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 4.2 · 42 MCQs

Change in Momentum and Impulse 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 4.2 representation anchorUse the picture together with words and equations—not as decoration.

Question 1

A constant net force of 6 N acts on an object for 0.50 s. What impulse is delivered?

A0.083 N·sB3 N·sC6.5 N·sD12 N·s

Question 2

A ball’s momentum changes by 10 kg·m/s during a 0.20 s contact. What average net force magnitude is required?

A2 NB10 NC20 ND50 N

Question 3

A force–time graph is a triangle with base 0.40 s and peak force 30 N. What is the impulse magnitude?

A3 N·sB6 N·sC12 N·sD30 N·s

Question 4

Catching a moving ball brings its momentum to zero. Which Topic 4.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AForce–time graphBAverage force and collision timeCChange in momentumDVector impulse

Question 5

Which statement best defines Change in momentum in Topic 4.2?

AImpulse equals final momentum minus initial momentum.BSigned area under an F-versus-time graph gives impulse.CFor a fixed momentum change, increasing stopping time reduces average force magnitude.DImpulse direction matches the direction of momentum change.

Question 6

A second situation is observed: Rebounding changes momentum more than merely stopping at the same initial speed. Which concept is being applied?

AVector impulseBChange in momentumCForce–time graphDAverage force and collision time

Question 7

A 20 N constant force for 0.5 s gives 10 N·s. Which Topic 4.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AAverage force and collision timeBVector impulseCForce–time graphDImpulse

Question 8

Which statement best defines Force–time graph in Topic 4.2?

ASigned area under an F-versus-time graph gives impulse.BFor a fixed momentum change, increasing stopping time reduces average force magnitude.CImpulse direction matches the direction of momentum change.DImpulse measures accumulated force over time.

Question 9

A second situation is observed: A triangular force pulse has impulse equal to triangle area. Which concept is being applied?

AImpulseBForce–time graphCAverage force and collision timeDVector impulse

Question 10

Airbags lengthen stopping time and reduce average force. Which Topic 4.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AVector impulseBImpulseCAverage force and collision timeDChange in momentum

Question 11

Which statement best defines Average force and collision time in Topic 4.2?

AFor a fixed momentum change, increasing stopping time reduces average force magnitude.BImpulse direction matches the direction of momentum change.CImpulse measures accumulated force over time.DImpulse equals final momentum minus initial momentum.

Question 12

A second situation is observed: Bending knees when landing increases stopping time. Which concept is being applied?

AChange in momentumBAverage force and collision timeCVector impulseDImpulse

Question 13

A ball reversing from +x to −x receives a negative impulse. Which Topic 4.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AImpulseBChange in momentumCVector impulseDForce–time graph

Question 14

Which statement best defines Vector impulse in Topic 4.2?

AImpulse direction matches the direction of momentum change.BImpulse measures accumulated force over time.CImpulse equals final momentum minus initial momentum.DSigned area under an F-versus-time graph gives impulse.

Question 15

A second situation is observed: An upward force pulse increases upward momentum. Which concept is being applied?

AForce–time graphBVector impulseCImpulseDChange in momentum

Question 16

Which relationship best represents this Topic 4.2 idea: Impulse–momentum theorem?

AJ⃗ = F⃗_avg ΔtBJ⃗ = Δp⃗CJ = area under F vs tDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 17

In Topic 4.2, which variable-and-unit description belongs with J⃗ = Δp⃗?

AFor J = area under F vs t: graph area: N·sBFor J⃗ = F⃗_avg Δt: F_avg: N; Δt: sCFor J⃗ = Δp⃗: J: N·s = kg·m/sDAll quantities are unitless

Question 18

For Topic 4.2, consider this real application: Changing p from +6 to +2 gives J = −4 N·s. Which relationship supports that result?

AJ⃗ = Δp⃗BJ = area under F vs tCJ⃗ = F⃗_avg ΔtDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 19

Which relationship best represents this Topic 4.2 idea: Average-force approximation?

AJ = area under F vs tBJ⃗ = F⃗_avg ΔtCJ⃗ = Δp⃗DNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 20

In Topic 4.2, which variable-and-unit description belongs with J⃗ = F⃗_avg Δt?

AFor J⃗ = Δp⃗: J: N·s = kg·m/sBFor J = area under F vs t: graph area: N·sCFor J⃗ = F⃗_avg Δt: F_avg: N; Δt: sDAll quantities are unitless

Question 21

For Topic 4.2, consider this real application: 100 N for 0.2 s gives 20 N·s. Which relationship supports that result?

AJ⃗ = F⃗_avg ΔtBJ⃗ = Δp⃗CJ = area under F vs tDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 22

Which relationship best represents this Topic 4.2 idea: Variable force represented graphically?

AJ⃗ = Δp⃗BJ = area under F vs tCJ⃗ = F⃗_avg ΔtDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 23

In Topic 4.2, which variable-and-unit description belongs with J = area under F vs t?

AFor J⃗ = F⃗_avg Δt: F_avg: N; Δt: sBFor J⃗ = Δp⃗: J: N·s = kg·m/sCFor J = area under F vs t: graph area: N·sDAll quantities are unitless

Question 24

For Topic 4.2, consider this real application: Triangle 0→400 N over 0.1 s gives 20 N·s. Which relationship supports that result?

AJ = area under F vs tBJ⃗ = F⃗_avg ΔtCJ⃗ = Δp⃗DOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 25

In Topic 4.2, analyze this situation: A passenger’s momentum must change to zero in a crash. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AThe change in momentum is larger than if it simply stopped.BThe area under the curve gives impulse directly.CAn airbag increases stopping time, so the same impulse occurs with lower average force.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 4.2 idea

Question 26

Which Topic 4.2 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “An airbag increases stopping time, so the same impulse occurs with lower average force”?

AForce pulseBAirbagCBaseball reboundDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 27

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 4.2 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 28

In Topic 4.2, analyze this situation: A ball arrives at −10 m/s and leaves at +10 m/s. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AThe area under the curve gives impulse directly.BAn airbag increases stopping time, so the same impulse occurs with lower average force.CThe change in momentum is larger than if it simply stopped.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 4.2 idea

Question 29

Which Topic 4.2 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “The change in momentum is larger than if it simply stopped”?

AAirbagBBaseball reboundCForce pulseDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 30

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 4.2 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 31

In Topic 4.2, analyze this situation: A sensor records a collision force-time curve. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AAn airbag increases stopping time, so the same impulse occurs with lower average force.BThe change in momentum is larger than if it simply stopped.CThe area under the curve gives impulse directly.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 4.2 idea

Question 32

Which Topic 4.2 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “The area under the curve gives impulse directly”?

ABaseball reboundBForce pulseCAirbagDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 33

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 4.2 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 34

In Topic 4.2, a student claims: “Impulse equals force.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBImpulse is force accumulated over time and has units N·s.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 4.2 solution: “Impulse equals force.”?

AImpulse is force accumulated over time and has units N·s.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 4.2, a student claims: “Longer stopping time means larger impulse for the same initial/final momentum.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBImpulse is fixed by Δp; longer time changes average force.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 4.2 solution: “Longer stopping time means larger impulse for the same initial/final momentum.”?

AImpulse is fixed by Δp; longer time changes average force.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 4.2, a student claims: “Use distance under an F–t graph.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBUse area, not horizontal length alone.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 4.2 solution: “Use distance under an F–t graph.”?

AUse area, not horizontal length alone.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 4.2?

AOnly the final numerical answerBUse force–time graphs, average force, collision duration, and vector signs to connect forces to momentum changes.COnly whether the quantity is positiveDEvery equation on the reference sheet

Question 41

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 4.2?

AThe topic has no defined scopeBGraphical impulse is central and does not require calculus; use geometric area.CCalculus is required for every questionDOnly memorized numerical values are assessed

Question 42

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 4.2 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

Change in Momentum and Impulse Practice

A constant net force of 6 N acts on an object for 0.50 s. What impulse is delivered?

A ball’s momentum changes by 10 kg·m/s during a 0.20 s contact. What average net force magnitude is required?

A force–time graph is a triangle with base 0.40 s and peak force 30 N. What is the impulse magnitude?

Catching a moving ball brings its momentum to zero. Which Topic 4.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Change in momentum in Topic 4.2?

A second situation is observed: Rebounding changes momentum more than merely stopping at the same initial speed. Which concept is being applied?

A 20 N constant force for 0.5 s gives 10 N·s. Which Topic 4.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Force–time graph in Topic 4.2?

A second situation is observed: A triangular force pulse has impulse equal to triangle area. Which concept is being applied?

Airbags lengthen stopping time and reduce average force. Which Topic 4.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Average force and collision time in Topic 4.2?

A second situation is observed: Bending knees when landing increases stopping time. Which concept is being applied?

A ball reversing from +x to −x receives a negative impulse. Which Topic 4.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Vector impulse in Topic 4.2?

A second situation is observed: An upward force pulse increases upward momentum. Which concept is being applied?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 4.2 idea: Impulse–momentum theorem?

In Topic 4.2, which variable-and-unit description belongs with J⃗ = Δp⃗?

For Topic 4.2, consider this real application: Changing p from +6 to +2 gives J = −4 N·s. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 4.2 idea: Average-force approximation?

In Topic 4.2, which variable-and-unit description belongs with J⃗ = F⃗_avg Δt?

For Topic 4.2, consider this real application: 100 N for 0.2 s gives 20 N·s. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 4.2 idea: Variable force represented graphically?

In Topic 4.2, which variable-and-unit description belongs with J = area under F vs t?

For Topic 4.2, consider this real application: Triangle 0→400 N over 0.1 s gives 20 N·s. Which relationship supports that result?

In Topic 4.2, analyze this situation: A passenger’s momentum must change to zero in a crash. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 4.2 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “An airbag increases stopping time, so the same impulse occurs with lower average force”?

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

In Topic 4.2, analyze this situation: A ball arrives at −10 m/s and leaves at +10 m/s. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 4.2 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “The change in momentum is larger than if it simply stopped”?

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

In Topic 4.2, analyze this situation: A sensor records a collision force-time curve. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 4.2 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “The area under the curve gives impulse directly”?

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

In Topic 4.2, a student claims: “Impulse equals force.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 4.2 solution: “Impulse equals force.”?

In Topic 4.2, a student claims: “Longer stopping time means larger impulse for the same initial/final momentum.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 4.2 solution: “Longer stopping time means larger impulse for the same initial/final momentum.”?

In Topic 4.2, a student claims: “Use distance under an F–t graph.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 4.2 solution: “Use distance under an F–t graph.”?

What should a student identify before calculating in Topic 4.2?

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 4.2?

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 4.2 lesson?

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