AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

AP Physics 1, unit by unit

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based runs on the current 8-unit structure from the official Course and Exam Description, effective Fall 2024. The redesign brought Fluids into the course as Unit 8, and Physics 1 remains the largest and the lowest-passing of the four AP physics exams.

On the May 2025 exam, 67.3% of the 174,992 students who took Physics 1 scored a 3 or higher, with a mean score of 3.12. That pass rate rose from 47.3% in 2024 with the redesigned 8-unit course: Fluids moved in from Physics 2, and a calculator is allowed on both sections (official score distributions).

The eight units

Weighting is each unit's share of the multiple-choice section.

  1. 1Kinematics5 topics10-15%
  2. 2Force and Translational Dynamics9 topics18-23%
  3. 3Work, Energy, and Power5 topics18-23%
  4. 4Linear Momentum4 topics10-15%
  5. 5Torque and Rotational Dynamics6 topics10-15%
  6. 6Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems6 topics5-8%
  7. 7Oscillations4 topics5-8%
  8. 8Fluids4 topics10-15%

Exam format

  • Length: 3 hours
  • Section I: 42 multiple-choice questions, 85 minutes, 50% of exam score
  • Section II: 4 free-response questions, 95 minutes, 50% of exam score: Mathematical Routines, Translation Between Representations, Experimental Design and Analysis, Qualitative/Quantitative Translation
  • Calculator: A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both sections of the exam.

Keep going

The Physics 1 equation sheet, annotatedEvery constant and equation from the official sheet, rendered cleanly.Step-by-step guidesAnswer-first walkthroughs of the questions students actually search.Calculators that show every stepThe number you need, plus the work behind it.Draggable interactivesSimulations for the ideas that never click from a textbook.Put a simulation on a class pageEmbed the projectile launcher or free-body builder with one iframe.

Course study resources

All cram sheets
AP Physics 1 exit ticketsThirty two-minute checks by unit, with the one line each correct answer must include.AP Physics 1 cram sheetThe compact final-review path for all eight units.Worked visual walkthroughsFollow projectile and collision problems one decision at a time.What replaced the AP Physics B equation sheetMatch the discontinued course to the current Physics 1 and Physics 2 sheets.Concept comparisonsPut closely related quantities, laws, and representations side by side.Practice by course and skillAnswer generated multiple-choice and free-response questions with worked feedback.Build a study planTurn your course, test date, and confidence into the next sessions to complete.Scientific notationRead the powers of ten used across every AP Physics course and equation sheet.AP Physics reference tablesConstants, task verbs, prefixes, identities, and the tables printed with the sheets.