AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based - Study Guides, Flashcards, AP-style Practice & Mock Exams
This complete AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam prep course is designed to clarify complex concepts. Navigate through all official units and topics with our detailed study guides, video lessons, and extensive practice materials to solidify your understanding and get ready for the challenges of test day.
Course Overview
This course provides an algebra-based introduction to foundational physics concepts, covering kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and simple harmonic motion. A significant focus is placed on developing core science practices. Students will learn to approach problems through the lens of experimental design, identifying controls and variables and interpreting data tables and graphs. Emphasis is also given to constructing scientific arguments using the claim-evidence-reasoning (CER) framework. Mastery involves not only conceptual understanding but also the practical application of the official equation sheet to solve quantitative problems, a key skill for the AP exam.
Effective preparation involves a structured progression through the course material. Students should work through each of the 8 units by mastering its individual topics. Following each topic, complete the AP-style quiz to serve as a progress check, identifying areas that require targeted review. After covering all topics within a unit, take the comprehensive Unit Exam to solidify your knowledge. This cycle of learning, assessment, and review is critical for building a strong foundation. The course structure, encompassing 43 topics, culminates in a full-length mock exam designed to simulate the official testing experience and assess overall readiness.
Units & Topics
Unit 1: Kinematics
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We will explore the foundational concepts of kinematics by analyzing and representing the motion of objects in one and two dimensions from various frames of reference.
- 1.0Unit Overview
- 1.1Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension
- 1.2Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration
- 1.3Representing Motion
- 1.4Reference Frames and Relative Motion
- 1.5Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions
- 1.6Unit Exam
Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics
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We will investigate the various forces that cause changes in motion, applying fundamental principles to analyze interactions between objects in linear and circular paths.
- 2.0Unit Overview
- 2.1Systems and Center of Mass
- 2.2Forces and Free-Body Diagrams
- 2.3Newton's Third Law
- 2.4Newton's First Law
- 2.5Newton's Second Law
- 2.6Gravitational Force
- 2.7Kinetic and Static Friction
- 2.8Spring Forces
- 2.9Circular Motion
- 2.10Unit Exam
Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power
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We will analyze how energy is transferred and conserved within a system, providing a powerful new framework for solving problems involving motion and forces.
- 3.0Unit Overview
- 3.1Translational Kinetic Energy
- 3.2Work
- 3.3Potential Energy
- 3.4Conservation of Energy
- 3.5Power
- 3.6Unit Exam
Unit 4: Linear Momentum
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We will investigate how interactions transfer a quantity of motion between objects and explore why this quantity is conserved in the absence of external forces.
- 4.0Unit Overview
- 4.1Linear Momentum
- 4.2Change in Momentum and Impulse
- 4.3Conservation of Linear Momentum
- 4.4Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
- 4.5Unit Exam
Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics
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We will investigate how rotational forces change an object's angular motion, applying analogues of Newton's laws to systems that spin, pivot, or roll.
- 5.0Unit Overview
- 5.1Rotational Kinematics
- 5.2Connecting Linear and Rotational Motion
- 5.3Torque
- 5.4Rotational Inertia
- 5.5Rotational Equilibrium and Newton’s First Law in Rotational Form
- 5.6Newton’s Second Law in Rotational Form
- 5.7Unit Exam
Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
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We will extend our understanding of forces and conservation laws to analyze the dynamics of spinning systems, from rolling objects to planetary orbits.
- 6.0Unit Overview
- 6.1Rotational Kinetic Energy
- 6.2Torque and Work
- 6.3Angular Momentum and Angular Impulse
- 6.4Conservation of Angular Momentum
- 6.5Rolling
- 6.6Motion of Orbiting Satellites
- 6.7Unit Exam
Unit 7: Oscillations
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We will investigate the periodic motion of systems oscillating around a point of stable equilibrium, analyzing the transformations between potential and kinetic energy.
- 7.0Unit Overview
- 7.1Defining Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
- 7.2Frequency and Period of SHM
- 7.3Representing and Analyzing SHM
- 7.4Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators
- 7.5Unit Exam
Unit 8: Fluids
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We will explore how the collective behavior of particles creates pressure and buoyant forces, applying conservation principles to understand the statics and dynamics of liquids.
- 8.0Unit Overview
- 8.1Internal Structure and Density
- 8.2Pressure
- 8.3Fluids and Newton’s Laws
- 8.4Fluids and Conservation Laws
- 8.5Unit Exam
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the AP Physics 1 exam?
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The exam has two sections, each accounting for 50% of your score. You'll have 90 minutes for 50 multiple-choice questions and another 90 minutes for 5 free-response questions, which test skills like experimental design and data analysis.
What main topics are covered in AP Physics 1?
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The course covers foundational principles of classical mechanics across 8 units. Major topics include kinematics, dynamics and forces, circular motion, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, and rotational motion, along with a brief introduction to DC circuits.
What are the most important skills for this course?
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Success requires mastering the AP Science Practices, which go beyond simple calculation. You must be able to design experiments, analyze data from tables and graphs, and construct arguments using the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) framework to justify your answers conceptually.
What kinds of Free-Response Questions (FRQs) are on the exam?
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The FRQs test a variety of skills with specific, recurring formats. Expect an Experimental Design question, a Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (QQT) question, a paragraph-length response, and two shorter questions that integrate multiple concepts and science practices.
How should I use this platform to prepare?
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We recommend a structured approach for mastering all 43 topics. Work through the Units and Topics, test your understanding with AP-style quizzes and Unit Exams, and then simulate the real test environment by taking the full-length mock exam.
Do I need to memorize all the formulas?
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No, you will be provided with the official AP Physics 1 equation sheet during the exam. Your goal should be to understand the relationships the equations describe and how to apply them conceptually, rather than rote memorization of every formula.
Can I use a calculator on the exam?
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Yes, a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both the multiple-choice and free-response sections. However, the exam emphasizes conceptual understanding, so many problems are designed to be solved with minimal calculation, focusing instead on physical principles.
What is an 'Experimental Design' question?
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This is a specific FRQ type where you must outline a realistic experiment to test a hypothesis. Your response should detail the procedure, identify necessary equipment, and explain how you would manage controls and variables to collect and analyze meaningful data.
Why is 'Claim-Evidence-Reasoning' (CER) so important?
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The CER framework is essential for constructing the coherent, logical arguments required on the FRQs. You must make a scientific claim, support it with qualitative or quantitative evidence, and provide clear reasoning that connects your evidence to fundamental physics principles.
How is the AP Physics 1 exam scored?
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Your score is a composite of the multiple-choice and free-response sections. FRQs are graded using rubrics that award points for specific elements, so showing your work and applying correct physics principles is crucial, even if your final numerical answer is incorrect.
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