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 7.3 · 42 MCQs

Representing and Analyzing SHM 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 7.3 representation anchorUse the picture together with words and equations—not as decoration.

Question 1

At the equilibrium position of an ideal spring–mass oscillator, which statement is correct?

ASpeed is zero and acceleration magnitude is maximumBSpeed magnitude is maximum and acceleration is zeroCBoth speed and acceleration are zeroDBoth speed and acceleration magnitudes are maximum

Question 2

At a turning point x=+A, what are the velocity and acceleration directions?

Av is maximum positive; a=0Bv=0; a points toward negative xCv=0; a points toward positive xDv is maximum negative; a=0

Question 3

If the position graph is at a positive maximum at an instant, what must the velocity graph show at the same instant?

AA positive maximumBA negative maximumCZeroDAn undefined value

Question 4

At +A, v=0; moving toward equilibrium, |v| grows. Which Topic 7.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AAcceleration phaseBForce-position graphCVelocity phaseDPhase/quarter cycles

Question 5

Which statement best defines Velocity phase in Topic 7.3?

AVelocity is quarter-cycle out of phase with position and is largest at equilibrium.BAcceleration is opposite in sign to position: a=−ω²x.CFor spring SHM, F versus x is a straight line with negative slope −k.DKey quantities repeat in a predictable sequence every T/4.

Question 6

A second situation is observed: At x=0, speed is maximum. Which concept is being applied?

APhase/quarter cyclesBVelocity phaseCAcceleration phaseDForce-position graph

Question 7

At +A, acceleration is most negative. Which Topic 7.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AForce-position graphBPhase/quarter cyclesCAcceleration phaseDPosition-time sinusoid

Question 8

Which statement best defines Acceleration phase in Topic 7.3?

AAcceleration is opposite in sign to position: a=−ω²x.BFor spring SHM, F versus x is a straight line with negative slope −k.CKey quantities repeat in a predictable sequence every T/4.DPosition varies periodically between ±A.

Question 9

A second situation is observed: At equilibrium, acceleration is zero. Which concept is being applied?

APosition-time sinusoidBAcceleration phaseCForce-position graphDPhase/quarter cycles

Question 10

Stretch right gives leftward force. Which Topic 7.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

APhase/quarter cyclesBPosition-time sinusoidCForce-position graphDVelocity phase

Question 11

Which statement best defines Force-position graph in Topic 7.3?

AFor spring SHM, F versus x is a straight line with negative slope −k.BKey quantities repeat in a predictable sequence every T/4.CPosition varies periodically between ±A.DVelocity is quarter-cycle out of phase with position and is largest at equilibrium.

Question 12

A second situation is observed: Steeper magnitude slope means stiffer spring. Which concept is being applied?

AVelocity phaseBForce-position graphCPhase/quarter cyclesDPosition-time sinusoid

Question 13

From +A at rest to equilibrium moving negative takes T/4. Which Topic 7.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

APosition-time sinusoidBVelocity phaseCPhase/quarter cyclesDAcceleration phase

Question 14

Which statement best defines Phase/quarter cycles in Topic 7.3?

AKey quantities repeat in a predictable sequence every T/4.BPosition varies periodically between ±A.CVelocity is quarter-cycle out of phase with position and is largest at equilibrium.DAcceleration is opposite in sign to position: a=−ω²x.

Question 15

A second situation is observed: From +A to −A takes T/2. Which concept is being applied?

AAcceleration phaseBPhase/quarter cyclesCPosition-time sinusoidDVelocity phase

Question 16

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.3 idea: Standard SHM position model when phase form is appropriate?

Av_max = ωABx=A cos(ωt+φ)Ca_max = ω²ADNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 17

In Topic 7.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with x=A cos(ωt+φ)?

AFor a_max = ω²A: a: m/s²BFor v_max = ωA: v: m/sCFor x=A cos(ωt+φ): x: m; A: m; ω: rad/sDAll quantities are unitless

Question 18

For Topic 7.3, consider this real application: Starting at +A with v=0 can use φ=0. Which relationship supports that result?

Ax=A cos(ωt+φ)Ba_max = ω²ACv_max = ωADOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 19

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.3 idea: Maximum speed at equilibrium?

Aa_max = ω²ABv_max = ωACx=A cos(ωt+φ)DNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 20

In Topic 7.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with v_max = ωA?

AFor x=A cos(ωt+φ): x: m; A: m; ω: rad/sBFor a_max = ω²A: a: m/s²CFor v_max = ωA: v: m/sDAll quantities are unitless

Question 21

For Topic 7.3, consider this real application: Larger amplitude or frequency raises v_max. Which relationship supports that result?

Av_max = ωABx=A cos(ωt+φ)Ca_max = ω²ADOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 22

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.3 idea: Maximum acceleration magnitude at turning points?

Ax=A cos(ωt+φ)Ba_max = ω²ACv_max = ωADNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 23

In Topic 7.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with a_max = ω²A?

AFor v_max = ωA: v: m/sBFor x=A cos(ωt+φ): x: m; A: m; ω: rad/sCFor a_max = ω²A: a: m/s²DAll quantities are unitless

Question 24

For Topic 7.3, consider this real application: Occurs at |x|=A. Which relationship supports that result?

Aa_max = ω²ABv_max = ωACx=A cos(ωt+φ)DOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 25

In Topic 7.3, analyze this situation: Spring mass begins at maximum positive displacement. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

ASpeed is maximum; acceleration and restoring force are zero at that instant.BVelocity is again zero and acceleration points positive toward equilibrium.Cx is max, v=0, acceleration is max negative.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 7.3 idea

Question 26

Which Topic 7.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “x is max, v=0, acceleration is max negative”?

AHalf cycle laterBReleased from +ACCrossing equilibriumDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 27

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 7.3 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 28

In Topic 7.3, analyze this situation: Mass passes through x=0. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AVelocity is again zero and acceleration points positive toward equilibrium.Bx is max, v=0, acceleration is max negative.CSpeed is maximum; acceleration and restoring force are zero at that instant.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 7.3 idea

Question 29

Which Topic 7.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Speed is maximum; acceleration and restoring force are zero at that instant”?

AReleased from +ABCrossing equilibriumCHalf cycle laterDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 30

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 7.3 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 31

In Topic 7.3, analyze this situation: Starting at +A, after T/2 the mass is at −A. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Ax is max, v=0, acceleration is max negative.BSpeed is maximum; acceleration and restoring force are zero at that instant.CVelocity is again zero and acceleration points positive toward equilibrium.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 7.3 idea

Question 32

Which Topic 7.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Velocity is again zero and acceleration points positive toward equilibrium”?

ACrossing equilibriumBHalf cycle laterCReleased from +ADNone of the listed physical situations

Question 33

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 7.3 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 34

In Topic 7.3, a student claims: “Velocity is maximum at maximum displacement.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBVelocity is zero at turning points and maximum at equilibrium.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 7.3 solution: “Velocity is maximum at maximum displacement.”?

AVelocity is zero at turning points and maximum at equilibrium.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 7.3, a student claims: “Acceleration follows velocity direction.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBAcceleration follows −x, toward equilibrium.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 7.3 solution: “Acceleration follows velocity direction.”?

AAcceleration follows −x, toward equilibrium.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 7.3, a student claims: “All SHM graphs peak at the same time.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBPosition and acceleration are opposite; velocity is quarter-cycle shifted.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 7.3 solution: “All SHM graphs peak at the same time.”?

APosition and acceleration are opposite; velocity is quarter-cycle shifted.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 7.3?

AOnly the final numerical answerBTranslate among x–t, v–t, a–t, force-position, and phase relationships; identify values at equilibrium and turning points.COnly whether the quantity is positiveDEvery equation on the reference sheet

Question 41

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 7.3?

AThe topic has no defined scopeBFocus on representation translation and qualitative phase relationships; calculus is unnecessary.CCalculus is required for every questionDOnly memorized numerical values are assessed

Question 42

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 7.3 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

Representing and Analyzing SHM Practice

At the equilibrium position of an ideal spring–mass oscillator, which statement is correct?

At a turning point x=+A, what are the velocity and acceleration directions?

If the position graph is at a positive maximum at an instant, what must the velocity graph show at the same instant?

At +A, v=0; moving toward equilibrium, |v| grows. Which Topic 7.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Velocity phase in Topic 7.3?

A second situation is observed: At x=0, speed is maximum. Which concept is being applied?

At +A, acceleration is most negative. Which Topic 7.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Acceleration phase in Topic 7.3?

A second situation is observed: At equilibrium, acceleration is zero. Which concept is being applied?

Stretch right gives leftward force. Which Topic 7.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Force-position graph in Topic 7.3?

A second situation is observed: Steeper magnitude slope means stiffer spring. Which concept is being applied?

From +A at rest to equilibrium moving negative takes T/4. Which Topic 7.3 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Phase/quarter cycles in Topic 7.3?

A second situation is observed: From +A to −A takes T/2. Which concept is being applied?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.3 idea: Standard SHM position model when phase form is appropriate?

In Topic 7.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with x=A cos(ωt+φ)?

For Topic 7.3, consider this real application: Starting at +A with v=0 can use φ=0. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.3 idea: Maximum speed at equilibrium?

In Topic 7.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with v_max = ωA?

For Topic 7.3, consider this real application: Larger amplitude or frequency raises v_max. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.3 idea: Maximum acceleration magnitude at turning points?

In Topic 7.3, which variable-and-unit description belongs with a_max = ω²A?

For Topic 7.3, consider this real application: Occurs at |x|=A. Which relationship supports that result?

In Topic 7.3, analyze this situation: Spring mass begins at maximum positive displacement. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 7.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “x is max, v=0, acceleration is max negative”?

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

In Topic 7.3, analyze this situation: Mass passes through x=0. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 7.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Speed is maximum; acceleration and restoring force are zero at that instant”?

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

In Topic 7.3, analyze this situation: Starting at +A, after T/2 the mass is at −A. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 7.3 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Velocity is again zero and acceleration points positive toward equilibrium”?

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

In Topic 7.3, a student claims: “Velocity is maximum at maximum displacement.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 7.3 solution: “Velocity is maximum at maximum displacement.”?

In Topic 7.3, a student claims: “Acceleration follows velocity direction.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 7.3 solution: “Acceleration follows velocity direction.”?

In Topic 7.3, a student claims: “All SHM graphs peak at the same time.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 7.3 solution: “All SHM graphs peak at the same time.”?

What should a student identify before calculating in Topic 7.3?

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 7.3?

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 7.3 lesson?

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