Work-energy theorem test with answers for AP Physics 1 (free PDF download)

Quick answer: Work is the energy a force transfers when it acts through a displacement: W = F d cosθ, in joules. This AP Physics 1 test on work-energy theorem has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 40 minutes: definition and theorem, arrow in a target and variable force on a block. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.

This test covers work, kinetic energy and the work-energy theorem at AP Physics 1 level. Use g = 9.81 m/s². Show all working for calculations, include units and use full sentences in the written parts. Calculators are allowed.

Level: AP Physics 1 (algebra-based) · Curriculum: AP P1 Unit 3

Time: 40 minutes · 8 questions · Total: 20 marks · Calculator allowed

Contents

Question 1 Definition and theorem (2 marks)

State the work-energy theorem and give the SI base-unit form of the joule.

Question 2 Arrow in a target (3 marks)

A 0.040 kg arrow travelling at 55 m/s embeds 0.12 m deep in a straw target.

Calculate the arrow’s kinetic energy. (1 mark)
Calculate the average force stopping the arrow. (1 mark)
Calculate the depth if the same arrow arrived at 110 m/s with the same force. (1 mark)

Question 3 Variable force on a block (4 marks)

A 4.0 kg block starts from rest at x = 0 on a smooth surface. The force on it is shown.

Force on a 4.0 kg block against position.

Calculate the work done between 0 and 5.0 m. (2 marks)
Calculate the speed at x = 5.0 m. (2 marks)

Question 4 Hauling firewood (4 marks)

Chiamaka in Lagos pulls a 40 kg load of firewood 25 m with a rope force of 90 N at 30° above the horizontal. Friction on the load is 55 N. The load starts at rest.

Calculate the work done by the rope. (1 mark)
Calculate the work done by friction. (1 mark)
Calculate the final speed. (2 marks)

Question 5 Satellite in orbit (3 marks)

A satellite moves at constant speed on a circular orbit around the Earth. Write a short paragraph explaining, using work, why its kinetic energy does not change although gravity acts on it all the time.

Question 6 Lifting two ways (2 marks)

A box is raised 1.5 m, first by lifting it straight up and then by pushing it slowly up a frictionless ramp to the same height. Compare the work done by gravity in the two cases and justify the answer.