2026, Question 1 · Mathematical Routines · 10 points · about 25 minutes
A cube against the wall of a slowing box
Analyze friction and normal force on a cube as a box slows, then sketch how friction changes over time.
This paper allotted 100 minutes to its four free-response questions. The current exam has 4 free-response questions in 95 minutes. The skills these questions practice still count.
Lessons this question draws on
1 Read the question
The question is College Board's, from the 2026 exam. It starts on page 3 of the PDF.
2 Write your answer
Answer each part the way you would on the exam, in full sentences, with your work shown. Your writing saves as you type.
3 Score it
Score your answer against College Board's scoring guidelines, one point at a time. Give yourself a point only when your answer says what the guideline asks for.
Scoring guidelines (PDF, page 2)
Question, scoring guidelines: College Board. The title, summary are ours.