PHY 102 Exam 1 2026/2027: 100 Multiple-
Choice Practice Questions with Answers &
Explanations | University Physics
Fundamentals, Mechanics,
Thermodynamics, Waves, Electricity,
Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics &
Nuclear Physics
Description:
Master PHY 102 with 100 exam-style questions covering Newton's Laws, energy,
momentum, waves, circuits, optics, quantum physics & nuclear physics. Each question
includes detailed answers and explanations.
Download the complete 2026/2027 practice exam and ace your physics final today!
, PHY 102 Exam 1 2026/2027 | 100 Practice Questions & Answers
Instructions: This examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering
fundamental concepts in mechanics, forces, motion, energy, momentum, thermodynamics,
waves, electricity, magnetism, optics, modern physics, and nuclear physics. Select the best
answer for each question. All questions are weighted equally.
Time Allowed: 120 minutes
Section A: Foundations of Mechanics
1. A kilogram is fundamentally a measure of an object's:
A) Weight
B) Density
C) Mass
D) Volume
E) Inertial resistance to motion
Answer: C) Mass
Explanation: The kilogram is the SI base unit of mass, which quantifies the amount of
matter in an object. Mass is an intrinsic property that remains constant regardless of location,
unlike weight which depends on gravitational field strength.
2. An object possessing twice the mass of another object will also possess:
A) Twice the weight
B) Twice the inertia
C) Twice the volume
D) Twice the density
E) All of the above
Answer: E) All of the above
Explanation: Mass is directly proportional to inertia, weight (in a given gravitational field),
and volume (assuming constant density). Doubling mass doubles all these quantities under
consistent conditions.
,3. Which quantity best describes the measure of an object's inertia?
A) Velocity
B) Acceleration
C) Force
D) Mass
E) Momentum
Answer: D) Mass
Explanation: Inertia is the resistance of an object to changes in its state of motion. Mass
serves as the quantitative measure of this resistance, with greater mass corresponding to
greater inertia.
4. According to Newton's First Law, an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by:
A) Friction
B) Gravity
C) An unbalanced external force
D) Inertia
E) Momentum
Answer: C) An unbalanced external force
Explanation: Newton's First Law (the law of inertia) states that an object maintains its state
of rest or uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an unbalanced external force.
This fundamental principle establishes the concept of inertial reference frames.
Section B: Kinematics and Free Fall
5. A stone dropped from a cliff experiences free fall. During each second of its fall, the
stone's:
A) Acceleration remains constant while velocity increases
B) Acceleration increases while velocity remains constant
C) Both acceleration and velocity increase
D) Both acceleration and velocity remain constant
E) Acceleration decreases while velocity increases
, Answer: A) Acceleration remains constant while velocity increases
Explanation: In free fall near Earth's surface, the acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.8 m/s²)
remains constant. However, velocity increases uniformly by approximately 9.8 m/s each
second, demonstrating the relationship between constant acceleration and changing velocity.
6. The acceleration of an object in free fall near Earth's surface is approximately:
A) 9.8 m/s²
B) 9.8 m/s
C) 10 m/s²
D) 10 m/s
E) Both A and C
Answer: E) Both A and C
Explanation: The acceleration due to gravity at Earth's surface is approximately 9.8 m/s²,
commonly rounded to 10 m/s² for simplified calculations. This acceleration is independent of
the object's mass in the absence of air resistance.
7. A vertically thrown ball at the highest point of its trajectory has a speed of:
A) 9.8 m/s
B) 9.8 m/s²
C) Zero
D) 10 m/s
E) Approximately 5 m/s
Answer: C) Zero
Explanation: At the maximum height of its trajectory, the ball's instantaneous velocity is
zero. However, its acceleration remains constant at 9.8 m/s² downward throughout the flight,
including at the peak where the ball momentarily stops before reversing direction.
8. When a freely falling object gains 10 m/s each second, its acceleration is:
A) 10 m/s
B) 10 m/s²
C) 5 m/s²
Choice Practice Questions with Answers &
Explanations | University Physics
Fundamentals, Mechanics,
Thermodynamics, Waves, Electricity,
Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics &
Nuclear Physics
Description:
Master PHY 102 with 100 exam-style questions covering Newton's Laws, energy,
momentum, waves, circuits, optics, quantum physics & nuclear physics. Each question
includes detailed answers and explanations.
Download the complete 2026/2027 practice exam and ace your physics final today!
, PHY 102 Exam 1 2026/2027 | 100 Practice Questions & Answers
Instructions: This examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering
fundamental concepts in mechanics, forces, motion, energy, momentum, thermodynamics,
waves, electricity, magnetism, optics, modern physics, and nuclear physics. Select the best
answer for each question. All questions are weighted equally.
Time Allowed: 120 minutes
Section A: Foundations of Mechanics
1. A kilogram is fundamentally a measure of an object's:
A) Weight
B) Density
C) Mass
D) Volume
E) Inertial resistance to motion
Answer: C) Mass
Explanation: The kilogram is the SI base unit of mass, which quantifies the amount of
matter in an object. Mass is an intrinsic property that remains constant regardless of location,
unlike weight which depends on gravitational field strength.
2. An object possessing twice the mass of another object will also possess:
A) Twice the weight
B) Twice the inertia
C) Twice the volume
D) Twice the density
E) All of the above
Answer: E) All of the above
Explanation: Mass is directly proportional to inertia, weight (in a given gravitational field),
and volume (assuming constant density). Doubling mass doubles all these quantities under
consistent conditions.
,3. Which quantity best describes the measure of an object's inertia?
A) Velocity
B) Acceleration
C) Force
D) Mass
E) Momentum
Answer: D) Mass
Explanation: Inertia is the resistance of an object to changes in its state of motion. Mass
serves as the quantitative measure of this resistance, with greater mass corresponding to
greater inertia.
4. According to Newton's First Law, an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by:
A) Friction
B) Gravity
C) An unbalanced external force
D) Inertia
E) Momentum
Answer: C) An unbalanced external force
Explanation: Newton's First Law (the law of inertia) states that an object maintains its state
of rest or uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an unbalanced external force.
This fundamental principle establishes the concept of inertial reference frames.
Section B: Kinematics and Free Fall
5. A stone dropped from a cliff experiences free fall. During each second of its fall, the
stone's:
A) Acceleration remains constant while velocity increases
B) Acceleration increases while velocity remains constant
C) Both acceleration and velocity increase
D) Both acceleration and velocity remain constant
E) Acceleration decreases while velocity increases
, Answer: A) Acceleration remains constant while velocity increases
Explanation: In free fall near Earth's surface, the acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.8 m/s²)
remains constant. However, velocity increases uniformly by approximately 9.8 m/s each
second, demonstrating the relationship between constant acceleration and changing velocity.
6. The acceleration of an object in free fall near Earth's surface is approximately:
A) 9.8 m/s²
B) 9.8 m/s
C) 10 m/s²
D) 10 m/s
E) Both A and C
Answer: E) Both A and C
Explanation: The acceleration due to gravity at Earth's surface is approximately 9.8 m/s²,
commonly rounded to 10 m/s² for simplified calculations. This acceleration is independent of
the object's mass in the absence of air resistance.
7. A vertically thrown ball at the highest point of its trajectory has a speed of:
A) 9.8 m/s
B) 9.8 m/s²
C) Zero
D) 10 m/s
E) Approximately 5 m/s
Answer: C) Zero
Explanation: At the maximum height of its trajectory, the ball's instantaneous velocity is
zero. However, its acceleration remains constant at 9.8 m/s² downward throughout the flight,
including at the peak where the ball momentarily stops before reversing direction.
8. When a freely falling object gains 10 m/s each second, its acceleration is:
A) 10 m/s
B) 10 m/s²
C) 5 m/s²
