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 4.3 · 42 MCQs

Conservation of Linear Momentum 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 4.3 representation anchorUse the picture together with words and equations—not as decoration.

Question 1

A 2 kg cart at +4 m/s sticks to a 2 kg cart initially at rest. Neglect external impulse. What is their common final velocity?

A+1 m/sB+2 m/sC+4 m/sD+8 m/s

Question 2

A 60 kg skater initially at rest throws a 3 kg backpack east at 10 m/s. What is the skater’s velocity immediately afterward?

A0.5 m/s eastB0.5 m/s westC5 m/s eastD5 m/s west

Question 3

When is total linear momentum of a chosen system conserved over an interval?

AWhenever internal forces are zeroBWhenever kinetic energy is conservedCWhen net external impulse is zero or negligibleDOnly when every object moves at constant speed

Question 4

Collision forces between two carts are internal to the two-cart system. Which Topic 4.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AExternal impulseBVector conservationCInternal forcesDRecoil/explosion

Question 5

Which statement best defines Internal forces in Topic 4.3?

AForces between objects inside the system cannot change total system momentum by themselves.BExternal forces can change total system momentum.CMomentum conservation must preserve direction/sign or components.DObjects can gain opposite momenta while total remains fixed.

Question 6

A second situation is observed: Explosion forces among fragments are internal if all fragments are included. Which concept is being applied?

ARecoil/explosionBInternal forcesCExternal impulseDVector conservation

Question 7

Friction from the floor changes the momentum of a sliding-box-only system. Which Topic 4.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AVector conservationBRecoil/explosionCExternal impulseDIsolated-system model

Question 8

Which statement best defines External impulse in Topic 4.3?

AExternal forces can change total system momentum.BMomentum conservation must preserve direction/sign or components.CObjects can gain opposite momenta while total remains fixed.DMomentum is conserved when external impulse is zero/negligible.

Question 9

A second situation is observed: A wall exerts external impulse on a ball-only system during a bounce. Which concept is being applied?

AIsolated-system modelBExternal impulseCVector conservationDRecoil/explosion

Question 10

In one dimension, east can be positive and west negative. Which Topic 4.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

ARecoil/explosionBIsolated-system modelCVector conservationDInternal forces

Question 11

Which statement best defines Vector conservation in Topic 4.3?

AMomentum conservation must preserve direction/sign or components.BObjects can gain opposite momenta while total remains fixed.CMomentum is conserved when external impulse is zero/negligible.DForces between objects inside the system cannot change total system momentum by themselves.

Question 12

A second situation is observed: In two dimensions, conserve x and y momentum separately. Which concept is being applied?

AInternal forcesBVector conservationCRecoil/explosionDIsolated-system model

Question 13

A stationary firework explodes into fragments with vector-sum momentum zero. Which Topic 4.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AIsolated-system modelBInternal forcesCRecoil/explosionDExternal impulse

Question 14

Which statement best defines Recoil/explosion in Topic 4.3?

AObjects can gain opposite momenta while total remains fixed.BMomentum is conserved when external impulse is zero/negligible.CForces between objects inside the system cannot change total system momentum by themselves.DExternal forces can change total system momentum.

Question 15

A second situation is observed: A person jumps from a stationary boat and the boat recoils. Which concept is being applied?

AExternal impulseBRecoil/explosionCIsolated-system modelDInternal forces

Question 16

Which relationship best represents this Topic 4.3 idea: Isolated-system momentum conservation?

AΔP⃗_system = J⃗_extBΣp⃗_i = Σp⃗_fCΣp_x conserved; Σp_y conservedDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 17

In Topic 4.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with Σp⃗_i = Σp⃗_f?

AFor Σp_x conserved; Σp_y conserved: component momentum: kg·m/sBFor ΔP⃗_system = J⃗_ext: P: kg·m/s; J_ext: N·sCFor Σp⃗_i = Σp⃗_f: momentum: kg·m/sDAll quantities are unitless

Question 18

For Topic 4.3, consider this real application: For two carts, m1v1i+m2v2i=m1v1f+m2v2f. Which relationship supports that result?

AΣp⃗_i = Σp⃗_fBΣp_x conserved; Σp_y conservedCΔP⃗_system = J⃗_extDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 19

Which relationship best represents this Topic 4.3 idea: General statement including external impulse?

AΣp_x conserved; Σp_y conservedBΔP⃗_system = J⃗_extCΣp⃗_i = Σp⃗_fDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 20

In Topic 4.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with ΔP⃗_system = J⃗_ext?

AFor Σp⃗_i = Σp⃗_f: momentum: kg·m/sBFor Σp_x conserved; Σp_y conserved: component momentum: kg·m/sCFor ΔP⃗_system = J⃗_ext: P: kg·m/s; J_ext: N·sDAll quantities are unitless

Question 21

For Topic 4.3, consider this real application: If external impulse is zero, ΔP_system=0. Which relationship supports that result?

AΔP⃗_system = J⃗_extBΣp⃗_i = Σp⃗_fCΣp_x conserved; Σp_y conservedDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 22

Which relationship best represents this Topic 4.3 idea: Two-dimensional isolated interactions?

AΣp⃗_i = Σp⃗_fBΣp_x conserved; Σp_y conservedCΔP⃗_system = J⃗_extDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 23

In Topic 4.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with Σp_x conserved; Σp_y conserved?

AFor ΔP⃗_system = J⃗_ext: P: kg·m/s; J_ext: N·sBFor Σp⃗_i = Σp⃗_f: momentum: kg·m/sCFor Σp_x conserved; Σp_y conserved: component momentum: kg·m/sDAll quantities are unitless

Question 24

For Topic 4.3, consider this real application: Explosion fragments require separate x and y balances. Which relationship supports that result?

AΣp_x conserved; Σp_y conservedBΔP⃗_system = J⃗_extCΣp⃗_i = Σp⃗_fDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 25

In Topic 4.3, analyze this situation: Two carts collide on a low-friction track. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AWith negligible horizontal external impulse, the boat gains opposite momentum.BBall-only momentum is not conserved because the wall provides external impulse; ball+wall+Earth can be a larger system.CChoose both carts as the system; interaction forces are internal and momentum is approximately conserved.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 4.3 idea

Question 26

Which Topic 4.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Choose both carts as the system; interaction forces are internal and momentum is approximately conserved”?

ABall and wallBCart collisionCPerson and boatDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 27

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 4.3 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 28

In Topic 4.3, analyze this situation: A person walks/jumps one way from a floating boat. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

ABall-only momentum is not conserved because the wall provides external impulse; ball+wall+Earth can be a larger system.BChoose both carts as the system; interaction forces are internal and momentum is approximately conserved.CWith negligible horizontal external impulse, the boat gains opposite momentum.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 4.3 idea

Question 29

Which Topic 4.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “With negligible horizontal external impulse, the boat gains opposite momentum”?

ACart collisionBPerson and boatCBall and wallDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 30

A student is deciding how to begin the “Person and boat” situation. What is the best first move?

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 4.3 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 31

In Topic 4.3, analyze this situation: A ball bounces from a wall. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AChoose both carts as the system; interaction forces are internal and momentum is approximately conserved.BWith negligible horizontal external impulse, the boat gains opposite momentum.CBall-only momentum is not conserved because the wall provides external impulse; ball+wall+Earth can be a larger system.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 4.3 idea

Question 32

Which Topic 4.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Ball-only momentum is not conserved because the wall provides external impulse; ball+wall+Earth can be a larger system”?

APerson and boatBBall and wallCCart collisionDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 33

A student is deciding how to begin the “Ball and wall” situation. What is the best first move?

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 4.3 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 34

In Topic 4.3, a student claims: “Momentum is conserved for each object in a collision.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBIt is the total momentum of an isolated system that is conserved.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 4.3 solution: “Momentum is conserved for each object in a collision.”?

AIt is the total momentum of an isolated system that is conserved.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 4.3, a student claims: “Internal forces must be zero for conservation.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBInternal forces can be large; their paired effects do not change total system momentum.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 4.3 solution: “Internal forces must be zero for conservation.”?

AInternal forces can be large; their paired effects do not change total system momentum.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 4.3, a student claims: “Momentum conservation requires kinetic energy conservation.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBMomentum can be conserved in inelastic collisions where K decreases.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 4.3 solution: “Momentum conservation requires kinetic energy conservation.”?

AMomentum can be conserved in inelastic collisions where K decreases.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 4.3?

AOnly the final numerical answerBChoose an appropriate system, distinguish internal from external forces, write vector momentum before and after interactions, and justify when conservation applies.COnly whether the quantity is positiveDEvery equation on the reference sheet

Question 41

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 4.3?

AThe topic has no defined scopeBAlways justify conservation using the system and net external impulse, not merely by saying “it is a collision.”CCalculus is required for every questionDOnly memorized numerical values are assessed

Question 42

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 4.3 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 Linear Momentum Practice

A 2 kg cart at +4 m/s sticks to a 2 kg cart initially at rest. Neglect external impulse. What is their common final velocity?

A 60 kg skater initially at rest throws a 3 kg backpack east at 10 m/s. What is the skater’s velocity immediately afterward?

When is total linear momentum of a chosen system conserved over an interval?

Collision forces between two carts are internal to the two-cart system. Which Topic 4.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Internal forces in Topic 4.3?

A second situation is observed: Explosion forces among fragments are internal if all fragments are included. Which concept is being applied?

Friction from the floor changes the momentum of a sliding-box-only system. Which Topic 4.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines External impulse in Topic 4.3?

A second situation is observed: A wall exerts external impulse on a ball-only system during a bounce. Which concept is being applied?

In one dimension, east can be positive and west negative. Which Topic 4.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Vector conservation in Topic 4.3?

A second situation is observed: In two dimensions, conserve x and y momentum separately. Which concept is being applied?

A stationary firework explodes into fragments with vector-sum momentum zero. Which Topic 4.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Recoil/explosion in Topic 4.3?

A second situation is observed: A person jumps from a stationary boat and the boat recoils. Which concept is being applied?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 4.3 idea: Isolated-system momentum conservation?

In Topic 4.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with Σp⃗_i = Σp⃗_f?

For Topic 4.3, consider this real application: For two carts, m1v1i+m2v2i=m1v1f+m2v2f. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 4.3 idea: General statement including external impulse?

In Topic 4.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with ΔP⃗_system = J⃗_ext?

For Topic 4.3, consider this real application: If external impulse is zero, ΔP_system=0. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 4.3 idea: Two-dimensional isolated interactions?

In Topic 4.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with Σp_x conserved; Σp_y conserved?

For Topic 4.3, consider this real application: Explosion fragments require separate x and y balances. Which relationship supports that result?

In Topic 4.3, analyze this situation: Two carts collide on a low-friction track. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 4.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Choose both carts as the system; interaction forces are internal and momentum is approximately conserved”?

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

In Topic 4.3, analyze this situation: A person walks/jumps one way from a floating boat. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 4.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “With negligible horizontal external impulse, the boat gains opposite momentum”?

A student is deciding how to begin the “Person and boat” situation. What is the best first move?

In Topic 4.3, analyze this situation: A ball bounces from a wall. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 4.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Ball-only momentum is not conserved because the wall provides external impulse; ball+wall+Earth can be a larger system”?

A student is deciding how to begin the “Ball and wall” situation. What is the best first move?

In Topic 4.3, a student claims: “Momentum is conserved for each object in a collision.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 4.3 solution: “Momentum is conserved for each object in a collision.”?

In Topic 4.3, a student claims: “Internal forces must be zero for conservation.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 4.3 solution: “Internal forces must be zero for conservation.”?

In Topic 4.3, a student claims: “Momentum conservation requires kinetic energy conservation.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 4.3 solution: “Momentum conservation requires kinetic energy conservation.”?

What should a student identify before calculating in Topic 4.3?

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 4.3?

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 4.3 lesson?

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