The AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based course curriculum consists of 2 primary elements: science practices and course content.1 As you progress through the course, you will learn foundational physics principles that will help you when taking AP Physics 2 and/or AP Physics C in the future. This course is equivalent to a first-semester college introductory course.
Science Practices
Here’s a detailed introduction to the 8 AP Physics 1 science practices:
Creating Representations
(Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): N/A; Free-Response Questions (FRQs): 20-35%)
Learn to create models and representations to solve scientific problems and explain various physics-related phenomena.
Skills you will learn:
- 1.A. Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics that effectively represent physical situations.
- 1.B. Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units while accurately plotting data.
- 1.C. Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system.
Mathematical Routines
(FRQ: 30-40%)
Use the right mathematical routines to solve the given scientific problems.
Skills you will learn:
- 2.A. (MCQ: 15-20%) Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach.
- 2.B. (MCQ: 20-25%) Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process.
- 2.C. (MCQ: 10-15%) Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context.
- 2.D. (MCQ: 10-15%) Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables.
Scientific Questioning and Argumentation
(FRQ: 35-45%)
Develop the skills to outline experimental procedures, examine data, and substantiate claims.
Skills you will learn:
- 3.A. (MCQ: N/A) Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question.
- 3.B. (MCQ: 20-25%) Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim.
- 3.C. (MCQ: 5-10%) Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws.
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AP Physics 1 Units and Topics
There are 8 AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based units.2 Each teaches an array of AP Physics 1 topics and concepts to provide a well-informed introduction to the science. By the end of the course, you should be ready to take the AP Physics 1 exam. The questions on this exam assess your knowledge of the course’s concepts and their science practice skills. Each unit and science practice has a weighted score on the exam.
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5
Unit 6
Unit 7
Unit 8
Unit 1
Unit 1: Kinematics
Exam Weighting: 10–15%2 | Class Periods: 12–17
Unit 1 focuses on understanding motion, introducing you to acceleration and the use of representations to model and analyze how objects move. This foundation is essential for grasping the relationships between objects in a state of constant motion.
| Topic | Science Practices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension | 1.A | Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics that effectively represent physical situations. |
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 1.2 | Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 1.3 | Representing Motion | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 1.4 | Reference Frames and Relative Motion | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 1.5 | Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions | 1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
Unit 2
Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics
Exam Weighting: 18–23%2 | Class Periods: 22–27
In Unit 2, you are introduced to the concept of force, which is an interaction between 2 objects or systems. As a key aspect of dynamics, understanding forces helps you analyze and make sense of various physical phenomena. This is achieved by revisiting and expanding on the models and representations from Unit 1, particularly through the introduction of the free-body diagram.
| Topic | Science Practices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Systems and Center of Mass | 1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 2.2 | Forces and Free-Body Diagrams | 1.A | Learn to describe created models and representations of natural or man-made systems. |
| 2.B | Learn to use models and representations to analyze and solve problems qualitatively and quantitatively. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to accurately use given quantities describing a particular natural phenomenon in mathematical routines. | ||
| 3.C | Learn to use mathematical routines to arrive at estimations of quantities describing natural phenomena. | ||
| 2.3 | Newton’s Third Law | 1.A | Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics that effectively represent physical situations. |
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 2.4 | Newton’s First Law | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 2.5 | Newton’s Second Law | 1.A | Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics that effectively represent physical situations. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 2.6 | Gravitational Force | 1.A | Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics that effectively represent physical situations. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 2.7 | Kinetic and Static Friction | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 2.8 | Spring Forces | 1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 2.9 | Circular Motion | 1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
Unit 3
Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power
Exam Weighting: 18–23%2 | Class Periods: 22–27
In Unit 3, you will explore the principle of conservation in physics and how work changes energy. You’ll use familiar and new models to analyze physical scenarios involving forces and energy. Building on what you’ve learned in Units 1 and 2, you’ll apply your prior knowledge to select effective problem-solving approaches and evaluate the limitations of different techniques.
| Topic | Science Practices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Translational Kinetic Energy | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 3.2 | Work | 1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 3.3 | Potential Energy | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 3.4 | Conservation of Energy | 1.A | Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics that effectively represent physical situations. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 3.5 | Power | 1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
Unit 4
Unit 4: Linear Momentum
Exam Weighting: 10–15%2 | Class Periods: 10–15
Unit 4 examines how force, time, impulse, and linear momentum are related through calculations, data analysis, and experiments. You will use new and familiar models to apply the conservation of linear momentum to objects and systems. This unit also clarifies Newton’s third law and explores the relationship between momentum and kinetic energy, including when these quantities stay constant.
| Topic | Science Practices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Linear Momentum | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 4.2 | Change in Momentum and Impulse | 1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 4.3 | Conservation of Linear Momentum | 1.A | Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics that effectively represent physical situations. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 4.4 | Elastic and Inelastic Collisions | 1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
Unit 5
Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Exam Weighting: 10–15%2 | Class Periods: 15–20
Unit 5 expands on the concepts of force and linear motion from Unit 2 by introducing torque and rotational motion. While these topics are more complex, the analysis tools remain the same. You’ll use models from earlier units to connect linear and rotational motion, dynamics, energy, and momentum, building comprehensive models to evaluate physical phenomena.
| Topic | Science Practices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | Rotational Kinematics | 1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 5.2 | Connecting Linear and Rotational Motion | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 5.3 | Torque | 1.A | Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics that effectively represent physical situations. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 5.4 | Rotational Inertia | 1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 5.5 | Rotational Equilibrium and Newton’s First Law in Rotational Form | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 5.6 | Newton’s Second Law in Rotational Form | 1.A | Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics that effectively represent physical situations. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
Unit 6
Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Exam Weighting: 5–8%2 | Class Periods: 8–14
In Unit 6, you’ll apply your knowledge of energy and momentum to rotating systems, focusing on how external torques affect angular momentum and rotational energy. Understanding when these quantities stay constant will help you analyze orbiting satellites and rolling motion.
| Topic | Science Practices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1 | Rotational Kinetic Energy |
1.A | Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics that effectively represent physical situations. |
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
6.2 |
Torque and Work |
1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 6.3 | Angular Momentum and Angular Impulse |
1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 6.4 | Conservation of Angular Momentum |
1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 6.5 | Rolling | 1.A | Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics that effectively represent physical situations. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 6.6 | Motion of Orbiting Satellites | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
Unit 7
Unit 7: Oscillations
Exam Weighting: 5–8%2 | Class Periods: 5–10
In Unit 7, you’ll apply your knowledge of force, energy, and momentum to simple harmonic motion. You’ll use tools like energy bar charts and free-body diagrams to deepen your understanding of these concepts in oscillating systems and connect them with what you’ve learned before.
| Topic | Science Practices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.1 | Defining Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 7.2 | Frequency and Period of SHM | 1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 7.3 | Representing and Analyzing SHM | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 7.4 | Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators | 1.A | Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics that effectively represent physical situations. |
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
Unit 8
Unit 8: Fluids
Exam Weighting: 10–15%2 | Class Periods: 12–17
In Unit 8, you’ll apply the forces and conservation laws from Units 1 through 4 to ideal fluids. This unit ties together the key themes of the course, focusing on system interactions and the conservation of fundamental quantities.
| Topic | Science Practices | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.1 | Internal Structure and Density | 1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 8.2 | Pressure | 1.C | Create qualitative sketches of graphs that illustrate key aspects of a model or the behavior of a physical system. |
| 2.B | Learn to calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known values by following a logical computational process. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.C | Design a justification for a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws. | ||
| 8.3 | Fluids and Newton’s Laws | 1.A | Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics that effectively represent physical situations. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.D | Learn to predict new values or changes in physical quantities by understanding the functional relationships between variables. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
| 8.4 | Fluids and Conservation Laws | 1.B | Create quantitative graphs using appropriate scales and units, while accurately plotting data. |
| 2.A | Learn to derive a symbolic expression from given quantities by choosing and applying a logical mathematical approach. | ||
| 2.C | Learn to compare physical quantities across different scenarios or at various times and locations within a single context. | ||
| 3.A | Design experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question. | ||
| 3.B | Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to formulate a claim. | ||
AP Physics 1 Labs Outline
Integrating labs will help you meet the objectives and learning goals of the AP Physics 1 course. Engaging in lab activities provides you with a valuable opportunity to enhance and hone your understanding of the subject. There are 8 labs in the curriculum, covering experiments related to kinematics, dynamics (forces and translational motion), work, energy, momentum, rotational motion, oscillations, and fluids. Through these lab investigations, you will:
- Participate in the 3 scientific practices
- Craft experiment blueprints
- Formulate predictions
- Gather and scrutinize data
- Employ mathematical procedures
- Construct evidence-based explanations
- Share research outcomes
To learn about these lab experiments in detail and to understand more about their significance in the AP Physics 1 curriculum, read our article on AP Physics 1 labs.
Now that you know everything about the AP Physics 1 course and exam description (CED), it's time to start studying. Use UWorld’s AP Physics 1 practice test to prepare with hundreds of exam-like questions and in-depth answer explanations that can help you focus on your weak areas and get you closer to your target score.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hardest topic in AP Physics 1?
Based on the latest College Board® data, the most challenging topic on the exam was Science Practice 2, which focuses on Mathematical Routines. This practice involves applying mathematical principles to solve physics problems. You are required to demonstrate proficiency in algebraic manipulation, equation solving, and the interpretation of graphical representations.
How much of each unit is on the AP Physics 1 exam?
The following are the weights of each unit on the AP Physics 1 course:
- Unit 1: Kinematics (10-15%)
- Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics (18-23%)
- Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power (18-23%)
- Unit 4: Linear Momentum (10-15%)
- Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics (10-15%)
- Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems (5-8%)
- Unit 7: Oscillations (5-8%)
- Unit 8: Fluids (10-15%)
What are the most important topics in AP Physics 1?
Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics and Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power each account for 18-23% of the exam. These units cover key concepts such as Newton’s laws, work, energy conservation, and power, which are fundamental to understanding mechanics and crucial for mastering other areas of physics.
References
- AP Physics 1: Course and Exam Description. (2024, Fall). apcentral.collegeboard.org. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-physics-1-course-and-exam-description.pdf
- AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based. College Board. (2024). apstudents.collegeboard.org. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-physics-1-algebra-based
Read More About the AP Physics 1 Exam
AP Physics 1 Study Guide & Materials
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AP Physics 1 Scoring & Score Calculator
This article will teach you everything you need to know about how the AP Physics 1 exam is scored, score distribution, and the average score required for college credit.
Wondering if AP Physics 1 is the right course for you? This article will teach you everything you need to know about the AP Physics 1 exam.
Understanding the format of the exam gives you an advantage. So we’ve put together an easy-to-read guide that breaks down the format, question types, and more!
