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 7.4 · 42 MCQs

Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators 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 7.4 representation anchorUse the picture together with words and equations—not as decoration.

Question 1

An ideal spring with k=200 N/m oscillates with amplitude 0.10 m. What is the total mechanical energy?

A0.5 JB1.0 JC2.0 JD20 J

Question 2

For an ideal spring oscillator, total energy is 8 J. At a position where spring potential energy is 3 J, what is kinetic energy?

A3 JB5 JC8 JD11 J

Question 3

The amplitude of an ideal spring oscillator doubles with k unchanged. By what factor does total mechanical energy change?

A2B4C8D16

Question 4

Spring mass at +A has U_s maximum. Which Topic 7.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AEnergy at equilibriumBAmplitude-energy relationCEnergy at amplitudeDDamping

Question 5

Which statement best defines Energy at amplitude in Topic 7.4?

AAt turning points speed is zero, so kinetic energy is zero and potential energy is maximum.BAt equilibrium potential energy is minimum (for chosen reference) and speed/kinetic energy are maximum.CFor spring SHM, total energy scales with A².DReal dissipative forces reduce mechanical energy and amplitude over time.

Question 6

A second situation is observed: Pendulum at extreme angle has maximum U_g and zero K. Which concept is being applied?

ADampingBEnergy at amplitudeCEnergy at equilibriumDAmplitude-energy relation

Question 7

Spring mass at x=0 has max K. Which Topic 7.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AAmplitude-energy relationBDampingCEnergy at equilibriumDTotal mechanical energy

Question 8

Which statement best defines Energy at equilibrium in Topic 7.4?

AAt equilibrium potential energy is minimum (for chosen reference) and speed/kinetic energy are maximum.BFor spring SHM, total energy scales with A².CReal dissipative forces reduce mechanical energy and amplitude over time.DIdeal oscillator’s K+U remains constant.

Question 9

A second situation is observed: Pendulum at bottom has max speed. Which concept is being applied?

ATotal mechanical energyBEnergy at equilibriumCAmplitude-energy relationDDamping

Question 10

Doubling amplitude quadruples total spring-oscillator energy. Which Topic 7.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

ADampingBTotal mechanical energyCAmplitude-energy relationDEnergy at amplitude

Question 11

Which statement best defines Amplitude-energy relation in Topic 7.4?

AFor spring SHM, total energy scales with A².BReal dissipative forces reduce mechanical energy and amplitude over time.CIdeal oscillator’s K+U remains constant.DAt turning points speed is zero, so kinetic energy is zero and potential energy is maximum.

Question 12

A second situation is observed: A larger-amplitude ideal oscillation has greater maximum speed. Which concept is being applied?

AEnergy at amplitudeBAmplitude-energy relationCDampingDTotal mechanical energy

Question 13

Air resistance slowly reduces pendulum amplitude. Which Topic 7.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

ATotal mechanical energyBEnergy at amplitudeCDampingDEnergy at equilibrium

Question 14

Which statement best defines Damping in Topic 7.4?

AReal dissipative forces reduce mechanical energy and amplitude over time.BIdeal oscillator’s K+U remains constant.CAt turning points speed is zero, so kinetic energy is zero and potential energy is maximum.DAt equilibrium potential energy is minimum (for chosen reference) and speed/kinetic energy are maximum.

Question 15

A second situation is observed: Friction makes a spring oscillator eventually stop. Which concept is being applied?

AEnergy at equilibriumBDampingCTotal mechanical energyDEnergy at amplitude

Question 16

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.4 idea: Total mechanical energy of ideal spring SHM?

AU_s = ½kx²BE = ½kA²CK = E − UDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 17

In Topic 7.4, which variable-and-unit description belongs with E = ½kA²?

AFor K = E − U: JBFor U_s = ½kx²: JCFor E = ½kA²: E: J; k: N/m; A: mDAll quantities are unitless

Question 18

For Topic 7.4, consider this real application: k=100, A=.2 gives 2 J. Which relationship supports that result?

AE = ½kA²BK = E − UCU_s = ½kx²DOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 19

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.4 idea: Elastic potential at displacement x?

AK = E − UBU_s = ½kx²CE = ½kA²DNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 20

In Topic 7.4, which variable-and-unit description belongs with U_s = ½kx²?

AFor E = ½kA²: E: J; k: N/m; A: mBFor K = E − U: JCFor U_s = ½kx²: JDAll quantities are unitless

Question 21

For Topic 7.4, consider this real application: At x=A, U_s=E. Which relationship supports that result?

AU_s = ½kx²BE = ½kA²CK = E − UDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 22

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.4 idea: Find kinetic energy at any position?

AE = ½kA²BK = E − UCU_s = ½kx²DNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 23

In Topic 7.4, which variable-and-unit description belongs with K = E − U?

AFor U_s = ½kx²: JBFor E = ½kA²: E: J; k: N/m; A: mCFor K = E − U: JDAll quantities are unitless

Question 24

For Topic 7.4, consider this real application: At x=0 ideal spring U=0, so K=E. Which relationship supports that result?

AK = E − UBU_s = ½kx²CE = ½kA²DOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 25

In Topic 7.4, analyze this situation: Mass is at x=A/2. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AGravitational potential is minimum and kinetic energy is maximum.BMechanical energy is transferred to thermal/surroundings; ideal energy conservation within oscillator alone no longer holds.CU/E=(x/A)²=1/4, so K=3/4 E.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 7.4 idea

Question 26

Which Topic 7.4 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “U/E=(x/A)²=1/4, so K=3/4 E”?

ADamped oscillatorBSpring at half amplitudeCPendulum bottomDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 27

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 7.4 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 28

In Topic 7.4, analyze this situation: Bob passes through lowest point. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AMechanical energy is transferred to thermal/surroundings; ideal energy conservation within oscillator alone no longer holds.BU/E=(x/A)²=1/4, so K=3/4 E.CGravitational potential is minimum and kinetic energy is maximum.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 7.4 idea

Question 29

Which Topic 7.4 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Gravitational potential is minimum and kinetic energy is maximum”?

ASpring at half amplitudeBPendulum bottomCDamped oscillatorDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 30

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 7.4 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 31

In Topic 7.4, analyze this situation: Amplitude shrinks each cycle. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AU/E=(x/A)²=1/4, so K=3/4 E.BGravitational potential is minimum and kinetic energy is maximum.CMechanical energy is transferred to thermal/surroundings; ideal energy conservation within oscillator alone no longer holds.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 7.4 idea

Question 32

Which Topic 7.4 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Mechanical energy is transferred to thermal/surroundings; ideal energy conservation within oscillator alone no longer holds”?

APendulum bottomBDamped oscillatorCSpring at half amplitudeDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 33

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 7.4 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 34

In Topic 7.4, a student claims: “Energy is zero at equilibrium.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBPotential may be chosen zero there, but kinetic energy is maximum.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 7.4 solution: “Energy is zero at equilibrium.”?

APotential may be chosen zero there, but kinetic energy is maximum.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 7.4, a student claims: “At amplitude total energy is zero because v=0.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBK=0 but potential energy is maximum.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 7.4 solution: “At amplitude total energy is zero because v=0.”?

AK=0 but potential energy is maximum.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 7.4, a student claims: “If amplitude halves, energy halves.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBFor spring SHM, total energy scales as A², so it becomes one quarter.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 7.4 solution: “If amplitude halves, energy halves.”?

AFor spring SHM, total energy scales as A², so it becomes one quarter.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 7.4?

AOnly the final numerical answerBTrack energy at equilibrium and amplitudes, connect amplitude to total energy, and use energy to determine speed at a displacement.COnly whether the quantity is positiveDEvery equation on the reference sheet

Question 41

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 7.4?

AThe topic has no defined scopeBIdeal energy conservation assumes negligible dissipative transfer.CCalculus is required for every questionDOnly memorized numerical values are assessed

Question 42

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 7.4 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

Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators Practice

An ideal spring with k=200 N/m oscillates with amplitude 0.10 m. What is the total mechanical energy?

For an ideal spring oscillator, total energy is 8 J. At a position where spring potential energy is 3 J, what is kinetic energy?

The amplitude of an ideal spring oscillator doubles with k unchanged. By what factor does total mechanical energy change?

Spring mass at +A has U_s maximum. Which Topic 7.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Energy at amplitude in Topic 7.4?

A second situation is observed: Pendulum at extreme angle has maximum U_g and zero K. Which concept is being applied?

Spring mass at x=0 has max K. Which Topic 7.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Energy at equilibrium in Topic 7.4?

A second situation is observed: Pendulum at bottom has max speed. Which concept is being applied?

Doubling amplitude quadruples total spring-oscillator energy. Which Topic 7.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Amplitude-energy relation in Topic 7.4?

A second situation is observed: A larger-amplitude ideal oscillation has greater maximum speed. Which concept is being applied?

Air resistance slowly reduces pendulum amplitude. Which Topic 7.4 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Damping in Topic 7.4?

A second situation is observed: Friction makes a spring oscillator eventually stop. Which concept is being applied?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.4 idea: Total mechanical energy of ideal spring SHM?

In Topic 7.4, which variable-and-unit description belongs with E = ½kA²?

For Topic 7.4, consider this real application: k=100, A=.2 gives 2 J. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.4 idea: Elastic potential at displacement x?

In Topic 7.4, which variable-and-unit description belongs with U_s = ½kx²?

For Topic 7.4, consider this real application: At x=A, U_s=E. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.4 idea: Find kinetic energy at any position?

In Topic 7.4, which variable-and-unit description belongs with K = E − U?

For Topic 7.4, consider this real application: At x=0 ideal spring U=0, so K=E. Which relationship supports that result?

In Topic 7.4, analyze this situation: Mass is at x=A/2. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 7.4 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “U/E=(x/A)²=1/4, so K=3/4 E”?

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

In Topic 7.4, analyze this situation: Bob passes through lowest point. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 7.4 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Gravitational potential is minimum and kinetic energy is maximum”?

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

In Topic 7.4, analyze this situation: Amplitude shrinks each cycle. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 7.4 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Mechanical energy is transferred to thermal/surroundings; ideal energy conservation within oscillator alone no longer holds”?

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

In Topic 7.4, a student claims: “Energy is zero at equilibrium.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 7.4 solution: “Energy is zero at equilibrium.”?

In Topic 7.4, a student claims: “At amplitude total energy is zero because v=0.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 7.4 solution: “At amplitude total energy is zero because v=0.”?

In Topic 7.4, a student claims: “If amplitude halves, energy halves.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 7.4 solution: “If amplitude halves, energy halves.”?

What should a student identify before calculating in Topic 7.4?

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 7.4?

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 7.4 lesson?

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