Free AP Physics Solver
Paste any AP Physics 1, 2, or C question and get the full solution — labelled free-body diagrams, proper sign conventions, and the exact method College Board rewards. Works for MCQs and FRQs.
💡 You can also paste an image with Ctrl+V or drag a file here.
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A worked Physics 1 incline problem — FBD, Newton, kinematics
Below is one fully worked example plus a short primer so you can see exactly how our AI reasons through a problem.
Example Problem
DEMOA 2.0 kg block slides down a frictionless incline of angle 30° from rest. What is its speed after travelling 3.0 m along the incline? (g = 9.8 m/s²)
- 1
Draw the free-body diagram (write 'FBD' on your paper)
Two forces act on the block: weight mg straight down, and the normal force N perpendicular to the incline. No friction, so no third force. AP graders award a method mark for a correct FBD — always draw one.
- 2
Resolve forces along the incline
The component of gravity along the incline drives the motion. Normal force is perpendicular, so it doesn't contribute here.
- 3
Apply Newton's second law to find acceleration
Equivalently, a = g·sin θ = 9.8·sin 30° = 4.9 m/s². Learn both forms.
- 4
Apply kinematics (v² = u² + 2as, with u = 0)
Starts from rest (u = 0), so the u² term drops out.
- 5
AP tip — verify with energy conservation
Alternative check: height dropped h = 3·sin 30° = 1.5 m. By ½mv² = mgh: v = √(2gh) = √(2·9.8·1.5) = √29.4 ≈ 5.4 m/s ✓. Same answer, different method — AP likes when you can cross-check.
Final Answer
AP Physics strategy — FRQ method marks win the exam
The AP Physics program is actually FOUR separate courses: AP Physics 1 (algebra-based mechanics + waves + basic E&M), AP Physics 2 (algebra-based fluids, thermodynamics, deep E&M, optics, modern physics), AP Physics C: Mechanics (calculus-based, most rigorous mechanics course), and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism (calculus-based E&M). Each has its own exam and each is scored independently.
All four exams share the same structure: a multiple-choice section followed by a free-response section. The FRQs are where points are won or lost — typically 4–5 questions, each with multiple sub-parts building on a single scenario. College Board's scoring is EXPLICITLY method-aware: you get points for drawing a correct free-body diagram, for stating the relevant physics principle, for setting up the equation correctly, AND for the final numerical answer. A wrong final answer with correct setup still gets 70–80% of the points.
The highest-yield habits for AP Physics: (1) Always draw the FBD before touching an equation. (2) Pick a positive direction and STICK with it — most sign errors come from flipping conventions mid-problem. (3) Check units at every step. (4) When two methods apply (Newton vs energy vs momentum), use one to solve and the other to verify — this is exam gold. (5) For C-level calculus questions, know when to integrate (∫F dx = work) and when to differentiate (dv/dt = a).
Mechanics (Physics 1 and C-Mech) dominates with ~50% of questions across kinematics, Newton's laws, energy, momentum, rotation, and SHM. E&M (Physics 2 and C-EM) covers Coulomb's law, electric fields, potential, capacitors, current, Kirchhoff's laws, magnetic fields, Ampère's law, and induction. Waves and thermodynamics together make ~20% of Physics 1 and 2.
The solver above treats your input as an AP Physics question. It identifies the topic (kinematics, circuits, rotation, etc.), picks the cleanest method, and produces FRQ-ready working — explicit FBDs, labelled principles, equations set up before numbers are substituted, and unit checks. Paste MCQs or FRQs from any College Board released paper.
AP Physics questions to practise (1, 2, C)
Tap any problem to solve it with full step-by-step working.
- Solve with AI →
1. A ball is thrown vertically upward at 20 m/s. How high does it rise? (g = 10 m/s²)
Kinematics (Physics 1)APEasy - Solve with AI →
2. A 5 kg block is pushed across a rough horizontal surface (μ = 0.3) by a 20 N horizontal force. Find acceleration.
Newton's laws (Physics 1)APEasy - Solve with AI →
3. A spring (k = 200 N/m) is compressed 0.1 m and releases a 0.5 kg mass. Find the mass's maximum speed.
Energy (Physics 1)APMedium - Solve with AI →
4. Two point charges +2 μC and −3 μC are 0.5 m apart. Find the force on each.
Coulomb's law (Physics 2 / C-EM)APMedium - Solve with AI →
5. A solid disk (I = ½MR²) of mass 2 kg and radius 0.3 m rolls from rest down a 2 m high ramp. Find its final linear speed.
Rotational energy (Physics 1 / C-Mech)APHard
Frequently asked questions
Does the solver handle all four AP Physics courses?+
Yes — Physics 1, Physics 2, Physics C: Mechanics, and Physics C: E&M. It detects whether your question needs calculus (C-level) or algebra (1 and 2) and uses the appropriate method.
Will the working match what AP graders expect on FRQs?+
Yes. Every solution shows: free-body diagram (when applicable), the physics principle being applied, the equation in symbolic form BEFORE plugging in numbers, then the numerical substitution, then units — the exact sequence College Board's rubrics reward.
What's the difference between AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C: Mechanics?+
Physics 1 is algebra-based and covers mechanics + waves + introductory E&M at breadth. C-Mechanics is calculus-based and covers mechanics alone at much greater depth — rotational dynamics, variable-force problems, non-uniform acceleration all use calculus. Most students take Physics 1 in Grade 11 and C-Mechanics in Grade 12.
Are free-body diagrams really worth the time?+
Yes — they're worth points on every FRQ. College Board awards method marks for correct FBDs even when your final answer is wrong. Students who skip the FBD and go straight to equations lose consistent points throughout the exam.
How much calculus is on AP Physics C?+
Enough that you should take AP Calculus AB concurrently (or have completed it). Derivatives for velocity/acceleration from position, integrals for work/impulse, and differential equations for RC/RL circuits are standard.
Can I paste multi-part FRQs?+
Yes — paste the entire FRQ with all sub-parts. The solver handles each sub-part in sequence, using results from earlier parts where AP expects you to.
Does it work for AP Physics 2 fluids and thermodynamics?+
Yes. Fluids (Bernoulli, continuity, buoyancy) and thermodynamics (ideal gas, first law, heat engines, entropy) are handled. These are the Physics 2-specific topics that trip many students who are strong on Physics 1.
Is the solver free for AP Physics students?+
Yes. One guest solve per day without signup; a free account gives 5 daily solves plus AP-pattern quizzes, formula flashcards and a study planner. Step-by-step working is never paywalled.
Earn every FRQ method mark — sign up on the free plan
Free account in 10 seconds: 5 daily solves with FRQ-format working, AP-pattern quizzes, formula flashcards and a study planner. No credit card needed.
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