AP PHYSICS 1 | UNIT 1 PROGRESS CHECK | STUDY
GUIDE | LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027 | ACTUAL EXAM |
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | EXAM
REVIEW | 100% CORRECT ANSWERS | VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS
This comprehensive practice examination is meticulously designed for students preparing for the
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam, specifically targeting Unit 1: Kinematics. Aligned with the
latest 2026/2027 College Board course framework, this study guide provides a rigorous set of
practice questions and answers that assess both conceptual understanding and quantitative
problem-solving skills. Each question is crafted to mirror the style and difficulty of the actual AP
exam, including multiple-choice questions that require graphical analysis, data interpretation,
and application of kinematic equations. This exam review includes 100% correct answers with
verified solutions, featuring detailed explanations that clarify the underlying physics principles
and common misconceptions. Perfect for self-assessment, classroom review, or final exam
preparation, this resource will help you identify knowledge gaps and strengthen your mastery of
one-dimensional and two-dimensional motion, forces, and Newton's laws.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Unit 1: Kinematics (1D and 2D Motion)
Position, Displacement, and Distance
Velocity and Speed (Average and Instantaneous)
Acceleration (Average and Instantaneous)
Kinematic Equations for Constant Acceleration
Free Fall and Projectile Motion
Graphical Analysis of Motion (Position vs. Time, Velocity vs. Time, Acceleration vs. Time)
Relative Motion and Frames of Reference
Vectors and Vector Operations (Addition, Subtraction, Components)
Projectile Motion (Horizontal Launch, Angled Launch)
Motion in Two Dimensions
,Question 1: Rock X is released from rest at the top of a cliff that is on Earth. A short time later,
Rock Y is released from rest from the same location as Rock X. Both rocks fall for several
seconds before landing on the ground directly below the cliff. Frictional forces are considered to
be negligible. Which of the following correctly describes the vertical displacement and vertical
velocity of Rock Y relative to Rock X at the instant Rock X strikes the ground?
A) The displacement of Rock Y is less than that of Rock X, and the velocity of Rock Y is less
than that of Rock X.
B) The displacement of Rock Y is equal to that of Rock X, and the velocity of Rock Y is equal to
that of Rock X.
C) The displacement of Rock Y is greater than that of Rock X, and the velocity of Rock Y is
greater than that of Rock X.
D) The displacement of Rock Y is less than that of Rock X, but the velocity of Rock Y is greater
than that of Rock X.
*Correct Answer: A
Rock Y is released later, so it has been falling for a shorter time when Rock X strikes the ground.
Since displacement is proportional to t² and velocity is proportional to t, both the displacement
and velocity of Rock Y are less than those of Rock X. Options B, C, and D incorrectly describe
the relationships.
Question 2: An object moves along a straight line with a velocity that is given by the function
v(t) = 3t² - 6t + 2 m/s, where t is in seconds. What is the object's average acceleration between t =
0 s and t = 3 s?
A) -3 m/s²
B) 0 m/s²
C) 3 m/s²
D) 9 m/s²
*Correct Answer: C
Average acceleration is the change in velocity divided by the change in time. v(0) = 2 m/s, v(3) =
3(9) - 6(3) + 2 = 27 - 18 + 2 = 11 m/s. Average acceleration = (11 - 2)/(3 - 0) = 9/3 = 3 m/s².
Option A is incorrect; Option B would imply no change in velocity; Option D is a
miscalculation.
Question 3: A projectile is launched from ground level with an initial speed of 30 m/s at an
angle of 60° above the horizontal. What is the magnitude of the projectile's velocity at the
highest point of its trajectory? (Assume negligible air resistance.)
,A) 0 m/s
B) 15 m/s
C) 26 m/s
D) 30 m/s
*Correct Answer: B
At the highest point of a projectile's trajectory, the vertical component of velocity is zero, and
only the horizontal component remains. The horizontal component is v₀cosθ = 30cos60° =
30(0.5) = 15 m/s. Option A is incorrect because the projectile still has horizontal motion; Option
C is incorrect; Option D is the initial speed, not the speed at the apex.
Question 4: A car traveling at 20 m/s applies its brakes and comes to a stop in 4 seconds. What
is the car's average acceleration during braking?
A) -5 m/s²
B) 5 m/s²
C) -4 m/s²
D) 4 m/s²
*Correct Answer: A
Average acceleration is (v_f - v_i)/Δt = (0 - 20)/4 = -5 m/s². The negative sign indicates
deceleration. Option B has the wrong sign; Options C and D are incorrect magnitudes.
Question 5: An object is thrown vertically upward with an initial speed of 25 m/s. What is the
maximum height reached by the object? (Use g = 10 m/s²)
A) 31.25 m
B) 62.5 m
C) 125 m
D) 25 m
*Correct Answer: A
Using the kinematic equation v_f² = v_i² + 2aΔy, with v_f = 0 at the maximum height, a = -10
m/s², and v_i = 25 m/s: 0 = 625 + 2(-10)Δy → Δy = 625/20 = 31.25 m. Option B is double the
correct value; Option C is four times; Option D is a distractor based on initial speed.
Question 6: Which of the following graphs represents an object moving with constant positive
acceleration?
, A) A position vs. time graph that is a straight line with a positive slope
B) A position vs. time graph that is a parabola opening upward
C) A velocity vs. time graph that is a horizontal line above the time axis
D) A velocity vs. time graph that is a straight line with a positive slope
*Correct Answer: D
Constant positive acceleration means velocity increases linearly with time, so a velocity vs. time
graph is a straight line with a positive slope. Option A represents constant velocity; Option B
represents constant acceleration but is a position graph; Option C represents constant velocity
(zero acceleration).
Question 7: A ball is thrown horizontally from the top of a 45 m tall building with a speed of 20
m/s. How far from the base of the building does the ball land? (Use g = 10 m/s²)
A) 20 m
B) 30 m
C) 40 m
D) 60 m
*Correct Answer: D
First, find the time of flight using vertical motion: Δy = (1/2)gt² → 45 = (1/2)(10)t² → t² = 9 → t
= 3 s. Then, horizontal distance = v_x × t = 20 × 3 = 60 m. Option A is incorrect; Option B is
incorrect; Option C is incorrect.
Question 8: An object moves with a constant velocity of 5 m/s for 10 seconds, then accelerates
at 2 m/s² for 5 seconds. What is the total displacement of the object?
A) 50 m
B) 75 m
C) 100 m
D) 125 m
*Correct Answer: B
Displacement during the first segment: d₁ = v × t = 5 × 10 = 50 m. Displacement during the
second segment: d₂ = v_i t + (1/2)at² = 5(5) + (1/2)(2)(25) = 25 + 25 = 50 m. Total
displacement = 50 + 50 = 100 m. Option B is incorrect; Option D is incorrect.
Question 9: A student walks 5 m east, then 7 m north, and then 2 m south. What is the
magnitude of the student's displacement?
GUIDE | LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027 | ACTUAL EXAM |
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | EXAM
REVIEW | 100% CORRECT ANSWERS | VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS
This comprehensive practice examination is meticulously designed for students preparing for the
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam, specifically targeting Unit 1: Kinematics. Aligned with the
latest 2026/2027 College Board course framework, this study guide provides a rigorous set of
practice questions and answers that assess both conceptual understanding and quantitative
problem-solving skills. Each question is crafted to mirror the style and difficulty of the actual AP
exam, including multiple-choice questions that require graphical analysis, data interpretation,
and application of kinematic equations. This exam review includes 100% correct answers with
verified solutions, featuring detailed explanations that clarify the underlying physics principles
and common misconceptions. Perfect for self-assessment, classroom review, or final exam
preparation, this resource will help you identify knowledge gaps and strengthen your mastery of
one-dimensional and two-dimensional motion, forces, and Newton's laws.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Unit 1: Kinematics (1D and 2D Motion)
Position, Displacement, and Distance
Velocity and Speed (Average and Instantaneous)
Acceleration (Average and Instantaneous)
Kinematic Equations for Constant Acceleration
Free Fall and Projectile Motion
Graphical Analysis of Motion (Position vs. Time, Velocity vs. Time, Acceleration vs. Time)
Relative Motion and Frames of Reference
Vectors and Vector Operations (Addition, Subtraction, Components)
Projectile Motion (Horizontal Launch, Angled Launch)
Motion in Two Dimensions
,Question 1: Rock X is released from rest at the top of a cliff that is on Earth. A short time later,
Rock Y is released from rest from the same location as Rock X. Both rocks fall for several
seconds before landing on the ground directly below the cliff. Frictional forces are considered to
be negligible. Which of the following correctly describes the vertical displacement and vertical
velocity of Rock Y relative to Rock X at the instant Rock X strikes the ground?
A) The displacement of Rock Y is less than that of Rock X, and the velocity of Rock Y is less
than that of Rock X.
B) The displacement of Rock Y is equal to that of Rock X, and the velocity of Rock Y is equal to
that of Rock X.
C) The displacement of Rock Y is greater than that of Rock X, and the velocity of Rock Y is
greater than that of Rock X.
D) The displacement of Rock Y is less than that of Rock X, but the velocity of Rock Y is greater
than that of Rock X.
*Correct Answer: A
Rock Y is released later, so it has been falling for a shorter time when Rock X strikes the ground.
Since displacement is proportional to t² and velocity is proportional to t, both the displacement
and velocity of Rock Y are less than those of Rock X. Options B, C, and D incorrectly describe
the relationships.
Question 2: An object moves along a straight line with a velocity that is given by the function
v(t) = 3t² - 6t + 2 m/s, where t is in seconds. What is the object's average acceleration between t =
0 s and t = 3 s?
A) -3 m/s²
B) 0 m/s²
C) 3 m/s²
D) 9 m/s²
*Correct Answer: C
Average acceleration is the change in velocity divided by the change in time. v(0) = 2 m/s, v(3) =
3(9) - 6(3) + 2 = 27 - 18 + 2 = 11 m/s. Average acceleration = (11 - 2)/(3 - 0) = 9/3 = 3 m/s².
Option A is incorrect; Option B would imply no change in velocity; Option D is a
miscalculation.
Question 3: A projectile is launched from ground level with an initial speed of 30 m/s at an
angle of 60° above the horizontal. What is the magnitude of the projectile's velocity at the
highest point of its trajectory? (Assume negligible air resistance.)
,A) 0 m/s
B) 15 m/s
C) 26 m/s
D) 30 m/s
*Correct Answer: B
At the highest point of a projectile's trajectory, the vertical component of velocity is zero, and
only the horizontal component remains. The horizontal component is v₀cosθ = 30cos60° =
30(0.5) = 15 m/s. Option A is incorrect because the projectile still has horizontal motion; Option
C is incorrect; Option D is the initial speed, not the speed at the apex.
Question 4: A car traveling at 20 m/s applies its brakes and comes to a stop in 4 seconds. What
is the car's average acceleration during braking?
A) -5 m/s²
B) 5 m/s²
C) -4 m/s²
D) 4 m/s²
*Correct Answer: A
Average acceleration is (v_f - v_i)/Δt = (0 - 20)/4 = -5 m/s². The negative sign indicates
deceleration. Option B has the wrong sign; Options C and D are incorrect magnitudes.
Question 5: An object is thrown vertically upward with an initial speed of 25 m/s. What is the
maximum height reached by the object? (Use g = 10 m/s²)
A) 31.25 m
B) 62.5 m
C) 125 m
D) 25 m
*Correct Answer: A
Using the kinematic equation v_f² = v_i² + 2aΔy, with v_f = 0 at the maximum height, a = -10
m/s², and v_i = 25 m/s: 0 = 625 + 2(-10)Δy → Δy = 625/20 = 31.25 m. Option B is double the
correct value; Option C is four times; Option D is a distractor based on initial speed.
Question 6: Which of the following graphs represents an object moving with constant positive
acceleration?
, A) A position vs. time graph that is a straight line with a positive slope
B) A position vs. time graph that is a parabola opening upward
C) A velocity vs. time graph that is a horizontal line above the time axis
D) A velocity vs. time graph that is a straight line with a positive slope
*Correct Answer: D
Constant positive acceleration means velocity increases linearly with time, so a velocity vs. time
graph is a straight line with a positive slope. Option A represents constant velocity; Option B
represents constant acceleration but is a position graph; Option C represents constant velocity
(zero acceleration).
Question 7: A ball is thrown horizontally from the top of a 45 m tall building with a speed of 20
m/s. How far from the base of the building does the ball land? (Use g = 10 m/s²)
A) 20 m
B) 30 m
C) 40 m
D) 60 m
*Correct Answer: D
First, find the time of flight using vertical motion: Δy = (1/2)gt² → 45 = (1/2)(10)t² → t² = 9 → t
= 3 s. Then, horizontal distance = v_x × t = 20 × 3 = 60 m. Option A is incorrect; Option B is
incorrect; Option C is incorrect.
Question 8: An object moves with a constant velocity of 5 m/s for 10 seconds, then accelerates
at 2 m/s² for 5 seconds. What is the total displacement of the object?
A) 50 m
B) 75 m
C) 100 m
D) 125 m
*Correct Answer: B
Displacement during the first segment: d₁ = v × t = 5 × 10 = 50 m. Displacement during the
second segment: d₂ = v_i t + (1/2)at² = 5(5) + (1/2)(2)(25) = 25 + 25 = 50 m. Total
displacement = 50 + 50 = 100 m. Option B is incorrect; Option D is incorrect.
Question 9: A student walks 5 m east, then 7 m north, and then 2 m south. What is the
magnitude of the student's displacement?
