Quick answer: Newton's laws link force and motion. The first law says zero net force means constant velocity, the second says ΣF = ma, and the third says forces come in equal and opposite pairs acting on different objects. This AP Physics 1 test on Newton's laws has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 45 minutes: Newton’s first law, net force calculation and reading a free-body diagram. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.
This AP Physics 1 test on Newton’s laws test works like a real class test. The mark scheme is on a separate page, so revise with the lesson first.
This test lasts 45 minutes and is worth 20 points. Use g = 9.81 m/s², show all working and give units. Draw free-body diagrams wherever they help.
Level: AP Physics 1 (algebra-based) · Curriculum: AP P1 Unit 2
Newton’s laws test: the test questions
Question 1 Newton’s first law (2 marks)
- State Newton’s first law. (1 mark)
- A car moves at a steady 20 m/s on a straight road. State the net force on it and explain how you know. (1 mark)
Question 2 Net force calculation (3 marks)
A 900 kg car accelerates from rest to 18 m/s in 6.0 s.- Calculate its acceleration. (1 mark)
- Calculate the net force on the car. (2 marks)
Question 3 Reading a free-body diagram (3 marks)
The figure shows a crate pushed to the right on a rough floor at constant velocity.- Identify the forces A, B, C and D. (2 marks)
- State the relationship between C and D, and explain. (1 mark)
Question 4 Third-law pairs (2 marks)
A swimmer pushes the water backward with her hands and moves forward.- State the third-law partner of the force of her hands on the water. (1 mark)
- Explain which of the two forces accelerates the swimmer. (1 mark)
Question 5 Elevator problem (4 marks)
Kofi, 60 kg, stands on a scale in an elevator that accelerates downward at 1.5 m/s².- Calculate his weight. (1 mark)
- Calculate the scale reading. (2 marks)
- State the scale reading when the elevator moves down at constant velocity. (1 mark)
Question 6 Pulling two blocks (3 marks)
A 10 N horizontal force pulls a 1.5 kg block, which is connected by a light string to a 0.50 kg block, on a smooth table.- Calculate the acceleration of the blocks. (1 mark)
- Calculate the tension in the string. (2 marks)
Question 7 Mass and weight (1 mark)
State whether the mass or the weight of an astronaut changes when going from Earth to the Moon, and give the reason. (1 mark)Question 8 Rocket in empty space (2 marks)
A rocket in deep space fires its engine and speeds up. Explain this using Newton’s third law. (2 marks)
