Exam Overview
Exam questions assess the course concepts and skills outlined in the course framework. For more information, download the AP Physics 1 Course and Exam Description (CED).
Encourage your students to visit the AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based student page for exam information.
Exam Date
Exam Coverage Update
Colleges agree that Units 8–10 can be removed from AP Physics 1 since they are covered in AP Physics 2; accordingly, Units 8–10 are no longer tested in AP Physics 1. As of 2021, AP Physics 1 Exams focus exclusively on content covered in Units 1-7.
Exam Format
The AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Exam has consistent question types, weighting, and scoring guidelines every year, so you and your students know what to expect on exam day.
Section I: Multiple Choice
50 Questions | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | 50% of Exam Score
Questions are either discrete questions or question sets, in which students are provided with a stimulus or a set of data and a series of related questions.
- The section includes 5 individual multi-select questions (2 options are correct).
Section II: Free Response
5 Questions | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | 50% of Exam Score
This section contains 5 free-response questions of the following types:
- Experimental Design (1 question)
- Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (1 question)
- Short Answer: Paragraph Argument (1 question)
- Short Answer (2 questions)
AP Calculator Policy
A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both sections of the exam.
Exam Questions and Scoring Information
2023: Free-Response Questions
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Questions |
Scoring |
Samples and Commentary |
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Past Exam Questions and Scoring Information
Score Reporting