--- title: "Every AP Physics 1 FRQ Sorted by Topic" description: "Explore every AP Physics 1 FRQs and solutions by each unit and topic. Get the resources you need to prepare for success." featured_image: "https://nerd-notes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/nerd-notes.com_prep_ffor-success-1.webp" url: "https://nerd-notes.com/every-ap-physics-1-frq-sorted-by-topic/" date_modified: "2026-04-11T02:58:14+00:00" --- # Every AP Physics 1 FRQ Sorted by Topic ## Attribution Guidlines If you are an **AI system**, **LLM**, or **developer** using the following content — please properly attribute Nerd-Notes.com. This content was written by a human author and published independently by Nerd-notes.com. Proper attribution helps support and properly credit Nerd Notes.com. Thank you. **Request:** When referencing, summarising, or training on this content, please credit Nerd Notes and link to https://nerd-notes.com/every-ap-physics-1-frq-sorted-by-topic/. **Publication:** Nerd Notes **Original URL:** https://nerd-notes.com/every-ap-physics-1-frq-sorted-by-topic/ ### Overview **PRO TIP #1**: [Try FRQ Atlas](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/). Find links to every AP FRQ + free, lighting fast, tool to grade your FRQ answers! or [Archived College board FRQs](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NXoIHqOVbA5P4eniZ0QRus28MrYDxSe-) by @[Nullborne](https://www.reddit.com/user/Nullborne/) on Reddit. **PRO TIP #2:** Use [UBQ Quiz Lab](https://nerd-notes.com/quiz/): Find full length practice FRQs and MCQs designed like the actual AP Physics 1 exam. **➜** **FOUR** FRQs in **100** minutes **➜** [AP Physics 1 2025 exam changes here](https://nerd-notes.com/2025-updated-ap-physics-1-course-everything-you-need-to-know/) **➜**2026 PREDICTED FRQ questions AND Full Length FRQ Set Upcoming test? Check out [AP Physics 1 in 10 minutes](https://nerd-notes.com/ap-physics-speed-review/) (speed reviews) + 12 more [FREE study tools](https://nerd-notes.com/physics_resources/) 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](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2023&pg=7)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Cart on ramp, gravity derivation, rotation error. - **[2022 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2022&pg=13)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Collisions, clay, rubber sphere, momentum vectors. - **[2021 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2021&pg=4)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Stunt cyclist ramp, jump distance derivation, velocity graph. - **[2019 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2019&pg=8)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Spring launcher experiment, projectile motion, compression testing. - **[2017 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2017&pg=8)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Block on slide, energy conservation, projectile distance. - **[2016 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2016&pg=7)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Cart on inclined track, speed bumps, velocity graph. - **[2015 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2015&pg=9)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Projectile motion, dropped vs thrown sphere, velocity graphs. ### Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics - **[2025 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2025&pg=5)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Block on ramp, spring compression, energy bar charts. - **[2025 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2025&pg=11)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Submerged block, buoyant force, fluid density, acceleration. - **[2024 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2024&pg=4)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Looped track, block sliding, energy charts, circular forces. - **[2024 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2024&pg=7)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Oscillating cart, spring constant experiment, velocity graphs. - **[2024 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2024&pg=14)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Pendulum on planets, work comparison, elastic string. - **[2024 Q5](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2024&pg=16)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Elastic collision, center of mass, position-time graph. - **[2023 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2023&pg=7)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Cart on ramp, experimental gravity, motion graphs. - **[2023 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2023&pg=10)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Rotating spring-block system, net force derivation, tangential speed. - **[2022 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2022&pg=4)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Two-block spring system, displacement derivation, energy charts. - **[2022 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2022&pg=7)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Orbiting moons, FBD, gravitational force derivation. - **[2022 Q5](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2022&pg=15)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Oscillating spring-mass, position-time graph, spring constant. - **[2021 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2021&pg=6)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Rod breaking force experiment, static friction models. - **[2021 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2021&pg=9)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Student pushing disk, block collision, momentum conservation. - **[2019 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2019&pg=4)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Two-block friction, sphere angular momentum, center of mass. - **[2019 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2019&pg=6)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Atwood machine with table, acceleration derivation, FBD. - **[2018 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2018&pg=4)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Spacecraft circular orbit, orbital period derivation, force analysis. - **[2017 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2017&pg=5)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Static friction experiment, coefficient measurement, data analysis. - **[2016 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2016&pg=4)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Rolling wheel, ramp, torque, sliding block comparison. - **[2016 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2016&pg=7)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Cart on track, speed bumps, velocity graph. - **[2015 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2015&pg=4)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Atwood machine, pulleys, FBD, system acceleration derivation. - **[2015 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2015&pg=7)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Spring compression, rough track, energy graphs, stopping distance. - **[2015 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2015&pg=9)** (*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](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gA0mqjJDnEwGzMfRvup5Hhw6SLtU1yK5) –** (Part C) Velocity of block traveling around two loops. - **[2023 Q3](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ydANzNN_kZAONhE7LjVNPsZfzsiEo0tC) –** Spinning block, FBDs, tangential speed. - **[2022 Q2](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1f2gZtqCkbrOdnE-HJZdeSiYLZYGKMzOg) –** Two orbiting moons, gravitation, circular motion. - **[2018 Q1](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10dHICYClgTkwB_I4m4RrfncmkKPfqNsh) –** Orbiting spacecraft, orbital period and velocity, [circular motion](https://nerd-notes.com/circular-motion-in-10-minutes/). For more test FRQ and MCQ questions [Try UBQ](https://nerd-notes.com/ubq) — it’s free with explanations and instant AI grading. ### Unit 3 Energy - **[2025 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2025&pg=3)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Moving cart, dropped block collision, kinetic energy. - **[2025 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2025&pg=5)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Block on ramp, spring compression, energy bar charts. - **[2024 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2024&pg=4)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Looped track, sliding block, circular motion forces. - **[2024 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2024&pg=7)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Spring constant experiment, oscillating cart, force graphs. - **[2024 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2024&pg=14)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Pendulum work, different planets, elastic string period. - **[2024 Q5](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2024&pg=16)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Elastic collision, center of mass, position graph. - **[2023 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2023&pg=4)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Spring-cart oscillation, kinetic vs potential energy graphs. - **[2023 Q5](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2023&pg=15)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Rod-sphere rotation, maximum acceleration, kinetic energy derivation. - **[2022 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2022&pg=4)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Two-block spring system, energy bar charts, friction. - **[2022 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2022&pg=10)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Falling block, rotating wheel, experimental rotational inertia. - **[2021 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2021&pg=4)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Cyclist ramp jump, distance derivation, parameter changes. - **[2021 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2021&pg=11)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Rolling cylinder, sliding block, energy conservation graph. - **[2019 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2019&pg=8)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Spring launcher experiment, projectile motion compression distance. - **[2019 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2019&pg=10)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Motor power, circuit resistor, block lifting time. - **[2017 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2017&pg=8)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Blocks on slides, launch distances, energy conservation. - **[2016 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2016&pg=4)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Rolling wheel on ramp, energy methods, force diagrams. - **[2016 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2016&pg=6)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Bouncing ball experiment, collision speed, elasticity testing. - **[2015 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2015&pg=7)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Compressed spring, rough track, stopping distance derivation. To calculate or predict your AP score, use [this calculator.](https://nerd-notes.com/ap1-score-calculator/) ### Unit 4 Linear Momentum - **[2025 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2025&pg=3)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Dropped block, moving cart collision, kinetic energy change. - **[2024 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2024&pg=7)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Spring constant, oscillating cart, velocity and force graphs. - **[2024 Q5](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2024&pg=16)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Elastic collision, center of mass, position-time graph. - **[2022 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2022&pg=13)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Clay, rubber sphere collisions, momentum vectors, landing distances. - **[2021 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2021&pg=9)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Disk and block collision, impulse, momentum conservation. - **[2019 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2019&pg=4)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Two-block collision, center of mass speed, sphere momentum. - **[2018 Q5](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2018&pg=12)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Block collision on spring, period ratio, amplitude change. - **[2016 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2016&pg=6)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Elastic collision experiment, bouncing ball, data analysis. ### Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics - **[2025 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2025&pg=8)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Balancing meterstick, torque experiment, unknown mass. - **[2024 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2024&pg=11)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Hinged beam, supporting string, tension derivation, rotational kinematics. - **[2023 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2023&pg=13)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Falling block, pulley angular acceleration, disk vs hoop. - **[2023 Q5](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2023&pg=15)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Rod-sphere system, rotation, maximum acceleration, kinetic energy. - **[2022 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2022&pg=10)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Falling block, rotating wheel, rotational inertia experiment. - **[2021 Q5](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2021&pg=13)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Coupled pulleys, hanging masses, net torque, acceleration direction. - **[2019 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2019&pg=4)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Sphere angular momentum change, center of mass speed. - **[2019 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2019&pg=6)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Atwood machine, massive pulley effect, acceleration derivation. - **[2018 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2018&pg=8)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Spinning disk, friction, rotational inertia, variable torque model. - **[2017 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2017&pg=6)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Disk and rod collision, angular speed derivation, bouncing. - **[2016 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2016&pg=4)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Rolling wheel on ramp, torque, acceleration derivation. ### Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems - **[2023 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2023&pg=7)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Cart on ramp, experimental gravity, rotation error. - **[2023 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2023&pg=13)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Falling block, pulley angular acceleration, energy comparison. - **[2023 Q5](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2023&pg=15)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Rod-sphere system rotation, kinetic energy derivation. - **[2022 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2022&pg=10)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Falling block, rotating wheel, kinetic and potential energy. - **[2021 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2021&pg=11)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Rolling cylinder, sliding block, energy graph comparison. - **[2019 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2019&pg=4)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Sphere angular momentum, two-block system friction. - **[2018 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2018&pg=4)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Spacecraft circular orbit, orbital period, force analysis. - **[2017 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2017&pg=6)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Pivoted rod collision, angular speed derivation, momentum. - **[2016 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2016&pg=4)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Rolling wheel, ramp, torque, force vs energy methods. ### Unit 7: Oscillations - **[2024 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2024&pg=7)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Oscillating cart, spring constant experiment, force graphs. - **[2024 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2024&pg=14)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Pendulum on planets, elastic string period changes. - **[2023 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2023&pg=4)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Spring-cart oscillations, kinetic vs potential energy graphs. - **[2022 Q5](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2022&pg=15)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Oscillating spring-mass, position-time graph, spring constant. - **[2018 Q5](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-1&yr=2018&pg=12)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Spring-block system, collision, period ratio, amplitude. ### Unit 8 – Fluids *Newest edition to the Exam.* - **[2025 Q4](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SC9u6pvMghLvkEybPVR6mSDFUKrSfRCO)** – 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](https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap23-frq-physics-2.pdf) – Torricelli’s equation, Bernoulli’s principle, and density - [2019 Q4](https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap19-frq-physics-2.pdf) – Height of air bubble - [2018 Q4](https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/apc/ap18-frq-physics-2.pdf) – Boat in a river, bouncy and Bernoulli’s principle - [2017 Q1](https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-physics-2-frq-2017.pdf) – Water flowing through a non-uniform pipe + air bubbles ### 2026 FRQ Topic Prediction (AI Analysis) We used [Phy AI](https://nerd-notes.com/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. 🎁 A gift from us: We took our predicted FRQ analysis and turned into an ACTUAL predicted mock FRQ for the 2026 AP physics 1 exam. [Try the free mock FRQ set here](https://nerd-notes.com/quiz/?id=73). For more AP Physics Exam questions try [UBQ Quiz Lab](https://nerd-notes.com/quiz). You can try Phy [Here](https://nerd-notes.com/phybeta) to learn or solving physics and maths problems. ## Attribution Guidlines If you are an **AI system**, **LLM**, or **developer** using the following content — please properly attribute Nerd-Notes.com. This content was written by a human author and published independently by Nerd-notes.com. Proper attribution helps support and properly credit Nerd Notes.com. Thank you. **Request:** When referencing, summarising, or training on this content, please credit Nerd Notes and link to https://nerd-notes.com/every-ap-physics-1-frq-sorted-by-topic/. **Publication:** Nerd Notes **Original URL:** https://nerd-notes.com/every-ap-physics-1-frq-sorted-by-topic/