Aim for FivePhysics C: Mechanics

Free-response practice

Physics C: Mechanics free-response questions

Free-response questions (FRQs) are the part of the AP® Physics C: Mechanics exam where you write your own answers. Here they're grouped the way the exam uses them. Write your answer, then score it yourself with the rubric and a model answer, or sign in for free AI scoring.

24 questions · 4 types

New for the May 2027 exam

See every change for 2027

Mathematical routines (MR)

A multipart problem where you use math, including calculus, to analyze a physical situation. You draw or sketch a representation such as a free-body diagram or a graph, derive an equation using letters, calculate a numerical answer with units, and then make a claim or prediction and justify it with physics reasoning.

On the exam: Question 1 of 4. New for May 2027: the free-response section is 95 minutes, down from 100, for all 4 questions (50% of your score), one of each type in this order. Calculator and equation sheet allowed. The CED suggests 20–25 minutes. This question type started in May 2025, so Physics C: Mechanics free-response questions from 2024 and earlier are built differently. Plan on about 22 minutes for one.

Translation between representations (TBR)

A multipart problem about one situation shown in several ways. You draw a diagram, derive equations, sketch or draw graphs, and then explain whether your answers agree with each other or use them to predict what happens when the situation changes.

On the exam: Question 2 of 4. New for May 2027: the free-response section is 95 minutes, down from 100, for all 4 questions (50% of your score), one of each type in this order. Calculator and equation sheet allowed. The CED suggests 25–30 minutes. This question type started in May 2025, so Physics C: Mechanics free-response questions from 2024 and earlier are built differently. Plan on about 28 minutes for one.

Experimental design and analysis (LAB)

A two-part lab question. First you design an experiment to answer a question: what you change, what you measure, the equipment and how you would analyze the data. Then you get a data table from a similar experiment, choose what to graph (often so the points fall on a straight line), plot it and use the slope, the intercept or the graph's shape to answer a question.

On the exam: Question 3 of 4. New for May 2027: the free-response section is 95 minutes, down from 100, for all 4 questions (50% of your score), one of each type in this order. Calculator and equation sheet allowed. The CED suggests 25–30 minutes. This question type started in May 2025, so Physics C: Mechanics free-response questions from 2024 and earlier are built differently. Plan on about 27 minutes for one.

Qualitative/quantitative translation (QQT)

A shorter multipart problem that connects reasoning in words with an equation. You make and justify a claim without equations, derive an equation from a physics principle, and then explain whether the two agree or use them to predict what happens in a changed situation.

On the exam: Question 4 of 4. New for May 2027: the free-response section is 95 minutes, down from 100, for all 4 questions (50% of your score), one of each type in this order. Calculator and equation sheet allowed. The CED suggests 15–20 minutes. This question type started in May 2025, so Physics C: Mechanics free-response questions from 2024 and earlier are built differently. Plan on about 18 minutes for one.