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.

Key facts

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 3.2 · 42 MCQs

Work 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 3.2 representation anchorUse the picture together with words and equations—not as decoration.

Question 1

A 20 N force acts 60° above the direction of a 5.0 m displacement. How much work does the force do?

A25 JB50 JC100 JD200 J

Question 2

On an F∥ versus x graph, force increases linearly from 0 N to 8 N over 3 m. What work is done?

A6 JB12 JC16 JD24 J

Question 3

A student carries a 100 N backpack horizontally 12 m at constant height. What work does the student’s upward support force do on the backpack?

A0 JB100 JC1200 JDCannot be determined without speed

Question 4

Friction does negative work on a sliding crate. Which Topic 3.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AZero workBForce–position graphCNegative workDSystem choice

Question 5

Which statement best defines Negative work in Topic 3.2?

AA force does negative work when its parallel component opposes displacement.BWork is zero when force is perpendicular to displacement or when displacement is zero.CThe signed area under an F-parallel versus position graph equals work.DWhether a transfer is labeled external work or internal energy conversion depends on the chosen system.

Question 6

A second situation is observed: Gravity does negative work on a ball moving upward. Which concept is being applied?

ASystem choiceBNegative workCZero workDForce–position graph

Question 7

The normal force on a box moving horizontally does zero work. Which Topic 3.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

AForce–position graphBSystem choiceCZero workDPositive work

Question 8

Which statement best defines Zero work in Topic 3.2?

AWork is zero when force is perpendicular to displacement or when displacement is zero.BThe signed area under an F-parallel versus position graph equals work.CWhether a transfer is labeled external work or internal energy conversion depends on the chosen system.DA force does positive work when its component along the displacement points with the displacement.

Question 9

A second situation is observed: Holding a heavy bag stationary involves force but zero mechanical work on the bag. Which concept is being applied?

APositive workBZero workCForce–position graphDSystem choice

Question 10

A constant 5 N force over 3 m gives 15 J from a rectangular area. Which Topic 3.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

ASystem choiceBPositive workCForce–position graphDNegative work

Question 11

Which statement best defines Force–position graph in Topic 3.2?

AThe signed area under an F-parallel versus position graph equals work.BWhether a transfer is labeled external work or internal energy conversion depends on the chosen system.CA force does positive work when its component along the displacement points with the displacement.DA force does negative work when its parallel component opposes displacement.

Question 12

A second situation is observed: A linearly increasing force produces triangular/trapezoidal area. Which concept is being applied?

ANegative workBForce–position graphCSystem choiceDPositive work

Question 13

For a block-only system, a spring can do external work on the block. Which Topic 3.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

APositive workBNegative workCSystem choiceDZero work

Question 14

Which statement best defines System choice in Topic 3.2?

AWhether a transfer is labeled external work or internal energy conversion depends on the chosen system.BA force does positive work when its component along the displacement points with the displacement.CA force does negative work when its parallel component opposes displacement.DWork is zero when force is perpendicular to displacement or when displacement is zero.

Question 15

A second situation is observed: For a block+spring system, spring interaction can be tracked as internal potential energy. Which concept is being applied?

AZero workBSystem choiceCPositive workDNegative work

Question 16

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.2 idea: Constant force through a displacement?

AW = area under F∥ vs xBW = Fd cosθCW_net = ΔKDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 17

In Topic 3.2, which variable-and-unit description belongs with W = Fd cosθ?

AFor W_net = ΔK: W_net: J; ΔK: JBFor W = area under F∥ vs x: force-position graph area has units N·m = JCFor W = Fd cosθ: W: J; F: N; d: m; θ: angle between force and displacementDAll quantities are unitless

Question 18

For Topic 3.2, consider this real application: 10 N at 60° through 2 m does 10 J. Which relationship supports that result?

AW = Fd cosθBW_net = ΔKCW = area under F∥ vs xDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 19

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.2 idea: Variable force represented graphically?

AW_net = ΔKBW = area under F∥ vs xCW = Fd cosθDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 20

In Topic 3.2, which variable-and-unit description belongs with W = area under F∥ vs x?

AFor W = Fd cosθ: W: J; F: N; d: m; θ: angle between force and displacementBFor W_net = ΔK: W_net: J; ΔK: JCFor W = area under F∥ vs x: force-position graph area has units N·m = JDAll quantities are unitless

Question 21

For Topic 3.2, consider this real application: A triangular 0→6 N force over 4 m does 12 J. Which relationship supports that result?

AW = area under F∥ vs xBW = Fd cosθCW_net = ΔKDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 22

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.2 idea: Net work on an object equals its change in translational kinetic energy?

AW = Fd cosθBW_net = ΔKCW = area under F∥ vs xDNo quantitative relationship applies

Question 23

In Topic 3.2, which variable-and-unit description belongs with W_net = ΔK?

AFor W = area under F∥ vs x: force-position graph area has units N·m = JBFor W = Fd cosθ: W: J; F: N; d: m; θ: angle between force and displacementCFor W_net = ΔK: W_net: J; ΔK: JDAll quantities are unitless

Question 24

For Topic 3.2, consider this real application: A net 20 J of work increases K by 20 J. Which relationship supports that result?

AW_net = ΔKBW = area under F∥ vs xCW = Fd cosθDOnly a verbal rule with no relationship

Question 25

In Topic 3.2, analyze this situation: A 12 N horizontal force moves a cart 5 m forward. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AFriction does negative work, reducing the car’s kinetic energy.BThe upward support force is perpendicular to horizontal displacement, so its work on the backpack is zero.CBecause force and displacement align, W = 60 J.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 3.2 idea

Question 26

Which Topic 3.2 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Because force and displacement align, W = 60 J”?

ACarrying a backpackBPushing a cartCCar brakingDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 27

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 3.2 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 28

In Topic 3.2, analyze this situation: The road exerts a friction force opposite a skidding car’s displacement. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

AThe upward support force is perpendicular to horizontal displacement, so its work on the backpack is zero.BBecause force and displacement align, W = 60 J.CFriction does negative work, reducing the car’s kinetic energy.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 3.2 idea

Question 29

Which Topic 3.2 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Friction does negative work, reducing the car’s kinetic energy”?

APushing a cartBCar brakingCCarrying a backpackDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 30

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 3.2 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 31

In Topic 3.2, analyze this situation: A student carries a backpack horizontally at constant height. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

ABecause force and displacement align, W = 60 J.BFriction does negative work, reducing the car’s kinetic energy.CThe upward support force is perpendicular to horizontal displacement, so its work on the backpack is zero.DThere is not enough information to use any Topic 3.2 idea

Question 32

Which Topic 3.2 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “The upward support force is perpendicular to horizontal displacement, so its work on the backpack is zero”?

ACar brakingBCarrying a backpackCPushing a cartDNone of the listed physical situations

Question 33

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

ASubstitute numbers before identifying the modelBIdentify the relevant Topic 3.2 concept/relationship and its assumptionsCIgnore units and directionsDUse every formula in the unit

Question 34

In Topic 3.2, a student claims: “Any force present does work.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBA force must have a component along displacement to do work.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 3.2 solution: “Any force present does work.”?

AA force must have a component along displacement to do work.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 3.2, a student claims: “Work is a vector because force is a vector.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBWork is a scalar energy transfer.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 3.2 solution: “Work is a vector because force is a vector.”?

AWork is a scalar energy transfer.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 3.2, a student claims: “The area under any force graph gives work.” Which correction is best?

AThe claim is always correctBIt must be the force component parallel to displacement plotted versus position.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 3.2 solution: “The area under any force graph gives work.”?

AIt must be the force component parallel to displacement plotted versus position.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 3.2?

AOnly the final numerical answerBUse force–displacement reasoning, signs, angles, and force-versus-position graphs to determine energy transfer by work.COnly whether the quantity is positiveDEvery equation on the reference sheet

Question 41

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 3.2?

AThe topic has no defined scopeBUse algebra and graph area for AP Physics 1; calculus is not required.CCalculus is required for every questionDOnly memorized numerical values are assessed

Question 42

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 3.2 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

Work Practice

A 20 N force acts 60° above the direction of a 5.0 m displacement. How much work does the force do?

On an F∥ versus x graph, force increases linearly from 0 N to 8 N over 3 m. What work is done?

A student carries a 100 N backpack horizontally 12 m at constant height. What work does the student’s upward support force do on the backpack?

Friction does negative work on a sliding crate. Which Topic 3.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Negative work in Topic 3.2?

A second situation is observed: Gravity does negative work on a ball moving upward. Which concept is being applied?

The normal force on a box moving horizontally does zero work. Which Topic 3.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Zero work in Topic 3.2?

A second situation is observed: Holding a heavy bag stationary involves force but zero mechanical work on the bag. Which concept is being applied?

A constant 5 N force over 3 m gives 15 J from a rectangular area. Which Topic 3.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines Force–position graph in Topic 3.2?

A second situation is observed: A linearly increasing force produces triangular/trapezoidal area. Which concept is being applied?

For a block-only system, a spring can do external work on the block. Which Topic 3.2 concept most directly explains this physical situation?

Which statement best defines System choice in Topic 3.2?

A second situation is observed: For a block+spring system, spring interaction can be tracked as internal potential energy. Which concept is being applied?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.2 idea: Constant force through a displacement?

In Topic 3.2, which variable-and-unit description belongs with W = Fd cosθ?

For Topic 3.2, consider this real application: 10 N at 60° through 2 m does 10 J. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.2 idea: Variable force represented graphically?

In Topic 3.2, which variable-and-unit description belongs with W = area under F∥ vs x?

For Topic 3.2, consider this real application: A triangular 0→6 N force over 4 m does 12 J. Which relationship supports that result?

Which relationship best represents this Topic 3.2 idea: Net work on an object equals its change in translational kinetic energy?

In Topic 3.2, which variable-and-unit description belongs with W_net = ΔK?

For Topic 3.2, consider this real application: A net 20 J of work increases K by 20 J. Which relationship supports that result?

In Topic 3.2, analyze this situation: A 12 N horizontal force moves a cart 5 m forward. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 3.2 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Because force and displacement align, W = 60 J”?

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

In Topic 3.2, analyze this situation: The road exerts a friction force opposite a skidding car’s displacement. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 3.2 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “Friction does negative work, reducing the car’s kinetic energy”?

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

In Topic 3.2, analyze this situation: A student carries a backpack horizontally at constant height. Which conclusion is most consistent with the physics?

Which Topic 3.2 worked example best illustrates this reasoning: “The upward support force is perpendicular to horizontal displacement, so its work on the backpack is zero”?

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

In Topic 3.2, a student claims: “Any force present does work.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 3.2 solution: “Any force present does work.”?

In Topic 3.2, a student claims: “Work is a vector because force is a vector.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 3.2 solution: “Work is a vector because force is a vector.”?

In Topic 3.2, a student claims: “The area under any force graph gives work.” Which correction is best?

Which statement should replace this misconception in a Topic 3.2 solution: “The area under any force graph gives work.”?

What should a student identify before calculating in Topic 3.2?

Which statement best describes the AP Physics 1 scope for Topic 3.2?

Which study sequence best matches this Topic 3.2 lesson?

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