AP Physics C: Mechanics free practice questions with answers
Read question 1 and its full worked answer from paper 1 of our 20-paper AP Physics C: Mechanics set, then download the 4-page PDF. These are original practice questions, not official past papers. Page updated 3 November 2026.
A 0.40 kg object moving at 7.0 m s−¹ is struck by a force that acts along its direction of motion for 0.27 s. The force varies as F(t) = 79.0 sin(πt/T) newtons, where T = 0.27 s. What is the speed of the object just after the force stops?
A −26.9 m s−¹
B 20.6 m s−¹
C 33.9 m s−¹
D 40.9 m s−¹
Correct answer: D — 40.9 m s−¹
- Impulse–momentum theorem: J = Δp = m(v − u).
- v = u + J ÷ m = 7.0 + 13.6 ÷ 0.40 = 40.9 m s−¹
- Why the other options are wrong:
- A (−26.9 m s−¹): subtracted the change
- B (20.6 m s−¹): forgot to divide by the mass
- C (33.9 m s−¹): forgot the initial speed
Impulse from a time-varying force is the area under the F–t curve: J = ∫F dt = Δp. For F₀ sin(πt/T) the area over one half-cycle is 2F₀T/π.
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Questions about this sample
What is in the AP Physics C: Mechanics free sample?
The first 3 questions from paper 1 of the set, in the real exam layout, followed by the step-by-step worked answers. It is a 4-page PDF; this page shows question 1 with its answer.
How many full AP Physics C: Mechanics papers are there?
20 original papers for students preparing for the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam. Each is 35 multiple-choice questions and 3 free-response questions (15 marks each), 90 minutes, 80 marks in all, with a worked solution for every question. Papers start at A$11.99 and download instantly as a PDF.
Are these official past papers?
No. The sample is taken from our own original practice paper and is not an official past paper or affiliated with any exam authority.