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AP Physics 1 MCQ Practice by Topic 2027

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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.

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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 7.1 · 42 MCQs

Defining Simple Harmonic Motion (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 7.1 representation anchorUse the picture together with words and equations—not as decoration.

Question 1

An ideal spring has k=100 N/m and is stretched 0.20 m to the right of equilibrium. What spring force acts on the mass?

A20 N rightB20 N leftC5 N rightD5 N left

Question 2

In ideal SHM, where is acceleration magnitude greatest?

AAt equilibriumBAt the turning points where |x|=ACAt every point equallyDOnly when velocity is maximum

Question 3

A mass in SHM is left of equilibrium. Which direction does the restoring acceleration point?

ALeft, away from equilibriumBRight, toward equilibriumCUpward regardless of setupDIt must be zero

Question 4

A stretched spring pulls the mass back. Which Topic 7.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AProportionalityBAmplitudeCRestoring forceDPeriodic vs SHM

Question 5

Which statement best defines Restoring force in Topic 7.1?

AA force directed toward equilibrium after displacement.BIn ideal SHM, restoring acceleration magnitude grows linearly with displacement magnitude.CMaximum magnitude of displacement from equilibrium.DAll SHM is periodic, but not all periodic motion satisfies a∝−x.

Question 6

A second situation is observed: Gravity’s tangential component pulls a small-angle pendulum toward bottom. Which concept is being applied?

APeriodic vs SHMBRestoring forceCProportionalityDAmplitude

Question 7

Double spring displacement gives double restoring force. Which Topic 7.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AAmplitudeBPeriodic vs SHMCProportionalityDEquilibrium position

Question 8

Which statement best defines Proportionality in Topic 7.1?

AIn ideal SHM, restoring acceleration magnitude grows linearly with displacement magnitude.BMaximum magnitude of displacement from equilibrium.CAll SHM is periodic, but not all periodic motion satisfies a∝−x.DPosition where net force is zero.

Question 9

A second situation is observed: For small pendulum angles, tangential restoring effect is approximately proportional to displacement/angle. Which concept is being applied?

AEquilibrium positionBProportionalityCAmplitudeDPeriodic vs SHM

Question 10

A mass oscillating between ±0.10 m has amplitude 0.10 m. Which Topic 7.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

APeriodic vs SHMBEquilibrium positionCAmplitudeDRestoring force

Question 11

Which statement best defines Amplitude in Topic 7.1?

AMaximum magnitude of displacement from equilibrium.BAll SHM is periodic, but not all periodic motion satisfies a∝−x.CPosition where net force is zero.DA force directed toward equilibrium after displacement.

Question 12

A second situation is observed: Amplitude is not the total peak-to-peak distance. Which concept is being applied?

ARestoring forceBAmplitudeCPeriodic vs SHMDEquilibrium position

Question 13

Uniform circular motion is periodic but not one-dimensional SHM itself, though projections can be SHM. Which Topic 7.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AEquilibrium positionBRestoring forceCPeriodic vs SHMDProportionality

Question 14

Which statement best defines Periodic vs SHM in Topic 7.1?

AAll SHM is periodic, but not all periodic motion satisfies a∝−x.BPosition where net force is zero.CA force directed toward equilibrium after displacement.DIn ideal SHM, restoring acceleration magnitude grows linearly with displacement magnitude.

Question 15

A second situation is observed: A bouncing ball repeats approximately but is not ideal SHM. Which concept is being applied?

AProportionalityBPeriodic vs SHMCEquilibrium positionDRestoring force

Question 16

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.1 idea: Ideal spring restoring force?

Aa = −ω²xBF = −kxCA = |x|maxDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 17

In Topic 7.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with F = −kx?

AFor A = |x|max: A: mBFor a = −ω²x: a: m/s²; ω: rad/s; x: mCFor F = −kx: F: N; k: N/m; x: m from equilibrium/relaxed reference as modeledDAll quantities are unitless

Question 18

For Topic 7.1, consider this real application: Positive x gives negative restoring force. Which relationship supports that result?

AF = −kxBA = |x|maxCa = −ω²xDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 19

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.1 idea: Defining SHM acceleration-position relationship?

AA = |x|maxBa = −ω²xCF = −kxDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 20

In Topic 7.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with a = −ω²x?

AFor F = −kx: F: N; k: N/m; x: m from equilibrium/relaxed reference as modeledBFor A = |x|max: A: mCFor a = −ω²x: a: m/s²; ω: rad/s; x: mDAll quantities are unitless

Question 21

For Topic 7.1, consider this real application: At maximum +x, acceleration is maximum negative. Which relationship supports that result?

Aa = −ω²xBF = −kxCA = |x|maxDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 22

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.1 idea: Amplitude?

AF = −kxBA = |x|maxCa = −ω²xDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 23

In Topic 7.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with A = |x|max?

AFor a = −ω²x: a: m/s²; ω: rad/s; x: mBFor F = −kx: F: N; k: N/m; x: m from equilibrium/relaxed reference as modeledCFor A = |x|max: A: mDAll quantities are unitless

Question 24

For Topic 7.1, consider this real application: Motion from −0.2 to +0.2 m has A=.2 m. Which relationship supports that result?

AA = |x|maxBa = −ω²xCF = −kxDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 25

In Topic 7.1, analyze this situation: Mass is pulled right and released. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

ATangential gravity restores toward lowest point, approximating SHM for small angles.BVelocity is zero momentarily while restoring acceleration magnitude is maximum toward equilibrium.CSpring force points left toward equilibrium; it oscillates ideally if losses are small.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 7.1 idea

Question 26

Which Topic 7.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Spring force points left toward equilibrium; it oscillates ideally if losses are small”?

ATurnaroundBSpring massCPendulum small angleDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 27

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 7.1 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 28

In Topic 7.1, analyze this situation: Bob displaced slightly. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AVelocity is zero momentarily while restoring acceleration magnitude is maximum toward equilibrium.BSpring force points left toward equilibrium; it oscillates ideally if losses are small.CTangential gravity restores toward lowest point, approximating SHM for small angles.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 7.1 idea

Question 29

Which Topic 7.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Tangential gravity restores toward lowest point, approximating SHM for small angles”?

ASpring massBPendulum small angleCTurnaroundDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 30

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 7.1 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 31

In Topic 7.1, analyze this situation: Oscillator reaches +A. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

ASpring force points left toward equilibrium; it oscillates ideally if losses are small.BTangential gravity restores toward lowest point, approximating SHM for small angles.CVelocity is zero momentarily while restoring acceleration magnitude is maximum toward equilibrium.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 7.1 idea

Question 32

Which Topic 7.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Velocity is zero momentarily while restoring acceleration magnitude is maximum toward equilibrium”?

APendulum small angleBTurnaroundCSpring massDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 33

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 7.1 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 34

In Topic 7.1, a student claims: “At equilibrium the oscillator stops.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBSpeed is typically 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 7.1 solution: “At equilibrium the oscillator stops.”?

ASpeed is typically 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 7.1, a student claims: “At amplitude acceleration is zero.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBRestoring acceleration magnitude is maximum at |x|=A.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 7.1 solution: “At amplitude acceleration is zero.”?

ARestoring acceleration magnitude is maximum at |x|=A.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 7.1, a student claims: “Any repeating motion is SHM.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBSHM requires restoring acceleration proportional to −x.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 7.1 solution: “Any repeating motion is SHM.”?

ASHM requires restoring acceleration proportional to −x.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 7.1?

AOnly the final numerical answerBIdentify equilibrium, restoring force/acceleration, amplitude, and the defining proportionality that distinguishes SHM from other periodic motion.COnly whether the quantity is positiveDEvery equation on the reference sheet

Question 41

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 7.1?

AThe topic has no defined scopeBSmall-angle pendulum behavior is treated as SHM within the course approximation.CCalculus is required for every questionDOnly memorized numerical values are assessed

Question 42

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 7.1 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

Defining Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) Practice

An ideal spring has k=100 N/m and is stretched 0.20 m to the right of equilibrium. What spring force acts on the mass?

In ideal SHM, where is acceleration magnitude greatest?

A mass in SHM is left of equilibrium. Which direction does the restoring acceleration point?

A stretched spring pulls the mass back. Which Topic 7.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Restoring force in Topic 7.1?

A second situation is observed: Gravity’s tangential component pulls a small-angle pendulum toward bottom. Which concept is being applied?

Double spring displacement gives double restoring force. Which Topic 7.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Proportionality in Topic 7.1?

A second situation is observed: For small pendulum angles, tangential restoring effect is approximately proportional to displacement/angle. Which concept is being applied?

A mass oscillating between ±0.10 m has amplitude 0.10 m. Which Topic 7.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Amplitude in Topic 7.1?

A second situation is observed: Amplitude is not the total peak-to-peak distance. Which concept is being applied?

Uniform circular motion is periodic but not one-dimensional SHM itself, though projections can be SHM. Which Topic 7.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Periodic vs SHM in Topic 7.1?

A second situation is observed: A bouncing ball repeats approximately but is not ideal SHM. Which concept is being applied?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.1 idea: Ideal spring restoring force?

In Topic 7.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with F = −kx?

For Topic 7.1, consider this real application: Positive x gives negative restoring force. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.1 idea: Defining SHM acceleration-position relationship?

In Topic 7.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with a = −ω²x?

For Topic 7.1, consider this real application: At maximum +x, acceleration is maximum negative. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 7.1 idea: Amplitude?

In Topic 7.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with A = |x|max?

For Topic 7.1, consider this real application: Motion from −0.2 to +0.2 m has A=.2 m. Which relationship supports that result?

In Topic 7.1, analyze this situation: Mass is pulled right and released. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 7.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Spring force points left toward equilibrium; it oscillates ideally if losses are small”?

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

In Topic 7.1, analyze this situation: Bob displaced slightly. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 7.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Tangential gravity restores toward lowest point, approximating SHM for small angles”?

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

In Topic 7.1, analyze this situation: Oscillator reaches +A. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 7.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Velocity is zero momentarily while restoring acceleration magnitude is maximum toward equilibrium”?

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

In Topic 7.1, a student claims: “At equilibrium the oscillator stops.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 7.1 solution: “At equilibrium the oscillator stops.”?

In Topic 7.1, a student claims: “At amplitude acceleration is zero.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 7.1 solution: “At amplitude acceleration is zero.”?

In Topic 7.1, a student claims: “Any repeating motion is SHM.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 7.1 solution: “Any repeating motion is SHM.”?

What should a student identify before calculating in Topic 7.1?

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 7.1?

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 7.1 lesson?

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