College Board
AP Physics 1
Advanced Placement Physics 1: Algebra-Based
A college-level, algebra-based introductory physics course covering mechanics, rotation, oscillations, and fluids. A strong AP exam score can earn college credit and place students out of introductory physics.
What's on the exam
AP Physics 1 Course and Exam Description (effective Fall 2024, eight-unit framework; multiple-choice count and section timing updated from the May 2027 exam)
Unit 1: Kinematics
10-15%Position, velocity, acceleration · Motion graphs · Projectile motion · Relative motion · Reference frames
Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics
18-23%Newton's laws · Free-body diagrams · Friction · Gravitational force · Spring forces
Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power
18-23%Work and the work-energy theorem · Kinetic and potential energy · Conservation of energy · Power · Energy in systems
Unit 4: Linear Momentum
10-15%Impulse and momentum · Conservation of momentum · Elastic and inelastic collisions · Center of mass · Momentum in systems
Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics
10-15%Rotational kinematics · Torque · Rotational inertia · Newton's second law for rotation · Equilibrium
Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
5-8%Rotational kinetic energy · Angular momentum · Conservation of angular momentum · Rolling motion · Gravitational orbits
Unit 7: Oscillations
5-8%Simple harmonic motion · Period and frequency · Energy in oscillators · Mass-spring systems · Pendulums
Unit 8: Fluids
10-15%Density and pressure · Buoyancy and Archimedes' principle · Continuity equation · Bernoulli's principle · Fluid dynamics
Frequently asked questions
How much does the AP Physics 1 cost?
The AP Physics 1 costs $99. $99 per AP Exam in the US (2026-27); a College Board fee reduction of $37 per exam is available for eligible students.
How long is the AP Physics 1 and how many questions does it have?
42 multiple-choice (85 min), 4 free-response (95 min) — 3 hours.
What do you need to pass the AP Physics 1?
Scored 1-5; a 3 or higher is generally considered passing, though credit policies are set by each college.
Can you retake the AP Physics 1?
Once per year (next May administration).
What is the best way to study for the AP Physics 1?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Unit 1: Kinematics 10-15%, Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics 18-23%, Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power 18-23%, Unit 4: Linear Momentum 10-15%, Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics 10-15%, Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems 5-8%, Unit 7: Oscillations 5-8%, Unit 8: Fluids 10-15%). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
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