Question 1
A student hangs blocks of different masses m on the same spring, measures each period T, and plots T² against m. The data and the best-fit line are shown. What is the spring constant?
AP Physics 1 free-response questions: the four types
Section II has four questions, one of each type, worth 40 points together: Mathematical Routines 10, Translation Between Representations 12, Experimental Design and Analysis 10 and Qualitative/Quantitative Translation 8, as in the 2025 and 2026 scoring guidelines. Every point is earned on its own.
| Questions | 4, one of each type |
|---|---|
| Points | 10, 12, 10 and 8 (40 in all) |
| Time | 95 minutes for all four |
| Weight | 50% of the exam score |
The four types
- Mathematical Routines: a diagram, a derivation from a principle, a calculation and a prediction of what changes.
- Translation Between Representations: move between a diagram or energy bar chart, an equation and a sketched graph, and check they agree.
- Experimental Design and Analysis: name what to measure and how, linearize the relationship, then find a physical quantity from the slope of given data.
- Qualitative/Quantitative Translation: argue a claim in words, then derive an equation and say whether it supports the argument.
Earning each point
- Creating representations is 20–35% of the free-response score, mathematical routines 30–40% and questioning and argumentation 35–45%.
- Start a derivation from a fundamental principle or an equation on the sheet, and keep it symbolic until the end.
- On a free-body diagram, draw each force from the object, labeled with a name, with lengths that show which are larger.
- On a sketched graph, label the axes and show the intercepts and where the slope changes.
- Answer every part: a later part often still scores even if an earlier value was wrong.
Try 2 questions
Question 2
A student measures the mass m of several volumes V of liquid X and plots the data. A solid object of density 1,100 kg/m³ is placed in liquid X. Which claim is supported by the data?
Next step
Questions people ask
How many FRQs are on the AP Physics 1 exam?
Four, one of each type, in 95 minutes: Mathematical Routines, Translation Between Representations, Experimental Design and Analysis, and Qualitative/Quantitative Translation.
How much is the free-response section worth?
Half of the exam score, the same as the 42 multiple-choice questions.
Are AP Physics 1 free-response answers typed?
No. You read the questions in Bluebook and handwrite your answers in a paper booklet. Our practice desk takes typed answers, and asks you to describe any drawing in words, so each point can be marked.