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 5.1 · 42 MCQs

Rotational Kinematics 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 5.1 representation anchorUse the picture together with words and equations—not as decoration.

Question 1

A wheel’s angular velocity changes from 2 rad/s to 8 rad/s in 3 s with constant angular acceleration. What is α?

A2 rad/s²B3 rad/s²C6 rad/s²D18 rad/s²

Question 2

A wheel starts from rest with constant α=4 rad/s². What is its angular velocity after 2 s?

A2 rad/sB4 rad/sC8 rad/sD16 rad/s

Question 3

On an angular-velocity-versus-time graph, what does the signed area under the curve represent?

AAngular accelerationBAngular displacementCRotational inertiaDTorque

Question 4

A ceiling fan turning steadily has constant angular velocity. Which Topic 5.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AAngular accelerationBRigid-body rotationCAngular velocityDAngular graphs

Question 5

Which statement best defines Angular velocity in Topic 5.1?

ARate of change of angular position.BRate of change of angular velocity.CAll points of a rigid body share the same angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration about the axis.DSlope and area relationships mirror translational kinematics.

Question 6

A second situation is observed: A wheel rotating clockwise has negative ω if CCW is positive. Which concept is being applied?

AAngular graphsBAngular velocityCAngular accelerationDRigid-body rotation

Question 7

A fan speeding up counterclockwise has positive α under CCW-positive convention. Which Topic 5.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

ARigid-body rotationBAngular graphsCAngular accelerationDAngular position/displacement

Question 8

Which statement best defines Angular acceleration in Topic 5.1?

ARate of change of angular velocity.BAll points of a rigid body share the same angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration about the axis.CSlope and area relationships mirror translational kinematics.DAngular position locates rotational orientation; angular displacement is its signed change.

Question 9

A second situation is observed: A clockwise-spinning wheel slowing down can have positive α. Which concept is being applied?

AAngular position/displacementBAngular accelerationCRigid-body rotationDAngular graphs

Question 10

Every point on a rigid wheel turns through the same angle in a given time. Which Topic 5.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AAngular graphsBAngular position/displacementCRigid-body rotationDAngular velocity

Question 11

Which statement best defines Rigid-body rotation in Topic 5.1?

AAll points of a rigid body share the same angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration about the axis.BSlope and area relationships mirror translational kinematics.CAngular position locates rotational orientation; angular displacement is its signed change.DRate of change of angular position.

Question 12

A second situation is observed: Points at different radii on a turntable share ω but have different linear speeds. Which concept is being applied?

AAngular velocityBRigid-body rotationCAngular graphsDAngular position/displacement

Question 13

Slope of θ–t gives ω. Which Topic 5.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AAngular position/displacementBAngular velocityCAngular graphsDAngular acceleration

Question 14

Which statement best defines Angular graphs in Topic 5.1?

ASlope and area relationships mirror translational kinematics.BAngular position locates rotational orientation; angular displacement is its signed change.CRate of change of angular position.DRate of change of angular velocity.

Question 15

A second situation is observed: Area under ω–t gives angular displacement. Which concept is being applied?

AAngular accelerationBAngular graphsCAngular position/displacementDAngular velocity

Question 16

Which relationship best represents this Topic 5.1 idea: Average angular velocity?

Aα_avg = Δω/ΔtBω_avg = Δθ/ΔtCω=ω0+αt; Δθ=ω0t+½αt²; ω²=ω0²+2αΔθDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 17

In Topic 5.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with ω_avg = Δθ/Δt?

AFor ω=ω0+αt; Δθ=ω0t+½αt²; ω²=ω0²+2αΔθ: radian-based angular quantitiesBFor α_avg = Δω/Δt: α: rad/s²CFor ω_avg = Δθ/Δt: ω: rad/s; θ: rad; t: sDAll quantities are unitless

Question 18

For Topic 5.1, consider this real application: π rad in 2 s gives π/2 rad/s. Which relationship supports that result?

Aω_avg = Δθ/ΔtBω=ω0+αt; Δθ=ω0t+½αt²; ω²=ω0²+2αΔθCα_avg = Δω/ΔtDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 19

Which relationship best represents this Topic 5.1 idea: Average angular acceleration?

Aω=ω0+αt; Δθ=ω0t+½αt²; ω²=ω0²+2αΔθBα_avg = Δω/ΔtCω_avg = Δθ/ΔtDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 20

In Topic 5.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with α_avg = Δω/Δt?

AFor ω_avg = Δθ/Δt: ω: rad/s; θ: rad; t: sBFor ω=ω0+αt; Δθ=ω0t+½αt²; ω²=ω0²+2αΔθ: radian-based angular quantitiesCFor α_avg = Δω/Δt: α: rad/s²DAll quantities are unitless

Question 21

For Topic 5.1, consider this real application: ω changes 2→8 rad/s in 3 s gives 2 rad/s². Which relationship supports that result?

Aα_avg = Δω/ΔtBω_avg = Δθ/ΔtCω=ω0+αt; Δθ=ω0t+½αt²; ω²=ω0²+2αΔθDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 22

Which relationship best represents this Topic 5.1 idea: Constant angular acceleration?

Aω_avg = Δθ/ΔtBω=ω0+αt; Δθ=ω0t+½αt²; ω²=ω0²+2αΔθCα_avg = Δω/ΔtDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 23

In Topic 5.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with ω=ω0+αt; Δθ=ω0t+½αt²; ω²=ω0²+2αΔθ?

AFor α_avg = Δω/Δt: α: rad/s²BFor ω_avg = Δθ/Δt: ω: rad/s; θ: rad; t: sCFor ω=ω0+αt; Δθ=ω0t+½αt²; ω²=ω0²+2αΔθ: radian-based angular quantitiesDAll quantities are unitless

Question 24

For Topic 5.1, consider this real application: Use just like linear constant-acceleration equations with angular variables. Which relationship supports that result?

Aω=ω0+αt; Δθ=ω0t+½αt²; ω²=ω0²+2αΔθBα_avg = Δω/ΔtCω_avg = Δθ/ΔtDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 25

In Topic 5.1, analyze this situation: A fan starts from rest and speeds up uniformly. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AWith CCW positive, ω<0 and α>0.BThey share θ, ω, α because the turntable is rigid.CIts ω–t graph rises linearly and α is constant.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 5.1 idea

Question 26

Which Topic 5.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Its ω–t graph rises linearly and α is constant”?

ATurntableBFan startupCWheel slowdownDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 27

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 5.1 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 28

In Topic 5.1, analyze this situation: A wheel rotates clockwise while slowing. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AThey share θ, ω, α because the turntable is rigid.BIts ω–t graph rises linearly and α is constant.CWith CCW positive, ω<0 and α>0.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 5.1 idea

Question 29

Which Topic 5.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “With CCW positive, ω<0 and α>0”?

AFan startupBWheel slowdownCTurntableDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 30

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 5.1 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 31

In Topic 5.1, analyze this situation: Two stickers at different radii rotate together. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AIts ω–t graph rises linearly and α is constant.BWith CCW positive, ω<0 and α>0.CThey share θ, ω, α because the turntable is rigid.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 5.1 idea

Question 32

Which Topic 5.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “They share θ, ω, α because the turntable is rigid”?

AWheel slowdownBTurntableCFan startupDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 33

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 5.1 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 34

In Topic 5.1, a student claims: “Outer points have larger angular velocity.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBRigid-body points share angular velocity; outer points have larger linear speed.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 5.1 solution: “Outer points have larger angular velocity.”?

ARigid-body points share angular velocity; outer points have larger linear speed.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 5.1, a student claims: “Radians are optional decorative units.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBRadians make rotational relationships such as s=rθ directly consistent.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 5.1 solution: “Radians are optional decorative units.”?

ARadians make rotational relationships such as s=rθ directly consistent.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 5.1, a student claims: “Negative angular velocity means slowing down.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBSign indicates rotational direction, not whether |ω| is decreasing.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 5.1 solution: “Negative angular velocity means slowing down.”?

ASign indicates rotational direction, not whether |ω| is decreasing.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 5.1?

AOnly the final numerical answerBBuild angular-motion vocabulary, use signs and radians, interpret angular graphs, and apply constant-angular-acceleration relationships.COnly whether the quantity is positiveDEvery equation on the reference sheet

Question 41

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 5.1?

AThe topic has no defined scopeBRotational kinematics parallels Unit 1 but uses angular quantities; linear connections are Topic 5.2.CCalculus is required for every questionDOnly memorized numerical values are assessed

Question 42

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 5.1 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

Rotational Kinematics Practice

A wheel’s angular velocity changes from 2 rad/s to 8 rad/s in 3 s with constant angular acceleration. What is α?

A wheel starts from rest with constant α=4 rad/s². What is its angular velocity after 2 s?

On an angular-velocity-versus-time graph, what does the signed area under the curve represent?

A ceiling fan turning steadily has constant angular velocity. Which Topic 5.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Angular velocity in Topic 5.1?

A second situation is observed: A wheel rotating clockwise has negative ω if CCW is positive. Which concept is being applied?

A fan speeding up counterclockwise has positive α under CCW-positive convention. Which Topic 5.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Angular acceleration in Topic 5.1?

A second situation is observed: A clockwise-spinning wheel slowing down can have positive α. Which concept is being applied?

Every point on a rigid wheel turns through the same angle in a given time. Which Topic 5.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Rigid-body rotation in Topic 5.1?

A second situation is observed: Points at different radii on a turntable share ω but have different linear speeds. Which concept is being applied?

Slope of θ–t gives ω. Which Topic 5.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Angular graphs in Topic 5.1?

A second situation is observed: Area under ω–t gives angular displacement. Which concept is being applied?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 5.1 idea: Average angular velocity?

In Topic 5.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with ω_avg = Δθ/Δt?

For Topic 5.1, consider this real application: π rad in 2 s gives π/2 rad/s. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 5.1 idea: Average angular acceleration?

In Topic 5.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with α_avg = Δω/Δt?

For Topic 5.1, consider this real application: ω changes 2→8 rad/s in 3 s gives 2 rad/s². Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 5.1 idea: Constant angular acceleration?

In Topic 5.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with ω=ω0+αt; Δθ=ω0t+½αt²; ω²=ω0²+2αΔθ?

For Topic 5.1, consider this real application: Use just like linear constant-acceleration equations with angular variables. Which relationship supports that result?

In Topic 5.1, analyze this situation: A fan starts from rest and speeds up uniformly. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 5.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Its ω–t graph rises linearly and α is constant”?

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

In Topic 5.1, analyze this situation: A wheel rotates clockwise while slowing. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 5.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “With CCW positive, ω<0 and α>0”?

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

In Topic 5.1, analyze this situation: Two stickers at different radii rotate together. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 5.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “They share θ, ω, α because the turntable is rigid”?

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

In Topic 5.1, a student claims: “Outer points have larger angular velocity.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 5.1 solution: “Outer points have larger angular velocity.”?

In Topic 5.1, a student claims: “Radians are optional decorative units.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 5.1 solution: “Radians are optional decorative units.”?

In Topic 5.1, a student claims: “Negative angular velocity means slowing down.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 5.1 solution: “Negative angular velocity means slowing down.”?

What should a student identify before calculating in Topic 5.1?

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 5.1?

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 5.1 lesson?

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