Course Overview
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves.
Laboratory Requirement and Lab Notebooks
Laboratory experience must be part of the education of AP Physics students and should be included in all AP Physics courses. Colleges may require students to present their laboratory materials from AP science courses before granting college credit for laboratory, so students are encouraged to retain their laboratory notebooks, reports, and other materials.
Course and Exam Description
Course Resources
Course Content
Based on the Understanding by Design® (Wiggins and McTighe) model, this course framework provides a clear and detailed description of the course requirements necessary for student success. The framework specifies what students must know, be able to do, and understand, with a focus on six big ideas that encompass core principles, theories, and processes of physics. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students to make connections across domains through a broader way of thinking about the physical world.
The AP Physics 1 framework is organized into seven commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.
|
Unit |
Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section) |
|---|---|
|
Unit 1: Kinematics |
12%–18% |
|
Unit 2: Dynamics |
16%–20% |
|
Unit 3: Circular Motion and Gravitation |
6%–8% |
|
Unit 4: Energy |
20%–28% |
|
Unit 5: Momentum |
12%–18% |
|
Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion |
4%–6% |
|
Unit 7: Torque and Rotational Motion |
12%–18% |
Science Practices
The AP Physics 1 framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills, called science practices, that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like physicists.
|
Science Practice |
Description |
Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section) |
Exam Weighting (Free-Response Section) |
|
1. Modeling |
Use representations and models to communicate scientific phenomena and solve scientific problems |
28%–32% |
22%–36% |
|
2. Mathematical Routines |
Use mathematics appropriately |
16%–20% |
17%–29% |
|
3. Scientific Questioning |
Engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide investigations within the context of the AP course |
N/A |
N/A |
|
4. Experimental Methods |
Plan and implement data-collection strategies in relation to a particular scientific question |
2%–4% |
8%–16% |
|
5. Data Analysis |
Perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence |
10%–12% |
6%–14% |
|
6. Argumentation |
Work with scientific explanations and theories |
24–28% |
17–29% |
|
7. Making Connections |
Connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts, and representations in and across domains |
10–16% |
2–9% |
AP and Higher Education
Higher education professionals play a key role in developing AP courses and exams, setting credit and placement policies, and scoring student work. The AP Higher Education section features information on recruitment and admission, advising and placement, and more.
This chart shows recommended scores for granting credit, and how much credit should be awarded, for each AP course. Your students can look up credit and placement policies for colleges and universities on the AP Credit Policy Search.
Meet the AP Physics 1 Development Committee
The AP Program is unique in its reliance on Development Committees. These committees, made up of an equal number of college faculty and experienced secondary AP teachers from across the country, are essential to the preparation of AP course curricula and exams.