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 3.1 · 42 MCQs

Translational Kinetic Energy 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 3.1 representation anchorUse the picture together with words and equations—not as decoration.

Question 1

A 4.0 kg cart moves at 3.0 m/s. What is its translational kinetic energy?

A6 JB12 JC18 JD36 J

Question 2

The speed of an object triples while its mass stays constant. By what factor does its translational kinetic energy change?

A3B6C9D27

Question 3

Two equal-mass carts move at +5 m/s and −5 m/s. Which comparison is correct?

AThe +5 m/s cart has more kinetic energyBThe −5 m/s cart has more kinetic energyCThey have equal kinetic energy because kinetic energy depends on speed, not velocity signDBoth have zero kinetic energy because their momenta can cancel

Question 4

A car at 20 m/s has four times the kinetic energy it had at 10 m/s if mass is unchanged. Which Topic 3.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AMass dependenceBScalar energyCSpeed-squared dependenceDSystem center-of-mass motion

Question 5

Which statement best defines Speed-squared dependence in Topic 3.1?

ABecause K is proportional to v², doubling speed multiplies kinetic energy by four.BAt the same speed, the more massive object has more translational kinetic energy.CKinetic energy has magnitude but no direction, even though velocity is a vector.DFor an extended system, translational kinetic energy refers to whole-system motion and is distinct from rotational or internal energy.

Question 6

A second situation is observed: A ball moving three times faster has nine times the kinetic energy. Which concept is being applied?

ASystem center-of-mass motionBSpeed-squared dependenceCMass dependenceDScalar energy

Question 7

A loaded truck and a bicycle at 15 m/s do not have the same kinetic energy. Which Topic 3.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AScalar energyBSystem center-of-mass motionCMass dependenceDKinetic energy

Question 8

Which statement best defines Mass dependence in Topic 3.1?

AAt the same speed, the more massive object has more translational kinetic energy.BKinetic energy has magnitude but no direction, even though velocity is a vector.CFor an extended system, translational kinetic energy refers to whole-system motion and is distinct from rotational or internal energy.DEnergy associated with motion; translational kinetic energy uses the speed of the object or system center of mass.

Question 9

A second situation is observed: Two carts at equal speed: the 4 kg cart has twice the kinetic energy of a 2 kg cart. Which concept is being applied?

AKinetic energyBMass dependenceCScalar energyDSystem center-of-mass motion

Question 10

Cars moving east and west at the same speed and mass have equal kinetic energy. Which Topic 3.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

ASystem center-of-mass motionBKinetic energyCScalar energyDSpeed-squared dependence

Question 11

Which statement best defines Scalar energy in Topic 3.1?

AKinetic energy has magnitude but no direction, even though velocity is a vector.BFor an extended system, translational kinetic energy refers to whole-system motion and is distinct from rotational or internal energy.CEnergy associated with motion; translational kinetic energy uses the speed of the object or system center of mass.DBecause K is proportional to v², doubling speed multiplies kinetic energy by four.

Question 12

A second situation is observed: A thrown ball has positive kinetic energy while rising and while falling. Which concept is being applied?

ASpeed-squared dependenceBScalar energyCSystem center-of-mass motionDKinetic energy

Question 13

A rolling wheel has translational kinetic energy of its center of mass plus rotational kinetic energy. Which Topic 3.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AKinetic energyBSpeed-squared dependenceCSystem center-of-mass motionDMass dependence

Question 14

Which statement best defines System center-of-mass motion in Topic 3.1?

AFor an extended system, translational kinetic energy refers to whole-system motion and is distinct from rotational or internal energy.BEnergy associated with motion; translational kinetic energy uses the speed of the object or system center of mass.CBecause K is proportional to v², doubling speed multiplies kinetic energy by four.DAt the same speed, the more massive object has more translational kinetic energy.

Question 15

A second situation is observed: A vibrating cart can translate while also having internal motion. Which concept is being applied?

AMass dependenceBSystem center-of-mass motionCKinetic energyDSpeed-squared dependence

Question 16

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.1 idea: Translational kinetic energy for a particle or object represented by its center-of-mass speed?

AK₂/K₁ = (v₂/v₁)²BK = ½mv²CK₂/K₁ = m₂/m₁DNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 17

In Topic 3.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with K = ½mv²?

AFor K₂/K₁ = m₂/m₁: dimensionless ratio when speed is unchangedBFor K₂/K₁ = (v₂/v₁)²: dimensionless ratio when mass is unchangedCFor K = ½mv²: K: joule (J); m: kilogram (kg); v: speed (m/s)DAll quantities are unitless

Question 18

For Topic 3.1, consider this real application: A 2 kg cart at 3 m/s has K = 9 J. Which relationship supports that result?

AK = ½mv²BK₂/K₁ = m₂/m₁CK₂/K₁ = (v₂/v₁)²DOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 19

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.1 idea: Quick comparison of energy when only speed changes?

AK₂/K₁ = m₂/m₁BK₂/K₁ = (v₂/v₁)²CK = ½mv²DNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 20

In Topic 3.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with K₂/K₁ = (v₂/v₁)²?

AFor K = ½mv²: K: joule (J); m: kilogram (kg); v: speed (m/s)BFor K₂/K₁ = m₂/m₁: dimensionless ratio when speed is unchangedCFor K₂/K₁ = (v₂/v₁)²: dimensionless ratio when mass is unchangedDAll quantities are unitless

Question 21

For Topic 3.1, consider this real application: Doubling speed gives K₂/K₁ = 4. Which relationship supports that result?

AK₂/K₁ = (v₂/v₁)²BK = ½mv²CK₂/K₁ = m₂/m₁DOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 22

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.1 idea: Compare two objects at equal speed?

AK = ½mv²BK₂/K₁ = m₂/m₁CK₂/K₁ = (v₂/v₁)²DNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 23

In Topic 3.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with K₂/K₁ = m₂/m₁?

AFor K₂/K₁ = (v₂/v₁)²: dimensionless ratio when mass is unchangedBFor K = ½mv²: K: joule (J); m: kilogram (kg); v: speed (m/s)CFor K₂/K₁ = m₂/m₁: dimensionless ratio when speed is unchangedDAll quantities are unitless

Question 24

For Topic 3.1, consider this real application: A 6 kg cart has three times the K of a 2 kg cart at the same speed. Which relationship supports that result?

AK₂/K₁ = m₂/m₁BK₂/K₁ = (v₂/v₁)²CK = ½mv²DOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 25

In Topic 3.1, analyze this situation: A car increases speed from 10 m/s to 20 m/s without changing mass. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

ATheir velocities differ, but their speeds are equal, so their kinetic energies are equal.BIts center of mass translates, so it has translational kinetic energy; its rotation is additional energy treated later in Unit 6.CK depends on v², so its translational kinetic energy becomes four times as large.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 3.1 idea

Question 26

Which Topic 3.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “K depends on v², so its translational kinetic energy becomes four times as large”?

ARolling wheelBCar-speed comparisonCOpposite directionsDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 27

A student is deciding how to begin the “Car-speed comparison” situation. What is the best first move?

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 3.1 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 28

In Topic 3.1, analyze this situation: Two identical carts move at +4 m/s and −4 m/s. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AIts center of mass translates, so it has translational kinetic energy; its rotation is additional energy treated later in Unit 6.BK depends on v², so its translational kinetic energy becomes four times as large.CTheir velocities differ, but their speeds are equal, so their kinetic energies are equal.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 3.1 idea

Question 29

Which Topic 3.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Their velocities differ, but their speeds are equal, so their kinetic energies are equal”?

ACar-speed comparisonBOpposite directionsCRolling wheelDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 30

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 3.1 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 31

In Topic 3.1, analyze this situation: A bicycle wheel rolls down a road. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AK depends on v², so its translational kinetic energy becomes four times as large.BTheir velocities differ, but their speeds are equal, so their kinetic energies are equal.CIts center of mass translates, so it has translational kinetic energy; its rotation is additional energy treated later in Unit 6.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 3.1 idea

Question 32

Which Topic 3.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Its center of mass translates, so it has translational kinetic energy; its rotation is additional energy treated later in Unit 6”?

AOpposite directionsBRolling wheelCCar-speed comparisonDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 33

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 3.1 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 34

In Topic 3.1, a student claims: “Kinetic energy can be negative when velocity is negative.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBNo. K uses v² and is nonnegative.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 3.1 solution: “Kinetic energy can be negative when velocity is negative.”?

ANo. K uses v² and is nonnegative.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 3.1, a student claims: “Twice the speed means twice the kinetic energy.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBTwice the speed means four times the kinetic energy.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 3.1 solution: “Twice the speed means twice the kinetic energy.”?

ATwice the speed means four times the kinetic energy.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 3.1, a student claims: “All motion energy is translational kinetic energy.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBRotation and internal motion can contribute other forms of kinetic energy.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 3.1 solution: “All motion energy is translational kinetic energy.”?

ARotation and internal motion can contribute other forms of kinetic energy.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 3.1?

AOnly the final numerical answerBConnect motion to energy, distinguish speed from velocity in kinetic energy, and compare how changes in mass or speed change translational kinetic energy.COnly whether the quantity is positiveDEvery equation on the reference sheet

Question 41

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 3.1?

AThe topic has no defined scopeBTopic 3.1 focuses on translational kinetic energy. Rotational kinetic energy is treated in Topic 6.1.CCalculus is required for every questionDOnly memorized numerical values are assessed

Question 42

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 3.1 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

Translational Kinetic Energy Practice

A 4.0 kg cart moves at 3.0 m/s. What is its translational kinetic energy?

The speed of an object triples while its mass stays constant. By what factor does its translational kinetic energy change?

Two equal-mass carts move at +5 m/s and −5 m/s. Which comparison is correct?

A car at 20 m/s has four times the kinetic energy it had at 10 m/s if mass is unchanged. Which Topic 3.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Speed-squared dependence in Topic 3.1?

A second situation is observed: A ball moving three times faster has nine times the kinetic energy. Which concept is being applied?

A loaded truck and a bicycle at 15 m/s do not have the same kinetic energy. Which Topic 3.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Mass dependence in Topic 3.1?

A second situation is observed: Two carts at equal speed: the 4 kg cart has twice the kinetic energy of a 2 kg cart. Which concept is being applied?

Cars moving east and west at the same speed and mass have equal kinetic energy. Which Topic 3.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Scalar energy in Topic 3.1?

A second situation is observed: A thrown ball has positive kinetic energy while rising and while falling. Which concept is being applied?

A rolling wheel has translational kinetic energy of its center of mass plus rotational kinetic energy. Which Topic 3.1 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines System center-of-mass motion in Topic 3.1?

A second situation is observed: A vibrating cart can translate while also having internal motion. Which concept is being applied?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.1 idea: Translational kinetic energy for a particle or object represented by its center-of-mass speed?

In Topic 3.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with K = ½mv²?

For Topic 3.1, consider this real application: A 2 kg cart at 3 m/s has K = 9 J. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.1 idea: Quick comparison of energy when only speed changes?

In Topic 3.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with K₂/K₁ = (v₂/v₁)²?

For Topic 3.1, consider this real application: Doubling speed gives K₂/K₁ = 4. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.1 idea: Compare two objects at equal speed?

In Topic 3.1, which variable-and-unit description belongs with K₂/K₁ = m₂/m₁?

For Topic 3.1, consider this real application: A 6 kg cart has three times the K of a 2 kg cart at the same speed. Which relationship supports that result?

In Topic 3.1, analyze this situation: A car increases speed from 10 m/s to 20 m/s without changing mass. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 3.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “K depends on v², so its translational kinetic energy becomes four times as large”?

A student is deciding how to begin the “Car-speed comparison” situation. What is the best first move?

In Topic 3.1, analyze this situation: Two identical carts move at +4 m/s and −4 m/s. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 3.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Their velocities differ, but their speeds are equal, so their kinetic energies are equal”?

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

In Topic 3.1, analyze this situation: A bicycle wheel rolls down a road. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 3.1 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Its center of mass translates, so it has translational kinetic energy; its rotation is additional energy treated later in Unit 6”?

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

In Topic 3.1, a student claims: “Kinetic energy can be negative when velocity is negative.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 3.1 solution: “Kinetic energy can be negative when velocity is negative.”?

In Topic 3.1, a student claims: “Twice the speed means twice the kinetic energy.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 3.1 solution: “Twice the speed means twice the kinetic energy.”?

In Topic 3.1, a student claims: “All motion energy is translational kinetic energy.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 3.1 solution: “All motion energy is translational kinetic energy.”?

What should a student identify before calculating in Topic 3.1?

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 3.1?

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 3.1 lesson?

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