HSC Physics free practice questions with answers
Read question 1 and its full worked answer from paper 1 of our 20-paper HSC Physics set, then download the 4-page PDF. These are original practice questions, not official past papers. Page updated 3 November 2026.
A 1800 kg car travels around a flat circular bend of radius 72 m. The coefficient of static friction between the tyres and the road is 0.90. (Take g = 9.8 m s−².) What is the maximum speed at which the car can take the bend without skidding?
A 26.6 m s−¹
B 635 m s−¹
C 25.2 m s−¹
D 1070 m s−¹
Correct answer: C — 25.2 m s−¹
- On a flat road friction provides the centripetal force: μmg = mv²/r.
- v = √(μ g r) = √(0.90 × 9.8 × 72) = 25.2 m s−¹
- Why the other options are wrong:
- A (26.6 m s−¹): forgot the coefficient of friction
- B (635 m s−¹): forgot the square root
- D (1070 m s−¹): included the mass inside the square root (it cancels)
On a flat bend, friction supplies the centripetal force: μmg ≥ mv²/r, so the mass cancels and vmax = √(μgr).
Your sample is downloading. Liked it? HSC Physics Paper 1 is the full paper: a full practice examination with Section I 20 multiple-choice, Section II 80 marks, 100 marks in all, 3 hours working time plus 10 minutes reading time, with a worked solution for every question.
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Questions about this sample
What is in the HSC Physics 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 HSC Physics papers are there?
20 original papers for Year 12 students preparing for the NSW HSC. Each is a full practice examination with Section I 20 multiple-choice, Section II 80 marks, 100 marks in all, 3 hours working time plus 10 minutes reading time, with a worked solution for every question. Papers start at A$15.99 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.