KCSE Physics Paper 1 (Sample) 2022
Physics papers test your ability to apply laws and calculations under pressure — and Paper 1 is where most students lose marks by confusing units, rushing through force diagrams, or forgetting that energy always conserves. This sample covers measurement and SI units, forces and Newton's laws, and energy/work/power across realistic exam-style questions, including multiple choice, true/false, and calculation fill-in tasks. It's designed for Form 4 students preparing for the real KCSE. By the time you finish, you'll spot the difference between mass and weight instantly, and predict whether a question wants you to use $F = ma$ or $W = F \times d$ — the two moves that unlock 40% of Paper 1 marks.
Questions in this quiz
Answers hidden — play to find out.
- Question 1
Which of the following is a fundamental SI unit?
- Question 2
A student measures the length of a pencil three times and records 12.5 cm, 12.6 cm, and 12.4 cm. What should the reported measurement be?
- Question 3
True or False: The kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a fundamental SI unit of energy.
- Question 4
A force of 50 N is applied at an angle of 0° to a block, causing it to accelerate at 2 m/s². What is the mass of the block? (Assume friction is negligible.)
- Question 5
Which of the following best describes the relationship between mass and weight?
- Question 6
A 5 kg object rests on a horizontal surface. A horizontal force of 15 N is applied, but the object does not move. What is the static friction force?
- Question 7
A diagram shows four forces acting on a point mass: 10 N right, 10 N left, 5 N up, and 3 N down. What is the net force on the mass?
- Question 8
How much work is done when a force of 20 N moves an object 5 m in the direction of the force?
- Question 9
True or False: A student lifts a book vertically upward at constant velocity. The work done by the student is zero because the book is not accelerating.
- Question 10
A machine has an efficiency of 75%. If 400 J of work is input to the machine, how much useful work output is produced?
- Question 11
A motor lifts a 2 kg mass vertically upward at constant velocity over a distance of 10 m in 5 seconds. What is the power output of the motor? (Use m/s².)
- Question 12
Which statement correctly describes the relationship between the mechanical advantage (MA) and the velocity ratio (VR) of a machine?
- Question 13
A car engine converts 1200 J of chemical energy into 300 J of kinetic energy and the rest into heat. What is the efficiency of the engine?