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