AP Physics 1
AP Physics 1 Unit 2 Forces: Mock Test (Set C)
Shared by Ashton · Oct 25, 2026 · 0 plays
16 mixed conceptual and calculation questions, like the real Unit 2 forces test. Set a 30-minute timer and use g = 9.8 m/s². 14–16 right means you're test-ready.
16 questions across 16 sections. After every answer you’ll see why each choice is right or wrong, not just the one you picked.
Sample questions
Open a question to see the answer choices and the correct answer.
A hockey puck slides across frictionless ice at a constant 8 m/s. Which is true about the forces on the puck?
- A. A forward force of motion balances the backward force of inertia.
- B. The net force is zero. ✓
- C. The net force points forward, in the direction of motion.
- D. No forces act on the puck at all.
Correct answer: B. Constant velocity means zero acceleration, so ΣF = 0. That's Newton's first law.
A 10 kg sign hangs at rest from two ropes. Each rope makes a 30° angle with the ceiling. What is the tension in each rope? (g = 9.8 m/s²)
- A. 49 N
- B. 56.6 N
- C. 98 N ✓
- D. 196 N
Correct answer: C. The horizontal components cancel. Vertically, 2T sin 30° = mg, so T = 98/(2 × 0.5) = 98 N. Shallow ropes each carry the full weight.
An elevator moving UPWARD is SLOWING DOWN as it approaches the top floor. How does a passenger's apparent weight compare to their true weight?
- A. Less, because the acceleration is downward ✓
- B. Greater, because the elevator is moving upward
- C. Equal, because the passenger isn't moving relative to the elevator
- D. Zero, because the elevator is about to stop
Correct answer: A. Slowing while moving up means the acceleration points down, so F_N = m(g − |a|) < mg.
Graph of friction force (vertical) vs. applied horizontal push (horizontal), both in newtons: From 0 to 35 N of push, friction rises along the line friction = push. | At point P (push = 35 N, friction = 35 N) the friction suddenly drops to 25 N. | Beyond that, friction stays flat at 25 N (labeled Q) as the push increases. — A student slowly increases a horizontal push on a box resting on the floor. Which is true?
- A. The box slides the whole time, because friction is present the whole time.
- B. Q is the maximum static friction, and the box starts moving at P.
- C. μₖ > μₛ, because the graph levels off after P.
- D. P is the maximum static friction, and μₛ is 1.4 times μₖ. ✓
Correct answer: D. Before P the box is at rest and static friction matches the push, so P (35 N) is f_s,max. After P kinetic friction is 25 N. Same normal force, so μₛ/μₖ = 35/25 = 1.4.
Velocity–time graph of a 1000 kg car: a straight line from (0 s, 30 m/s) down to (4 s, 10 m/s), then flat at 10 m/s until 6 s. — What is the magnitude of the net force on the car between 0 and 4 s?
- A. 2500 N
- B. 5000 N ✓
- C. 7500 N
- D. 20,000 N
Correct answer: B. A = (10 − 30)/4 = −5 m/s², so |ΣF| = 1000 × 5 = 5000 N.