AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics by developing models of physical phenomena through inquiry-based investigations. The course is equivalent to the first semester of an introductory college algebra-based physics sequence.
Students build understanding across eight content areas: kinematics, forces and translational dynamics, work/energy/power, linear momentum, torque and rotational dynamics, energy and momentum of rotating systems, oscillations, and fluids. Throughout, students practice three science practices — creating representations, applying mathematical routines, and scientific argumentation — by designing experiments, analyzing data, and justifying claims with evidence.
Laboratory Requirement
A minimum of 25% of instructional time is dedicated to hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work. Students maintain a laboratory notebook throughout the year; colleges may request lab materials as part of the credit-granting process.
Prerequisites: Completed Geometry; concurrently enrolled in Algebra II or equivalent. Basic trigonometry (sin, cos, tan) is used throughout and can be learned concurrently.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Create Representations — Construct free-body diagrams, motion graphs, energy bar charts, and other physical representations.
- Apply Mathematical Routines — Derive symbolic expressions algebraically, calculate numerical results with appropriate units, compare quantities across scenarios, and predict functional dependencies.
- Design and Argue — Plan experimental procedures, apply physical laws to make claims, and justify those claims using evidence and reasoning.
- Solve Across Domains — Connect and apply concepts from all eight content areas to complex, multi-step problems.
- Conduct Lab Investigations — Design, execute, and write up inquiry-based experiments; identify and quantify sources of experimental uncertainty.
Textbook
College Physics (Serway & Vuille) or Physics (Cutnell & Johnson).
Course Materials (Provided)
- AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based CED — Effective Fall 2024
- AP equation sheet (Table of Information: Equations) — used on all assessments
- Lab guides and lab notebook templates
- Released AP FRQ sets (2019–present) with scoring rubrics
Lab Program (10 Labs)
| Lab | Unit | Topic |
|---|
| 1 | 1 | Kinematics with Motion Sensors |
| 2 | 2 | Newton's Second Law (F = ma) |
| 3 | 2 | Friction and Spring Forces (Hooke's Law) |
| 4 | 3 | Conservation of Energy |
| 5 | 4 | Collisions (Elastic and Inelastic) |
| 6 | 5 | Rotational Inertia |
| 7 | 6 | Angular Momentum Conservation |
| 8 | 7 | SHM: Spring-Mass and Pendulum |
| 9 | 8 | Buoyancy and Archimedes' Principle |
| 10 | 8 | Fluid Flow (Continuity and Bernoulli) |
Each semester is graded independently using the same standard. The midterm assessment accounts for 40% of the semester grade and the final assessment for 60%. Each is composed as follows:
Midterm Assessment — 40% of Semester Grade
| Category | Weight |
|---|
| Attendance | 15% |
| Class Participation | 15% |
| Homework | 20% |
| Midterm Exam | 50% |
Final Assessment — 60% of Semester Grade
| Category | Weight |
|---|
| Attendance | 15% |
| Class Participation | 15% |
| Homework | 20% |
| Final Exam | 50% |
Calculator Policy
- A graphing or scientific calculator is required and permitted on all assessments.
- College Board permits four-function, scientific, and graphing calculators on both AP Exam sections.
- No CAS (Computer Algebra System) calculators permitted on AP Exam day.
Exam Window: May 3–14, 2027
A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is permitted on both sections. The AP Physics 1 Table of Information and Equations is provided.
| Section | Content | Questions | Time | Weight |
|---|
| Section I | Multiple Choice (scenario-based) | 45 | 90 min | 50% |
| Section II | Free Response (4 types) | 4 | 90 min | 50% |
Free-Response Question Types
| FRQ | Type | Description |
|---|
| Q1 | Mathematical Routines (MR) | Derive symbolic expressions, calculate quantities, compare results across scenarios |
| Q2 | Translation Between Representations (TBR) | Move between graphical, mathematical, and verbal descriptions |
| Q3 | Experimental Design and Analysis (EDA) | Design an experiment, identify data to collect, analyze data, identify errors |
| Q4 | Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (QQT) | Use physical reasoning to justify a quantitative claim or predict qualitative behavior |
MCQ Exam Weighting by Unit
| Unit | Topic | MCQ Weight |
|---|
| 1 | Kinematics | 10–15% |
| 2 | Force and Translational Dynamics | 18–23% |
| 3 | Work, Energy, and Power | 18–23% |
| 4 | Linear Momentum | 10–15% |
| 5 | Torque and Rotational Dynamics | 10–15% |
| 6 | Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems | 5–8% |
| 7 | Oscillations | 5–8% |
| 8 | Fluids | 10–15% |