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Quizzes > Science

Basic Physics Test: 20 Questions on Motion, Energy, and Waves

Quick, free basic physics quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Hans BenardUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 10
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting a Physics 101 Essentials trivia quiz for college science students.

This basic physics test helps you check core ideas like motion, forces, energy, waves, circuits, and SI units in 20 quick questions. Get instant results and see which topics to review for class or exams. Explore more with physics trivia, try a chemistry unit 2 practice test, or build math foundations in a high school geometry quiz.

What is the SI unit of force?
Newton (N)
Pascal (Pa)
Watt (W)
Joule (J)
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Speed is a vector quantity.
False
True
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The SI unit of acceleration is m/s.
False
True
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Which law best explains why a book on a frictionless surface keeps sliding at constant speed when no net force acts on it?
Newton's Second Law
Law of Universal Gravitation
Newton's Third Law
Newton's First Law (inertia)
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An object's mass is less on the Moon than on Earth.
True
False
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Near Earth's surface, which is the best approximation for free-fall acceleration g?
9.8 m/s^2
98 m/s
9.8 m/s
1.6 m/s^2
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If the net force on an object is zero, its velocity is constant.
True
False
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The work done by a constant force at angle theta to the displacement is given by which expression?
W = F d sin(theta) for all cases
W = F + d
W = F d cos(theta)
W = F/d
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In an isolated system, total momentum is conserved.
True
False
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What quantity equals the change in momentum of an object?
Kinetic energy
Impulse
Power
Work
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In a perfectly inelastic collision, kinetic energy is conserved.
False
True
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A single fixed pulley changes which quantity?
Magnitude of the force only
Neither direction nor magnitude
Both direction and magnitude by the same factor
Direction of the force only
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According to Archimedes' principle, the buoyant force on an object equals which quantity?
Mass of the object
Volume of the object
Density of the object times g
Weight of the displaced fluid
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Which property measures the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C?
Specific heat capacity
Latent heat
Emissivity
Thermal conductivity
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According to Bernoulli's principle, higher fluid speed means higher pressure.
False
True
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According to Snell's law, which quantity remains continuous across a boundary between two media?
Frequency of the wave
Speed of the wave
Angle of incidence
Wavelength of the wave
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A concave mirror can form a real image when the object is placed beyond the focal point. Which statement best describes that image?
Virtual and upright
Real and inverted
Real and upright
Virtual and inverted
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Which expression gives the magnitude of torque produced by force F applied at distance r at angle theta?
tau = r F sin(theta)
tau = r F cos(theta)
tau = r/F
tau = F/r
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Which statement best describes the photoelectric effect threshold?
Electrons are emitted if light intensity is high enough, regardless of frequency
No electrons are emitted if light frequency is below a threshold, regardless of intensity
Electron emission depends only on light polarization
Electrons are emitted only after a time delay at low intensities
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Terminal velocity occurs when the drag force equals the object's weight.
At that point acceleration becomes zero
At that point acceleration is maximum
Velocity becomes zero
Mass becomes zero
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0

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand the basic principles of motion and force.
  2. Apply mathematical formulas to solve elementary physics problems.
  3. Analyze experimental data to draw conclusions about physical phenomena.
  4. Synthesize key concepts to predict outcomes in real-world scenarios.
  5. Evaluate the effects of external forces on an object's movement.
  6. Interpret relationships between mass, acceleration, and force.

Basic Physics Questions & Physics 1 Test Cheat Sheet

  1. Master Newton's Laws of Motion - Explore inertia, F=ma, and action - reaction to see why apples fall and rockets launch. Understanding these three laws builds a rock‑solid foundation for predicting how objects move and interact in everyday life. Official Formula Sheet
  2. Understand Kinematic Equations - Use v = v₀ + at, x = x₀ + v₀t + ½at², and v² = v₀² + 2aΔx like a pro to solve motion problems. These equations let you map position, velocity, and time under constant acceleration - perfect for everything from free‑falling objects to car chases. Master them, and projectiles will be your playground. Official Formula Sheet
  3. Grasp the Work‑Energy Theorem - Discover how work done on an object equals its change in kinetic energy (W = ΔKE) and watch energy flow like magic. This theorem links force and displacement with energy changes, unlocking insights into rolling balls, engines, and beyond. It's your ticket to mastering energy budgets. Official Formula Sheet
  4. Learn the Conservation of Momentum - In any closed system, total momentum (p = mv) stays constant - even when objects collide or explode. Use this principle to predict post‑collision speeds in pool shots, car crashes, and particle physics experiments. Get momentum right, and collisions become simple number‑crunching fun. Official Formula Sheet
  5. Familiarize Yourself with Rotational Dynamics - Torque (τ = rF sin θ) starts the spin, moment of inertia (I) shapes resistance, and angular momentum (L = Iω) is conserved like a secret handshake. These concepts explain everything from spinning wheels to planetary orbits. Master them, and rotating puzzles will feel like second nature. Official Formula Sheet
  6. Explore Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) - Springs, pendulums, and tiny mass - spring systems all dance to SHM's beat, where the restoring force is F = - kx. Understanding amplitude, period, and frequency helps you predict oscillations in clocks, speakers, and seismic waves. It's the rhythmic heart of physics in action. Official Formula Sheet
  7. Study Fluid Mechanics - Dive into Bernoulli's equation to see how pressure, velocity, and height trade energy, and use the continuity equation (A₝v₝ = A₂v₂) to keep mass conserved in any flow. From airplane lift to blood circulation, fluids shape our world. Nail these principles, and fluid puzzles will flow right past you. Official Formula Sheet
  8. Understand Thermodynamics Laws - Energy can't be created or destroyed, only transformed (First Law), and entropy always increases in an isolated system (Second Law). These laws govern engines, refrigerators, and even why your ice cream melts on a hot day. Master them to predict heat and energy flow anywhere. Official Formula Sheet
  9. Learn Wave Properties - Wave speed (v = fλ), interference, diffraction, and superposition form the toolkit for sound, light, and seismic waves. Understanding these lets you predict ripple collisions, resonance in musical instruments, and more. Become wave‑savvy, and the world will vibrate at your fingertips. Official Formula Sheet
  10. Review Electric Circuits - Ohm's Law (V = IR) guides you, and knowing series vs. parallel resistor rules decides how current and voltage split. These principles light up devices, power projects, and keep electronics humming reliably. Master circuits, and you'll never be left in the dark. Official Formula Sheet
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