Overview
Archived College board FRQs by @Nullborne on Reddit.
PRO TIP: Try FRQ Atlas. Find links to every AP FRQ + free, lighting fast, tool to grade your FRQ answers!
➜ FOUR FRQs in 100 minutes
➜ AP Physics 1 2025 exam changes here
➜2026 PREDICTED FRQ questions at end of this post
Upcoming test? Check out AP Physics 1 in 10 minutes (speed reviews) + 12 more FREE study tools to supercharge learning.
FRQ Types
Mathematical Routines
Calculates or derives symbolic expressions. Tip: Always show starting equations before plugging in variables.
14 Questions
Translation Between Representations
Connects graphs, diagrams, and math. Tip: Ensure your graph slopes/areas match your equations.
12 Questions
Experimental Design
Designs lab procedures and analyzes error. Tip: Mention specific equipment (e.g., motion sensor) and what variable it measures.
10 Questions
Qual/Quant Translation
Links concepts to math. Tip: Use the “Claim, Evidence, Reasoning” structure for paragraph responses.
13 Questions
Skills
Creating Representations
46 Total Appearances
1.A: Diagrams/Tables
Draw FBDs with correct relative lengths. (16)
1.B: Quantitative Graphs
Label axes with units and scale linearly. (9)
1.C: Qualitative Sketches
Focus on shape (linear, concave up/down). (21)
Mathematical Routines
69 Total Appearances
2.A: Symbolic Derivation
Only use allowed variables in final answer. (24)
2.B: Calculation
Estimate reasonable values to check work. (12)
2.C: Comparisons
Identify what stays constant vs changes. (18)
2.D: Prediction
Use functional dependence (e.g., square root). (15)
Scientific Argumentation
69 Total Appearances
3.A: Experimental Procedure
Step-by-step with independent/dependent variables. (10)
3.B: Apply Models
State the specific physical law first. (21)
3.C: Justify Claims
Link evidence directly to the principle. (38)
Units
Unit 1: Kinematics
Often tested via experimental design involving ramps and motion graphs rather than just calculation.
7 Questions
Unit 2: Dynamics
The heavyweight champion; expect systems of blocks, Atwood machines, and circular motion forces.
22 Questions
Unit 3: Energy
Crucial for analyzing changes in systems (springs, ramps) where time is not a factor.
18 Questions
Unit 4: Momentum
Look for collisions and explosions; center of mass motion is a frequent sub-topic.
8 Questions
Unit 5: Torque
Focuses on static equilibrium (beams) and rotational acceleration (pulleys with mass).
11 Questions
Unit 6: Rotational Energy
Often combined with Unit 3; rolling objects and angular momentum conservation are key.
9 Questions
Unit 7: Oscillations
Spring-mass systems appear frequently, often testing period dependence on mass/length.
5 Questions
Unit 8: Fluids
Newest addition; expect buoyancy and density comparisons in static fluids.
1 Questions
Unit 1: Kinematics
- 2023 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Cart on ramp, gravity derivation, rotation error.
- 2022 Q4 (Translation Between Representations) — Collisions, clay, rubber sphere, momentum vectors.
- 2021 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Stunt cyclist ramp, jump distance derivation, velocity graph.
- 2019 Q3 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Spring launcher experiment, projectile motion, compression testing.
- 2017 Q4 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Block on slide, energy conservation, projectile distance.
- 2016 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Cart on inclined track, speed bumps, velocity graph.
- 2015 Q4 (Translation Between Representations) — Projectile motion, dropped vs thrown sphere, velocity graphs.
Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics
- 2025 Q2 (Translation Between Representations) — Block on ramp, spring compression, energy bar charts.
- 2025 Q4 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Submerged block, buoyant force, fluid density, acceleration.
- 2024 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Looped track, block sliding, energy charts, circular forces.
- 2024 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Oscillating cart, spring constant experiment, velocity graphs.
- 2024 Q4 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Pendulum on planets, work comparison, elastic string.
- 2024 Q5 (Mathematical Routines) — Elastic collision, center of mass, position-time graph.
- 2023 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Cart on ramp, experimental gravity, motion graphs.
- 2023 Q3 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Rotating spring-block system, net force derivation, tangential speed.
- 2022 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Two-block spring system, displacement derivation, energy charts.
- 2022 Q2 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Orbiting moons, FBD, gravitational force derivation.
- 2022 Q5 (Mathematical Routines) — Oscillating spring-mass, position-time graph, spring constant.
- 2021 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Rod breaking force experiment, static friction models.
- 2021 Q3 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Student pushing disk, block collision, momentum conservation.
- 2019 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Two-block friction, sphere angular momentum, center of mass.
- 2019 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Atwood machine with table, acceleration derivation, FBD.
- 2018 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Spacecraft circular orbit, orbital period derivation, force analysis.
- 2017 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Static friction experiment, coefficient measurement, data analysis.
- 2016 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Rolling wheel, ramp, torque, sliding block comparison.
- 2016 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Cart on track, speed bumps, velocity graph.
- 2015 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Atwood machine, pulleys, FBD, system acceleration derivation.
- 2015 Q3 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Spring compression, rough track, energy graphs, stopping distance.
- 2015 Q4 (Translation Between Representations) — Projectile motion comparison, dropped vs horizontally thrown.
Unit 2.5 Circular Motion and Gravitation
This unit is now combined with unit 2 in the 2025 revised AP Physics 1 curriculum.
- 2024 Q1 – (Part C) Velocity of block traveling around two loops.
- 2023 Q3 – Spinning block, FBDs, tangential speed.
- 2022 Q2 – Two orbiting moons, gravitation, circular motion.
- 2018 Q1 – Orbiting spacecraft, orbital period and velocity, circular motion.
For more test FRQ and MCQ questions Try UBQ — it’s free with explanations and instant AI grading.
Unit 3 Energy
- 2025 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Moving cart, dropped block collision, kinetic energy.
- 2025 Q2 (Translation Between Representations) — Block on ramp, spring compression, energy bar charts.
- 2024 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Looped track, sliding block, circular motion forces.
- 2024 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Spring constant experiment, oscillating cart, force graphs.
- 2024 Q4 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Pendulum work, different planets, elastic string period.
- 2024 Q5 (Mathematical Routines) — Elastic collision, center of mass, position graph.
- 2023 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Spring-cart oscillation, kinetic vs potential energy graphs.
- 2023 Q5 (Translation Between Representations) — Rod-sphere rotation, maximum acceleration, kinetic energy derivation.
- 2022 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Two-block spring system, energy bar charts, friction.
- 2022 Q3 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Falling block, rotating wheel, experimental rotational inertia.
- 2021 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Cyclist ramp jump, distance derivation, parameter changes.
- 2021 Q4 (Translation Between Representations) — Rolling cylinder, sliding block, energy conservation graph.
- 2019 Q3 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Spring launcher experiment, projectile motion compression distance.
- 2019 Q4 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Motor power, circuit resistor, block lifting time.
- 2017 Q4 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Blocks on slides, launch distances, energy conservation.
- 2016 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Rolling wheel on ramp, energy methods, force diagrams.
- 2016 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Bouncing ball experiment, collision speed, elasticity testing.
- 2015 Q3 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Compressed spring, rough track, stopping distance derivation.
To calculate or predict your AP score, use this calculator.
Unit 4 Linear Momentum
- 2025 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Dropped block, moving cart collision, kinetic energy change.
- 2024 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Spring constant, oscillating cart, velocity and force graphs.
- 2024 Q5 (Mathematical Routines) — Elastic collision, center of mass, position-time graph.
- 2022 Q4 (Translation Between Representations) — Clay, rubber sphere collisions, momentum vectors, landing distances.
- 2021 Q3 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Disk and block collision, impulse, momentum conservation.
- 2019 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Two-block collision, center of mass speed, sphere momentum.
- 2018 Q5 (Mathematical Routines) — Block collision on spring, period ratio, amplitude change.
- 2016 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Elastic collision experiment, bouncing ball, data analysis.
Unit 5 & 6 Rotation
This includes rotational kinematics, torque, rotational energy, and angular momentum
- 2025 Q3 – Experimental. Finding mass of meter stick using a spring scale and two different pivot points.
- 2024 Q3 – Horizontal beam on wall suspended by tension at varying angles (static torque)
- 2023 Q4 – Single block moving pulley system, Newton’s law of rotation.
- 2023 Q5 – Spinning rod, energy, torque.
- 2023 Q4 – Wheel vs disk pulley, angular momentum.
- 2022 Q3 – Experimental design, hanging block pulley, energy graphs.
- 2021 Q5 – Pulley with mass, motion graph.
- 2021 Q4 – Rolling cylinder, sliding block, conservation of energy.
- 2019 Q1 – Angular momentum + friction (part b)
- 2018 Q3 – Rotating disk, frictional torque, rotational kinematics, motion graphs.
- 2017 Q3 – Disk-bar collision, angular momentum.
- 2016 Q1 – Rolling wheel, sliding block, rotational energy.
Unit 7 Simple Harmonic Motion
- 2024 Q4 – Pendulums on different planets, finding weight and period.
- 2023 Q1 – Horizontal spring, block on cart collision, harmonic motion, energy graphs.
- 2022 Q5 – Vertical spring, motion graphs, energy.
- 2018 Q5 – Two blocks vertical collision and springs, linear momentum, period.
Unit 8 – Fluids
Newest edition to the Exam.
- 2025 Q4 – Applying Archimedes principle to a submerged block in water of varying density
There are FRQs from past AP Physics TWO exams listed below (with direct links). Some parts of each question may not be applicable to AP Physics 1.
- 2023 Q3 – Torricelli’s equation, Bernoulli’s principle, and density
- 2019 Q4 – Height of air bubble
- 2018 Q4 – Boat in a river, bouncy and Bernoulli’s principle
- 2017 Q1 – Water flowing through a non-uniform pipe + air bubbles
2026 FRQ Topic Prediction (AI Analysis)
We used Phy AI + the frequency of topics above to make an educated guess on what you might see on the upcoming 2026 AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Exam FRQ:
- Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics — 22 appearances. Expect Atwood machines, FBDs, and system acceleration derivations as a core focus.
- Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power — 18 appearances. Highly likely to see energy bar charts and conservation equations bridging into circular or rotational motion.
- Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics — 11 appearances. Be prepared for pulley systems with massive disks or rolling without slipping derivation tasks.
- Unit 8: Fluids — 1 appearances. As a newer addition, you are highly likely to see questions testing buoyant force derivations and density comparisons again.
You can try Phy Here to learn or solving physics and maths problems.
