Topic-specific practice · 42 questions for every official topic

AP Physics 1 MCQ Practice by Topic 2027

Choose a topic to open its full 42-question bank. The topic links from lesson pages land directly on the matching bank, so a student reviewing Topic 1.3 is not sent to a short generic diagnostic.

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How much AP Physics 1 MCQ practice is available?

There are 42 original multiple-choice questions for each of the 43 official AP Physics 1 topics, giving 1,806 topic MCQs with answers, explanations and lesson routing.

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43 topic banks.
42 MCQs per topic.
1,806 topic MCQs total.

Verified for 2026–27Updated August 31, 2026How this page is verified

All 43 topic banks

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.

Topic 1.1Scalars & Vectors in One Dimension42 MCQs Topic 1.2Displacement, Velocity & Acceleration42 MCQs Topic 1.3Representing Motion42 MCQs Topic 1.4Reference Frames & Relative Motion42 MCQs Topic 1.5Vectors & Motion in Two Dimensions42 MCQs Topic 2.1Systems & Center of Mass42 MCQs Topic 2.2Forces & Free-Body Diagrams42 MCQs Topic 2.3Newton’s Third Law42 MCQs Topic 2.4Newton’s First Law42 MCQs Topic 2.5Newton’s Second Law42 MCQs Topic 2.6Gravitational Force42 MCQs Topic 2.7Kinetic & Static Friction42 MCQs Topic 2.8Spring Forces42 MCQs Topic 2.9Circular Motion42 MCQs Topic 3.1Translational Kinetic Energy42 MCQs Topic 3.2Work42 MCQs Topic 3.3Potential Energy42 MCQs Topic 3.4Conservation of Energy42 MCQs Topic 3.5Power42 MCQs Topic 4.1Linear Momentum42 MCQs Topic 4.2Change in Momentum and Impulse42 MCQs Topic 4.3Conservation of Linear Momentum42 MCQs Topic 4.4Elastic and Inelastic Collisions42 MCQs Topic 5.1Rotational Kinematics42 MCQs Topic 5.2Connecting Linear and Rotational Motion42 MCQs Topic 5.3Torque42 MCQs Topic 5.4Rotational Inertia42 MCQs Topic 5.5Rotational Equilibrium and Newton’s First Law in Rotational Form42 MCQs Topic 5.6Newton’s Second Law in Rotational Form42 MCQs Topic 6.1Rotational Kinetic Energy42 MCQs Topic 6.2Torque and Work42 MCQs Topic 6.3Angular Momentum and Angular Impulse42 MCQs Topic 6.4Conservation of Angular Momentum42 MCQs Topic 6.5Rolling42 MCQs Topic 6.6Motion of Orbiting Satellites42 MCQs Topic 7.1Defining Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)42 MCQs Topic 7.2Frequency and Period of SHM42 MCQs Topic 7.3Representing and Analyzing SHM42 MCQs Topic 7.4Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators42 MCQs Topic 8.1Internal Structure and Density42 MCQs Topic 8.2Pressure42 MCQs Topic 8.3Fluids and Newton’s Laws42 MCQs Topic 8.4Fluids and Conservation Laws42 MCQs

Topic 3.4 · 42 MCQs

Conservation of Energy Practice

All questions are original. Check each answer for immediate feedback and explanation, then use the lesson link inside the explanation when a concept needs repair.

Topic 3.4 representation anchorUse the picture together with words and equations—not as decoration.

Question 1

A 1.0 kg block starts from rest 5.0 m above a frictionless reference level. Using g=10 m/s², what is its kinetic energy just before reaching the reference level?

A5 JB10 JC25 JD50 J

Question 2

A system initially has 30 J of kinetic energy and 20 J of potential energy. External work adds 15 J. What is the final total energy?

A35 JB50 JC65 JD75 J

Question 3

A block attached to a spring is chosen as the entire system. As the spring expands and the block speeds up on a frictionless surface, which energy description is best?

ASpring potential energy is converted to kinetic energy within the systemBThe spring does external work because it is inside the systemCKinetic energy must remain constantDMechanical energy disappears as the spring relaxes

Question 4

A frictionless pendulum trades K and U_g while K+U_g stays constant. Which Topic 3.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AThermal/internal energyBExternal workCMechanical energyDEnergy bar/flow representations

Question 5

Which statement best defines Mechanical energy in Topic 3.4?

AKinetic plus relevant potential energies are conserved only when no nonconservative transfer changes mechanical energy.BFriction can transform organized mechanical energy into thermal/internal energy without violating total-energy conservation.CEnergy can cross a chosen system boundary through work by an external force.DBar charts and flow diagrams track where energy is stored and transferred.

Question 6

A second situation is observed: A frictionless spring-cart system trades K and U_s. Which concept is being applied?

AEnergy bar/flow representationsBMechanical energyCThermal/internal energyDExternal work

Question 7

A sliding box stops as mechanical energy becomes thermal energy of surfaces. Which Topic 3.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AExternal workBEnergy bar/flow representationsCThermal/internal energyDTotal energy conservation

Question 8

Which statement best defines Thermal/internal energy in Topic 3.4?

AFriction can transform organized mechanical energy into thermal/internal energy without violating total-energy conservation.BEnergy can cross a chosen system boundary through work by an external force.CBar charts and flow diagrams track where energy is stored and transferred.DThe total energy of an isolated system remains constant even as forms change.

Question 9

A second situation is observed: Car brakes heat the brake pads and surroundings. Which concept is being applied?

ATotal energy conservationBThermal/internal energyCExternal workDEnergy bar/flow representations

Question 10

A person pushing a cart transfers energy into a cart-only system. Which Topic 3.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AEnergy bar/flow representationsBTotal energy conservationCExternal workDMechanical energy

Question 11

Which statement best defines External work in Topic 3.4?

AEnergy can cross a chosen system boundary through work by an external force.BBar charts and flow diagrams track where energy is stored and transferred.CThe total energy of an isolated system remains constant even as forms change.DKinetic plus relevant potential energies are conserved only when no nonconservative transfer changes mechanical energy.

Question 12

A second situation is observed: A motor lifts an elevator by doing external work on the elevator system. Which concept is being applied?

AMechanical energyBExternal workCEnergy bar/flow representationsDTotal energy conservation

Question 13

A roller coaster chart shows U_g decreasing while K increases. Which Topic 3.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

ATotal energy conservationBMechanical energyCEnergy bar/flow representationsDThermal/internal energy

Question 14

Which statement best defines Energy bar/flow representations in Topic 3.4?

ABar charts and flow diagrams track where energy is stored and transferred.BThe total energy of an isolated system remains constant even as forms change.CKinetic plus relevant potential energies are conserved only when no nonconservative transfer changes mechanical energy.DFriction can transform organized mechanical energy into thermal/internal energy without violating total-energy conservation.

Question 15

A second situation is observed: A block-spring chart can show K, U_s and thermal energy before and after motion. Which concept is being applied?

AThermal/internal energyBEnergy bar/flow representationsCTotal energy conservationDMechanical energy

Question 16

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.4 idea: General system energy accounting when external work transfers energy?

AK_i + U_i = K_f + U_fBE_i + W_ext = E_fCΔE_system = transfers in − transfers outDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 17

In Topic 3.4, which variable-and-unit description belongs with E_i + W_ext = E_f?

AFor ΔE_system = transfers in − transfers out: energy in JBFor K_i + U_i = K_f + U_f: all energies in JCFor E_i + W_ext = E_f: E: J; W_ext: JDAll quantities are unitless

Question 18

For Topic 3.4, consider this real application: A +20 J external work raises system energy by 20 J if no other transfer occurs. Which relationship supports that result?

AE_i + W_ext = E_fBΔE_system = transfers in − transfers outCK_i + U_i = K_f + U_fDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 19

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.4 idea: Mechanical energy when dissipative/external transfers are negligible?

AΔE_system = transfers in − transfers outBK_i + U_i = K_f + U_fCE_i + W_ext = E_fDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 20

In Topic 3.4, which variable-and-unit description belongs with K_i + U_i = K_f + U_f?

AFor E_i + W_ext = E_f: E: J; W_ext: JBFor ΔE_system = transfers in − transfers out: energy in JCFor K_i + U_i = K_f + U_f: all energies in JDAll quantities are unitless

Question 21

For Topic 3.4, consider this real application: A frictionless drop uses mgh = ½mv². Which relationship supports that result?

AK_i + U_i = K_f + U_fBE_i + W_ext = E_fCΔE_system = transfers in − transfers outDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 22

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.4 idea: Conceptual accounting across system boundary?

AE_i + W_ext = E_fBΔE_system = transfers in − transfers outCK_i + U_i = K_f + U_fDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 23

In Topic 3.4, which variable-and-unit description belongs with ΔE_system = transfers in − transfers out?

AFor K_i + U_i = K_f + U_f: all energies in JBFor E_i + W_ext = E_f: E: J; W_ext: JCFor ΔE_system = transfers in − transfers out: energy in JDAll quantities are unitless

Question 24

For Topic 3.4, consider this real application: Electrical energy into a motor becomes mechanical plus thermal energy. Which relationship supports that result?

AΔE_system = transfers in − transfers outBK_i + U_i = K_f + U_fCE_i + W_ext = E_fDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 25

In Topic 3.4, analyze this situation: A coaster descends 5 m with negligible friction. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AMechanical energy decreases, but total energy is conserved when thermal energy is included.BFor cart+spring with negligible friction, U_s decreases as K increases.CLoss in U_g equals gain in K for the coaster+Earth system.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 3.4 idea

Question 26

Which Topic 3.4 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Loss in U_g equals gain in K for the coaster+Earth system”?

ASpring launcherBFrictionless coasterCRough rampDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 27

A student is deciding how to begin the “Frictionless coaster” situation. What is the best first move?

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 3.4 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 28

In Topic 3.4, analyze this situation: A block slides down a rough ramp. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AFor cart+spring with negligible friction, U_s decreases as K increases.BLoss in U_g equals gain in K for the coaster+Earth system.CMechanical energy decreases, but total energy is conserved when thermal energy is included.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 3.4 idea

Question 29

Which Topic 3.4 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Mechanical energy decreases, but total energy is conserved when thermal energy is included”?

AFrictionless coasterBRough rampCSpring launcherDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 30

A student is deciding how to begin the “Rough ramp” situation. What is the best first move?

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 3.4 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 31

In Topic 3.4, analyze this situation: A compressed spring launches a cart. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

ALoss in U_g equals gain in K for the coaster+Earth system.BMechanical energy decreases, but total energy is conserved when thermal energy is included.CFor cart+spring with negligible friction, U_s decreases as K increases.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 3.4 idea

Question 32

Which Topic 3.4 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “For cart+spring with negligible friction, U_s decreases as K increases”?

ARough rampBSpring launcherCFrictionless coasterDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 33

A student is deciding how to begin the “Spring launcher” situation. What is the best first move?

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 3.4 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 34

In Topic 3.4, a student claims: “Energy conservation means kinetic energy is constant.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBTotal energy can be conserved while kinetic energy changes.CThe claim becomes correct if all numbers are positiveDThe claim cannot be checked experimentally

Question 35

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 3.4 solution: “Energy conservation means kinetic energy is constant.”?

ATotal energy can be conserved while kinetic energy changes.BKeep the misconception because it is a definitionCIgnore the physical model and compare only unitsDThe opposite of the misconception is always numerically zero

Question 36

In Topic 3.4, a student claims: “Friction destroys energy.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBFriction transforms energy, often into thermal/internal energy.CThe claim becomes correct if all numbers are positiveDThe claim cannot be checked experimentally

Question 37

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 3.4 solution: “Friction destroys energy.”?

AFriction transforms energy, often into thermal/internal energy.BKeep the misconception because it is a definitionCIgnore the physical model and compare only unitsDThe opposite of the misconception is always numerically zero

Question 38

In Topic 3.4, a student claims: “Mechanical energy is always conserved.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBOnly under suitable system and interaction conditions.CThe claim becomes correct if all numbers are positiveDThe claim cannot be checked experimentally

Question 39

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 3.4 solution: “Mechanical energy is always conserved.”?

AOnly under suitable system and interaction conditions.BKeep the misconception because it is a definitionCIgnore the physical model and compare only unitsDThe opposite of the misconception is always numerically zero

Question 40

What should a student identify before calculating in Topic 3.4?

AOnly the final numerical answerBChoose a system, identify initial/final energy stores, distinguish mechanical-energy conservation from total-energy conservation, and include external work or thermal transfer when needed.COnly whether the quantity is positiveDEvery equation on the reference sheet

Question 41

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 3.4?

AThe topic has no defined scopeBAlways state the system and energy transfers; this is central to AP reasoning and FRQs.CCalculus is required for every questionDOnly memorized numerical values are assessed

Question 42

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 3.4 lesson?

AFormula first → ignore meaning → memorize answerBDefinition → physical model → real examples → equation conditions → reasoning/practiceCPractice only → skip definitions and examplesDSearch a different page for every unfamiliar term before continuing

How much AP Physics 1 MCQ practice is available?

Choose the exact AP Physics 1 topic

Conservation of Energy Practice

A 1.0 kg block starts from rest 5.0 m above a frictionless reference level. Using g=10 m/s², what is its kinetic energy just before reaching the reference level?

A system initially has 30 J of kinetic energy and 20 J of potential energy. External work adds 15 J. What is the final total energy?

A block attached to a spring is chosen as the entire system. As the spring expands and the block speeds up on a frictionless surface, which energy description is best?

A frictionless pendulum trades K and U_g while K+U_g stays constant. Which Topic 3.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Mechanical energy in Topic 3.4?

A second situation is observed: A frictionless spring-cart system trades K and U_s. Which concept is being applied?

A sliding box stops as mechanical energy becomes thermal energy of surfaces. Which Topic 3.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Thermal/internal energy in Topic 3.4?

A second situation is observed: Car brakes heat the brake pads and surroundings. Which concept is being applied?

A person pushing a cart transfers energy into a cart-only system. Which Topic 3.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines External work in Topic 3.4?

A second situation is observed: A motor lifts an elevator by doing external work on the elevator system. Which concept is being applied?

A roller coaster chart shows U_g decreasing while K increases. Which Topic 3.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Energy bar/flow representations in Topic 3.4?

A second situation is observed: A block-spring chart can show K, U_s and thermal energy before and after motion. Which concept is being applied?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.4 idea: General system energy accounting when external work transfers energy?

In Topic 3.4, which variable-and-unit description belongs with E_i + W_ext = E_f?

For Topic 3.4, consider this real application: A +20 J external work raises system energy by 20 J if no other transfer occurs. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.4 idea: Mechanical energy when dissipative/external transfers are negligible?

In Topic 3.4, which variable-and-unit description belongs with K_i + U_i = K_f + U_f?

For Topic 3.4, consider this real application: A frictionless drop uses mgh = ½mv². Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.4 idea: Conceptual accounting across system boundary?

In Topic 3.4, which variable-and-unit description belongs with ΔE_system = transfers in − transfers out?

For Topic 3.4, consider this real application: Electrical energy into a motor becomes mechanical plus thermal energy. Which relationship supports that result?

In Topic 3.4, analyze this situation: A coaster descends 5 m with negligible friction. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 3.4 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Loss in U_g equals gain in K for the coaster+Earth system”?

A student is deciding how to begin the “Frictionless coaster” situation. What is the best first move?

In Topic 3.4, analyze this situation: A block slides down a rough ramp. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 3.4 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Mechanical energy decreases, but total energy is conserved when thermal energy is included”?

A student is deciding how to begin the “Rough ramp” situation. What is the best first move?

In Topic 3.4, analyze this situation: A compressed spring launches a cart. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 3.4 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “For cart+spring with negligible friction, U_s decreases as K increases”?

A student is deciding how to begin the “Spring launcher” situation. What is the best first move?

In Topic 3.4, a student claims: “Energy conservation means kinetic energy is constant.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 3.4 solution: “Energy conservation means kinetic energy is constant.”?

In Topic 3.4, a student claims: “Friction destroys energy.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 3.4 solution: “Friction destroys energy.”?

In Topic 3.4, a student claims: “Mechanical energy is always conserved.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 3.4 solution: “Mechanical energy is always conserved.”?

What should a student identify before calculating in Topic 3.4?

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 3.4?

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 3.4 lesson?

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