Physics Mastermind

Every AP Physics C (Mechanics) FRQ Sorted by Topic

Jason

Jason Kuma

Writer | Coach | Builder | Fremont, CA

## 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-c-mechanics-frq-sorted-by-topic/. **Publication:** Nerd Notes **Original URL:** https://nerd-notes.com/every-ap-physics-c-mechanics-frq-sorted-by-topic/

UPDATED FOR 2026. Below is every single AP Physics C: Mechanics (AP C Mech) FRQ from 2015-2025 sorted by topic.

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FRQ Types

Mathematical Routines

15 questions. Focuses on symbolic derivations and calculating specific values. Tip: Always start derivations with a fundamental law (e.g., ΣF=ma) before substituting variables.

Experimental Design

15 questions. Involves designing procedures and analyzing data. Tip: Explicitly state what equipment measures which variable and how you will linearize data to find constants.

Translation Between Representations

13 questions. Connecting graphs, equations, and diagrams. Tip: Check that the slope and area under the curve of your graphs match the physical equations you derive.

Qualitative/Quantitative Translation

3 questions. Linking concepts to math. Tip: Use “semiquantitative” reasoning—explain how changing a numerator or denominator in your derived equation affects the physical outcome.

Skills

Mathematical Routines

98 total questions.

2.A: Derive symbolic expressions

36 questions. Show every algebraic step clearly.

2.B: Calculate unknown quantities

28 questions. Watch units and significant figures.

2.C: Compare scenarios

19 questions. Use ratios or proportional reasoning.

2.D: Predict new values

15 questions. Analyze functional dependence (e.g., if radius doubles, inertia quadruples).

Creating Representations

55 total questions.

1.A: Diagrams & Schematics

21 questions. Free-body diagrams are the most common here.

1.B: Quantitative Graphs

17 questions. Plot data points accurately and draw best-fit lines.

1.C: Qualitative Sketches

17 questions. Sketch the shape of a curve based on a model.

Scientific Questioning

53 total questions.

3.C: Justify claims with evidence

35 questions. Reference specific data points or physical laws.

3.B: Apply laws to make claims

12 questions. Start with “According to Newton’s 2nd Law…”

3.A: Create procedures

6 questions. Detailed steps to reduce experimental error.

Units

Unit 1: Kinematics

17 questions. Rarely tested alone; usually combined with energy or forces in multi-step problems involving drag or projectile motion.

Unit 2: Force & Dynamics

30 questions. The most frequent topic. Mastering Free Body Diagrams (FBDs) and differential equations for drag is essential.

Unit 3: Work, Energy, Power

24 questions. Often the “bridge” unit connecting kinematics to springs and rotations through conservation laws.

Unit 4: Linear Momentum

12 questions. Critical for collision problems; pay close attention to impulse graphs and center of mass motion.

Unit 5: Torque & Rotation

15 questions. High difficulty. Requires understanding “rotational mass” (Inertia) and the parallel axis theorem.

Unit 6: Rotational Energy

11 questions. Often tested via rolling motion problems where friction does no work, but provides torque.

Unit 7: Oscillations

10 questions. Frequently appears as the final part of a mechanical problem (e.g., small angle approximation for pendulums).

Unit 1: Kinematics

2025 Q3 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Swinging block, friction coefficient, g determination.
2024 Set 1 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Falling cylinder, quadratic drag, linearization.
2023 Set 2 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Cart collision, velocity-time graph, impulse.
2022 Set 2 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Sliding sled, constant tension, energy dissipation.
2022 Set 2 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Spring launch, block collision, momentum graphs.
2021 Set 1 Q1 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Fan cart, incline motion, motion detector.
2021 Set 2 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Vertical loop, projectile motion, compression graph.
2019 Set 1 Q1 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Fluid drag, falling object, velocity-dependent force.
2019 Set 1 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Pendulum collision, projectile motion, swing.
2019 Set 2 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Rocket launch, time-dependent acceleration, velocity sketch.
2018 Q1 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Falling sphere, gravity measurement, quadratic model.
2017 Q1 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Atwood machine, gravity acceleration, error analysis.
2017 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Incline slide, spring compression, resistive force.
2017 Q3 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Rolling cylinder, table launch, projectile comparison.
2016 Q1 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Cart pull, force sensor, mass determination.
2015 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Ramp slide, motion graphs, friction analysis.
2015 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Ballistic pendulum, projectile dart, oscillation.

Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics

2025 Q3 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Swinging block, friction coefficient, g determination.
2025 Q4 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Rolling disk, ring, static vs kinetic friction.
2024 Set 2 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Ramp slide, collision, spring compression.
2024 Set 1 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Falling cylinder, quadratic drag, linearization.
2024 Set 2 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Drag force, falling sphere, differential equation.
2024 Set 1 Q3 (Mathematical Routines) — Rod pivot, static equilibrium, non-uniform mass.
2024 Set 2 Q3 (Mathematical Routines) — Disk with clay, tension derivation, torque.
2023 Set 1 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Nonlinear springs, ramp slide, collision.
2023 Set 2 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Cart collision, velocity-time graph, impulse.
2023 Set 2 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Oscillating block, parallel springs, period analysis.
2023 Set 1 Q3 (Mathematical Routines) — Rod collision, sphere sliding, rolling without slipping.
2022 Set 1 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Motor pull, friction derivation, work calculation.
2022 Set 2 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Sliding sled, constant tension, energy dissipation.
2022 Set 2 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Pivoting board, spring equilibrium, SHM graphs.
2021 Set 1 Q1 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Fan cart, incline motion, motion detector.
2021 Set 2 Q1 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Connected blocks, pulley, friction coefficient.
2021 Set 1 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Vertical loop, spring compression, minimum height.
2021 Set 2 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — L-shaped object, rotational inertia, falling rod.
2021 Set 1 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Triangular rod, pivot, center of mass.
2021 Set 2 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Vertical loop, projectile motion, compression graph.
2019 Set 1 Q1 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Fluid drag, falling object, velocity-dependent force.
2019 Set 2 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Incline blocks, hanging mass, equilibrium.
2019 Set 1 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Pendulum collision, projectile motion, swing.
2019 Set 2 Q3 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Rolling sphere, loop track, mass distribution.
2017 Q1 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Atwood machine, gravity acceleration, error analysis.
2017 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Incline slide, spring compression, resistive force.
2016 Q1 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Cart pull, force sensor, mass determination.
2016 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Nonlinear spring, block collision, max compression.
2016 Q3 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Rotating platform, movable rod, angular momentum.
2015 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Ramp slide, motion graphs, friction analysis.

Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power

2025 Q2 (Translation Between Representations) — Oscillating block, energy bar charts, friction.
2025 Q3 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Swinging block, friction coefficient, g determination.
2024 Set 1 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Spring launch, collision, pendulum swing.
2024 Set 2 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Ramp slide, collision, spring compression.
2023 Set 1 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Nonlinear springs, ramp slide, collision.
2023 Set 1 Q3 (Mathematical Routines) — Rod collision, sphere sliding, rolling without slipping.
2022 Set 1 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Motor pull, friction derivation, work calculation.
2022 Set 2 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Sliding sled, constant tension, energy dissipation.
2022 Set 1 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Cart collision, impulse, momentum graphs.
2022 Set 2 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Spring launch, block collision, momentum graphs.
2021 Set 1 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Vertical loop, spring compression, minimum height.
2021 Set 1 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Triangular rod, pivot, center of mass.
2021 Set 2 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Vertical loop, projectile motion, compression graph.
2019 Set 2 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Incline blocks, hanging mass, equilibrium.
2019 Set 1 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Pendulum collision, projectile motion, swing.
2019 Set 2 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Rocket launch, time-dependent acceleration, velocity sketch.
2019 Set 2 Q3 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Rolling sphere, loop track, mass distribution.
2018 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Cart collision, spring storage, impulse graph.
2018 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Hoop-rod system, rolling motion, rotational inertia.
2017 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Incline slide, spring compression, resistive force.
2017 Q3 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Rolling cylinder, table launch, projectile comparison.
2016 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Nonlinear spring, block collision, max compression.
2015 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Ballistic pendulum, projectile dart, oscillation.
2015 Q3 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Rotating rod, pivot, gravity acceleration.

Unit 4: Linear Momentum

2025 Q1 (Mathematical Routines) — Block collision, momentum vectors, varying force.
2024 Set 1 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Spring launch, collision, pendulum swing.
2024 Set 2 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Ramp slide, collision, spring compression.
2023 Set 1 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Nonlinear springs, ramp slide, collision.
2023 Set 2 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Cart collision, velocity-time graph, impulse.
2022 Set 1 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Cart collision, impulse, momentum graphs.
2022 Set 2 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Spring launch, block collision, momentum graphs.
2019 Set 1 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Pendulum collision, projectile motion, swing.
2019 Set 2 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Rocket launch, time-dependent acceleration, velocity sketch.
2018 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Cart collision, spring storage, impulse graph.
2016 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Nonlinear spring, block collision, max compression.
2015 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Ballistic pendulum, projectile dart, oscillation.

Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics

2025 Q4 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Rolling disk, ring, static vs kinetic friction.
2024 Set 1 Q3 (Mathematical Routines) — Rod pivot, static equilibrium, non-uniform mass.
2024 Set 2 Q3 (Mathematical Routines) — Disk with clay, tension derivation, torque.
2023 Set 1 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Torsional pendulum, disk oscillation, error analysis.
2023 Set 1 Q3 (Mathematical Routines) — Rod collision, sphere sliding, rolling without slipping.
2023 Set 2 Q3 (Mathematical Routines) — Wind turbine, rotational inertia, energy dissipation.
2022 Set 1 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Rotating disk, spring block, SHM dynamics.
2022 Set 2 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Pivoting board, spring equilibrium, SHM graphs.
2021 Set 2 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — L-shaped object, rotational inertia, falling rod.
2021 Set 1 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Triangular rod, pivot, center of mass.
2019 Set 1 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Rotating platform, angular momentum, kinetic energy.
2018 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Hoop-rod system, rolling motion, rotational inertia.
2017 Q3 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Rolling cylinder, table launch, projectile comparison.
2016 Q3 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Rotating platform, movable rod, angular momentum.
2015 Q3 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Rotating rod, pivot, gravity acceleration.

Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems

2025 Q4 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Rolling disk, ring, static vs kinetic friction.
2023 Set 1 Q3 (Mathematical Routines) — Rod collision, sphere sliding, rolling without slipping.
2023 Set 2 Q3 (Mathematical Routines) — Wind turbine, rotational inertia, energy dissipation.
2021 Set 2 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — L-shaped object, rotational inertia, falling rod.
2021 Set 1 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Triangular rod, pivot, center of mass.
2019 Set 1 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Rotating platform, angular momentum, kinetic energy.
2019 Set 2 Q3 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Rolling sphere, loop track, mass distribution.
2018 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Hoop-rod system, rolling motion, rotational inertia.
2017 Q3 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Rolling cylinder, table launch, projectile comparison.
2016 Q3 (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation) — Rotating platform, movable rod, angular momentum.
2015 Q3 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Rotating rod, pivot, gravity acceleration.

Unit 7: Oscillations

2025 Q2 (Translation Between Representations) — Oscillating block, energy bar charts, friction.
2024 Set 1 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Spring launch, collision, pendulum swing.
2024 Set 2 Q1 (Translation Between Representations) — Ramp slide, collision, spring compression.
2023 Set 1 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Torsional pendulum, disk oscillation, error analysis.
2023 Set 2 Q2 (Experimental Design and Analysis) — Oscillating block, parallel springs, period analysis.
2022 Set 1 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Rotating disk, spring block, SHM dynamics.
2022 Set 2 Q3 (Translation Between Representations) — Pivoting board, spring equilibrium, SHM graphs.
2017 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Incline slide, spring compression, resistive force.
2016 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Nonlinear spring, block collision, max compression.
2015 Q2 (Mathematical Routines) — Ballistic pendulum, projectile dart, oscillation.

2026 FRQ Topic Prediction

We used Phy AI + the frequency of topics above to make an educated guess on what you might see on the FRQ section of the upcoming 2026 AP Physics C Mechanics Exam: ## 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-c-mechanics-frq-sorted-by-topic/. **Publication:** Nerd Notes **Original URL:** https://nerd-notes.com/every-ap-physics-c-mechanics-frq-sorted-by-topic/

Force and Translational Dynamics — 30 appearances. Expect a dynamics problem involving drag forces (differential equations) or connected blocks.
Work, Energy, and Power — 24 appearances. High probability of a multi-stage problem converting potential energy to kinetic, often linked with springs.
Torque and Rotational Dynamics — 15 appearances. Expect a “rolling without slipping” scenario or a static equilibrium problem involving a non-uniform beam.
Kinematics — 17 appearances. While frequent, it rarely appears alone; look for it combined with experimental design questions about finding “\(g\)”.

Jason Kuma

Founder · Builder · Educator
Fremont, Ca

About Me

AP Physics 1 Units

1 – Kinematics

2 – Linear Forces

2.5 – Circular Motion

3 – Energy

4 – Momentum

5 – Torque

6 – Angular \(L\) & \(KE_R\)

7 – Oscillations

8 – Fluids

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Kinematics	Forces
\(\Delta x = v_i t + \frac{1}{2} at^2\)	\(F = ma\)
\(v = v_i + at\)	\(F_g = \frac{G m_1 m_2}{r^2}\)
\(v^2 = v_i^2 + 2a \Delta x\)	\(f = \mu N\)
\(\Delta x = \frac{v_i + v}{2} t\)	\(F_s =-kx\)
\(v^2 = v_f^2 \,-\, 2a \Delta x\)

Circular Motion	Energy
\(F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}\)	\(KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2\)
\(a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}\)	\(PE = mgh\)
\(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{r}{g}}\)	\(KE_i + PE_i = KE_f + PE_f\)
	\(W = Fd \cos\theta\)

Momentum	Torque and Rotations
\(p = mv\)	\(\tau = r \cdot F \cdot \sin(\theta)\)
\(J = \Delta p\)	\(I = \sum mr^2\)
\(p_i = p_f\)	\(L = I \cdot \omega\)

Simple Harmonic Motion	Fluids
\(F = -kx\)	\(P = \frac{F}{A}\)
\(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}\)	\(P_{\text{total}} = P_{\text{atm}} + \rho gh\)
\(T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}\)	\(Q = Av\)
\(x(t) = A \cos(\omega t + \phi)\)	\(F_b = \rho V g\)
\(a = -\omega^2 x\)	\(A_1v_1 = A_2v_2\)

Constant	Description
[katex]g[/katex]	Acceleration due to gravity, typically [katex]9.8 , \text{m/s}^2[/katex] on Earth’s surface
[katex]G[/katex]	Universal Gravitational Constant, [katex]6.674 \times 10^{-11} , \text{N} \cdot \text{m}^2/\text{kg}^2[/katex]
[katex]\mu_k[/katex] and [katex]\mu_s[/katex]	Coefficients of kinetic ([katex]\mu_k[/katex]) and static ([katex]\mu_s[/katex]) friction, dimensionless. Static friction ([katex]\mu_s[/katex]) is usually greater than kinetic friction ([katex]\mu_k[/katex]) as it resists the start of motion.
[katex]k[/katex]	Spring constant, in [katex]\text{N/m}[/katex]
[katex] M_E = 5.972 \times 10^{24} , \text{kg} [/katex]	Mass of the Earth
[katex] M_M = 7.348 \times 10^{22} , \text{kg} [/katex]	Mass of the Moon
[katex] M_M = 1.989 \times 10^{30} , \text{kg} [/katex]	Mass of the Sun

Variable	SI Unit
[katex]s[/katex] (Displacement)	[katex]\text{meters (m)}[/katex]
[katex]v[/katex] (Velocity)	[katex]\text{meters per second (m/s)}[/katex]
[katex]a[/katex] (Acceleration)	[katex]\text{meters per second squared (m/s}^2\text{)}[/katex]
[katex]t[/katex] (Time)	[katex]\text{seconds (s)}[/katex]
[katex]m[/katex] (Mass)	[katex]\text{kilograms (kg)}[/katex]

Variable	Derived SI Unit
[katex]F[/katex] (Force)	[katex]\text{newtons (N)}[/katex]
[katex]E[/katex], [katex]PE[/katex], [katex]KE[/katex] (Energy, Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy)	[katex]\text{joules (J)}[/katex]
[katex]P[/katex] (Power)	[katex]\text{watts (W)}[/katex]
[katex]p[/katex] (Momentum)	[katex]\text{kilogram meters per second (kgm/s)}[/katex]
[katex]\omega[/katex] (Angular Velocity)	[katex]\text{radians per second (rad/s)}[/katex]
[katex]\tau[/katex] (Torque)	[katex]\text{newton meters (Nm)}[/katex]
[katex]I[/katex] (Moment of Inertia)	[katex]\text{kilogram meter squared (kgm}^2\text{)}[/katex]
[katex]f[/katex] (Frequency)	[katex]\text{hertz (Hz)}[/katex]

Prefix	Symbol	Power of Ten
Pico-	p	[katex]10^{-12}[/katex]
Nano-	n	[katex]10^{-9}[/katex]
Micro-	µ	[katex]10^{-6}[/katex]
Milli-	m	[katex]10^{-3}[/katex]
Centi-	c	[katex]10^{-2}[/katex]
Deci-	d	[katex]10^{-1}[/katex]
(Base unit)	–	[katex]10^{0}[/katex]
Deca- or Deka-	da	[katex]10^{1}[/katex]
Hecto-	h	[katex]10^{2}[/katex]
Kilo-	k	[katex]10^{3}[/katex]
Mega-	M	[katex]10^{6}[/katex]
Giga-	G	[katex]10^{9}[/katex]
Tera-	T	[katex]10^{12}[/katex]

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Overview

Every AP Physics C (Mechanics) FRQ Sorted by Topic

Jason Kuma

Article Content

FRQ Types

Skills

Units

Unit 1: Kinematics

Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics

Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power

Unit 4: Linear Momentum

Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics

Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems

Unit 7: Oscillations

2026 FRQ Topic Prediction

Jason Kuma

AP Physics 1 Units

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