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Torque test with answers for AP Physics 1 (free PDF download)

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Quick answer: Torque is the turning effect of a force, τ = r F sin θ, measured in newton metres. This AP Physics 1 test on torque has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 45 minutes: definitions, unit conversions and wheel speeding up. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.

Torque test with answers for AP Physics 1 (free PDF download)

This test lasts 45 minutes and is worth 20 points. take g = 9.81 N/kg. Show every substitution, include units, and then state the direction of each torque. Finally, the last question asks for a short written argument.

Level: AP Physics 1 (algebra-based) · Curriculum: AP P1 Unit 5

Time: 45 minutes · 8 questions · Total: 20 marks · Calculator allowed

Question 1 Definitions (2 marks)

  1. Firstly, define torque and give its SI unit. (1 mark)
  2. Then state the two conditions for static equilibrium. (1 mark)

Question 2 Unit conversions (2 marks)

  1. Firstly, convert 120 rpm to rad/s. (1 mark)
  2. Then convert 0.75 rev to radians. (1 mark)

Question 3 Wheel speeding up (3 marks)

A wheel starts from rest and reaches 18 rad/s in 6.0 s with constant acceleration.
  1. Firstly, calculate the angular acceleration. (1 mark)
  2. Then calculate the angle that the wheel turns in revolutions. (2 marks)

Question 4 Spanner torque (3 marks)

A force of 45 N acts 0.35 m from a nut at 30° to the spanner.
  1. Firstly, calculate the torque about the nut. (2 marks)
  2. Then calculate the perpendicular force at the same point that gives the same torque. (1 mark)

Question 5 Is the plank balanced? (3 marks)

The plank is light, and it pivots at its middle.
A light plank pivoted at its middle: a 5.0 kilogram mass hangs 0.60 metres to the left of the pivot and a 3.0 kilogram mass hangs 1.0 metre to the right5.0 kg3.0 kg0.60 m1.0 m
Two masses hang on the plank.
  1. Firstly, show that the plank balances. (1 mark)
  2. Then you add a further 1.0 kg to the right-hand mass, so calculate the net torque and its direction. (2 marks)

Question 6 Long handle (2 marks)

Explain why a long-handled spanner loosens a tight nut more easily than a short one.

Question 7 Beam and cable (3 marks)

A uniform 1.6 m beam of mass 6.0 kg has a hinge on a wall, and a vertical cable at the free end holds it horizontal.
  1. Firstly, calculate the tension in the cable by taking torques about the hinge. (2 marks)
  2. Then calculate the vertical force that the hinge exerts. (1 mark)

Question 8 Paragraph argument (2 marks)

A student says an object with zero net force must be in equilibrium. Therefore, write a short argument to evaluate this.

See the torque test answers and mark scheme

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