoring guide
Pull the block at constant velocity so net horizontal force is zero. Measure steady pulling force = f_k and measure/compute normal force N; μ_k = f_k/N. Repeat trials.
A person pulls a suitcase with a strap angled upward rather than horizontally. Explain why the kinetic-friction magnitude can decrease even if μ_k is unchanged.
Reasoning and scoring guide
The upward component of the pull reduces the normal force. Since f_k = μ_kN, a smaller N produces a smaller kinetic-friction magnitude.