AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Course Overview

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, and conservation.

Course Content

The AP Physics 1 course framework is organized into eight commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.

This table organizes the unit descriptions, topics, and corresponding exam weightings for the AP Physics 1 course:

Unit	Description	Topics May Include	On The Exam
Unit 1: Kinematics	You’ll be introduced to the study of motion.	– Scalars and vectors in one dimension – Displacement, velocity, and acceleration – Representing motion – Reference frames and relative motion – Vectors and motion in two dimensions	10%–15% of multiple-choice exam score
Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics	You’ll revisit the concepts from Unit 1 to explore force, the interaction between objects.	– Systems and center of mass – Forces and free-body diagrams – Newton’s Third Law – Newton’s First Law – Newton’s Second Law – Gravitational force – Kinetic and static friction – Spring forces – Circular motion	18%–23% of multiple-choice exam score
Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power	You’ll learn the definitions of and relationships between work, energy, and power.	– Translational kinetic energy – Work – Potential energy – Conservation of energy – Power	18%–23% of multiple-choice exam score
Unit 4: Linear Momentum	You’ll explore the relationship between force, time, and momentum, and use the law of conservation of momentum to analyze situations.	– Linear momentum – Change in momentum and impulse – Conservation of linear momentum – Elastic and inelastic collisions	10%–15% of multiple-choice exam score
Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics	You’ll analyze bodies that rotate and what causes those rotations, using tools from previous units.	– Rotational kinematics – Connecting linear and rotational motion – Torque – Rotational inertia – Rotational equilibrium and Newton’s First Law in rotational form – Newton’s Second Law in rotational form	10%–15% of multiple-choice exam score
Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems	You’ll explore the energy and momentum of rotating objects and connect these to their linear analogs.	– Rotational kinetic energy – Torque and work – Angular momentum and angular impulse – Conservation of angular momentum – Rolling – Motion of orbiting satellites	5%–8% of multiple-choice exam score
Unit 7: Oscillations	You’ll analyze simple harmonic motion using tools and models from previous units.	– Defining simple harmonic motion (SHM) – Frequency and period of SHM – Representing and analyzing SHM – Energy of simple harmonic oscillators	5%–8% of multiple-choice exam score
Unit 8: Fluids	You’ll explore the behavior and motion of materials that can change shape and how they interact with other objects.	– Internal structure and density – Pressure – Fluids and Newton’s laws – Fluids and conservation laws	10%–15% of multiple-choice exam score

Science Practices

The AP Physics 1 course framework also outlines distinct skills, called science practices, that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like physicists.

Practice	Skill	Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section)	Exam Weighting (Free-Response Section)
1. Creating Representations	1.A. Create diagrams, tables, charts, or schematics to represent physical situations.	N/A	20%–35%
	1.B. Create quantitative graphs with appropriate scales and units, including plotting data.	N/A
	1.C. Create qualitative sketches of graphs that represent features of a model or the behavior of a physical system.	N/A
2. Mathematical Routines	2.A. Derive a symbolic expression from known quantities by selecting and following a logical mathematical pathway.	15%–20%	30%–40%
	2.B. Calculate or estimate an unknown quantity with units from known quantities, by selecting and following a logical computational pathway.	20%–25%
	2.C. Compare physical quantities between two or more scenarios or at different times and locations in a single scenario.	10%–15%
	2.D. Predict new values or factors of change of physical quantities using functional dependence between variables.	10%–15%
3. Scientific Questioning and Argumentation	3.A. Create experimental procedures that are appropriate for a given scientific question.	N/A	35%–45%
	3.B. Apply an appropriate law, definition, theoretical relationship, or model to make a claim.	20%–25%
	3.C. Justify or support a claim using evidence from experimental data, physical representations, or physical principles or laws.	5%–10%

Laboratory Requirement and Lab Notebooks

Laboratory experience must be part of the education of AP Physics students and must be included in all AP Physics courses. Colleges may require students to present their laboratory materials from AP science courses before granting college credit for laboratory, so students are encouraged to retain their laboratory notebooks, reports, and other materials.

Give Our Students an Edge with AP Learning

In the 2024 AP exams, students from Amazing Education in the Greater Vancouver area were predominantly from the Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, South Surrey, and Langley school districts. This included students from well-known private and public schools that offer AP and IB programs, as well as high school students from schools that do not offer AP and IB programs. These students studied diligently, and under the meticulous guidance of Amazing Education’s many perfect-score AP teachers, they achieved an overall 98% high pass rate with perfect AP exam scores.