Multiple choice
42 questions · 1 hour 25 minutes · 50%
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AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam prep
Reason from models, diagrams, experiments, and algebra across mechanics, rotation, oscillations, and fluids.
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AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam format
Hybrid digital. Formats can change, so verify the linked official page before exam day.
Official College Board exam page ↗Free response
4 questions · 1 hour 35 minutes · 50%
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based unit roadmap
Each unit is a connected part of the course, not an isolated chapter. The focus says what you must know and the weighting says how much exam time it is worth. Use the weighting to order your review, never as permission to skip a prerequisite.
Kinematics
Motion representations and models
- Define the vocabulary you need to explain motion representations and models.
- Draw and label the graph, model, diagram, or evidence that best represents kinematics.
- Solve one direct kinematics question, then change one assumption and predict how the answer moves.
- Tie this unit to the course priority: Free-body diagrams
Force and Translational Dynamics
Newton's laws and systems
- Define the vocabulary you need to explain newton's laws and systems.
- Draw and label the graph, model, diagram, or evidence that best represents force and translational dynamics.
- Solve one direct force and translational dynamics question, then change one assumption and predict how the answer moves.
- Tie this unit to the course priority: Conservation-law selection
Work, Energy, and Power
Energy models and conservation
- Define the vocabulary you need to explain energy models and conservation.
- Draw and label the graph, model, diagram, or evidence that best represents work, energy, and power.
- Solve one direct work, energy, and power question, then change one assumption and predict how the answer moves.
- Tie this unit to the course priority: Linearizing data
Linear Momentum
Impulse, collisions, center of mass
- Define the vocabulary you need to explain impulse, collisions, center of mass.
- Draw and label the graph, model, diagram, or evidence that best represents linear momentum.
- Solve one direct linear momentum question, then change one assumption and predict how the answer moves.
- Tie this unit to the course priority: Experimental uncertainty
Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Angular acceleration and inertia
- Define the vocabulary you need to explain angular acceleration and inertia.
- Draw and label the graph, model, diagram, or evidence that best represents torque and rotational dynamics.
- Solve one direct torque and rotational dynamics question, then change one assumption and predict how the answer moves.
- Tie this unit to the course priority: Paragraph-length justification
Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Rotational conservation laws
- Define the vocabulary you need to explain rotational conservation laws.
- Draw and label the graph, model, diagram, or evidence that best represents energy and momentum of rotating systems.
- Solve one direct energy and momentum of rotating systems question, then change one assumption and predict how the answer moves.
- Tie this unit to the course priority: Free-body diagrams
Oscillations
Springs, pendulums, energy
- Define the vocabulary you need to explain springs, pendulums, energy.
- Draw and label the graph, model, diagram, or evidence that best represents oscillations.
- Solve one direct oscillations question, then change one assumption and predict how the answer moves.
- Tie this unit to the course priority: Conservation-law selection
Fluids
Pressure, buoyancy, continuity
- Define the vocabulary you need to explain pressure, buoyancy, continuity.
- Draw and label the graph, model, diagram, or evidence that best represents fluids.
- Solve one direct fluids question, then change one assumption and predict how the answer moves.
- Tie this unit to the course priority: Linearizing data
Use a diagnostic to find the first knowledge gap
This short check is not a score prediction. It identifies which part of the course deserves your next focused session.
- Answer without notes.
- Explain your choice before revealing feedback.
- Record every uncertain answer, including lucky guesses.
Question 1 of 3
Scored skills for the AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam
Knowing an idea internally is not enough. Practice producing observable evidence under time pressure.
Create and use models
Design experiments
Analyze data and error
Derive relationships
Justify claims with physics principles
Highest-value review targets
- Free-body diagrams
- Conservation-law selection
- Linearizing data
- Experimental uncertainty
- Paragraph-length justification
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based formulas and reference relationships
A useful sheet records meaning and conditions, not isolated symbols. Rebuild it from a blank page until every line comes back with its conditions attached.
Constant-acceleration motion
\[v=v_0+at,\qquad \Delta x=v_0t+\frac12at^2\]
What it tells you: Relates displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time when acceleration is constant.
Use it when: Choose a positive direction and use one sign convention throughout.
Example: From rest at $2\,\mathrm{m/s^2}$ for $3$ s, displacement is $9$ m.
Newton's second law
\[\sum\vec F=m\vec a\]
What it tells you: Connects net external force with acceleration of a chosen system.
Use it when: Draw forces on one defined system and resolve components along selected axes.
Example: A $6$ N net force on $2$ kg produces $3\,\mathrm{m/s^2}$.
Work–energy theorem
\[W_{\mathrm{net}}=\Delta K=\frac12mv_f^2-\frac12mv_i^2\]
What it tells you: Relates net work to change in translational kinetic energy.
Use it when: Work includes force component along displacement and system boundaries determine potential-energy treatment.
Example: Positive net work increases kinetic energy.
Impulse–momentum theorem
\[\vec J=\int\vec Fdt=\Delta\vec p\]
What it tells you: Connects force over time with momentum change.
Use it when: Use vector directions and include all external impulses on the chosen system.
Example: The area under a force-time graph equals impulse.
What the AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam hands you, and what you have to recall
| Section or part | What you may use | What that means for your work |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice | Four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator | Allowed throughout, but most items are about reasoning and proportions rather than arithmetic. |
| Free response | Four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator | Useful for the numeric parts. Derivation parts want symbols, so the calculator stays down. |
| Provided for the whole exam | Equations and constants table | Both sections. The exam tests whether you can pick the right equation, not whether you memorised it. |
Anything the table does not hand you, you have to remember. The AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based study plan puts these rules on a week-by-week schedule.
Your AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based preparation plan
Repeat this loop weekly: retrieve, diagnose, repair, mix, time, and reflect.
01
AP-style practice
Original questions, immediate explanations, and local progress.
Start →02Full course test
A timed mixed-unit test with a complete answer review.
Test →03Study plan and strategy
Eight weeks, plus the timing, calculator, and task-verb decisions.
Plan →04Unit roadmap
Every unit, its weighting, and what mastery looks like.
Review →05Formula review
Key relationships, their conditions, and what the exam provides.
Recall →Questions about the AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam
Can I use a graphing calculator on the AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam?
Rules change from section to section. Multiple choice: four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator. Free response: four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator. Provided for the whole exam: equations and constants table. Practise each section under its own rule.
How long is the AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam?
Multiple choice: 1 hour 25 minutes, 42 questions. Free response: 1 hour 35 minutes, 4 questions. Multiple choice — About 2 minutes each. Many questions are answerable from a free-body diagram alone - draw it before you read the choices. Free response — About 24 minutes each. Expect an experimental design question and a paragraph-length reasoning question among them.
How many units does AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based cover?
Eight: Kinematics, Force and Translational Dynamics, Work, Energy, and Power, Linear Momentum, Torque and Rotational Dynamics, Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems, Oscillations, Fluids. The roadmap on this page publishes no percentage weighting for them, so order your review by course priority instead, starting with free-body diagrams.
Is a formula sheet given on the AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam?
Yes. The AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam gives you the equations and constants table. Both sections. The exam tests whether you can pick the right equation, not whether you memorised it.
Use AI responsibly during AP exam preparation
Attempt first. Ask for a hint or critique. Close the explanation and solve again from memory. Never use outside help on a live or prohibited assessment.
Turn the guide into exam-day skill
Start a focused AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based practice set, check each explanation, and use every miss to choose your next review session.
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