A Guide to the AP Physics 1 Exam
Ever wondered how a rollercoaster stays on track or why a thrown ball falls back to Earth? AP Physics 1 shares the reasons behind these everyday phenomena and many more! But the exam itself can feel like a complex equation.
This blog is your guide to mastering the AP Physics 1 exam. We’ll break down the exam format, share the essential topics, and provide you with all the essential details. By the end of this blog, you’ll be ready to ace the AP Physics 1 exam.
Overview of the AP Physics 1 Exam
The AP Physics 1 exam is an assessment designed to measure your understanding of introductory college-level physics. It covers topics in mechanics, energy, and related concepts, focusing on an algebra-based approach to problem-solving.
This 3-hour exam consists of multiple-choice and free-response questions that test your ability to analyze situations, apply relevant physics principles, and solve problems using algebraic equations and provided formulas.
| You can use a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator in the AP Physics 1 exam. Additionally, tables of commonly used physics equations and formulas will be provided. |
When is the AP Physics 1 Exam in 2024?
According to the schedule published by the College Board, the AP Physics 1 exam in 2024 is on Friday, May 17th, at 8:00 AM local time. Be sure to double-check the date and time with your teacher and/or AP coordinator closer to the exam, as this information can change.
AP Physics 1 Exam Format
The AP Physics 1 exam is a three-hour exam divided into two equally weighted sections: multiple-choice (MC) and free-response (FR).
Multiple-choice (90 minutes, 50% of the exam score)
- This section consists of 50 questions.
- Most are single-select MC questions where you choose the one best answer out of four options.
- There are also a few multi-select questions where you need to select two of the correct answer choices.
- These questions typically test your grasp of physics fundamentals and your ability to apply them to scenarios.
Free-response (90 minutes, 50% of the exam score)
- This section presents five questions that require you to show your work and problem-solving approach.
- The questions cover various formats:
- Experimental Design (1 question): Here, you design an experiment to test a hypothesis.
- Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (1 question): You translate between a worded description and a mathematical equation, or vice versa.
- Short Answer: Paragraph Argument (1 question): You use a written argument to explain a physics concept.
- Short Answer (2 questions): These questions test your ability to solve problems with calculations and explanations.
Free-response questions allow you to earn partial credit for showing your understanding, even if you don’t reach the final answer.
What’s Tested on the AP Physics 1 Exam?
The College Board sets clear guidelines for what your AP Physics 1 teacher will cover throughout the course. Here are the key areas you’ll explore:
- Kinematics
- Dynamics
- Circular Motion and Gravitations
- Energy
- Momentum
- Simple Harmonic Motion
- Torque and Rotational Motion
What’s on the AP Physics 1 Equation Sheet?
The AP Physics 1 equation sheet is a handy reference guide provided during the exam to help you solve problems. It contains important constants like the speed of light (c) and gravitational constant (G), along with unit symbols and prefixes (e.g., mega-, kilo-). You’ll also find values for the sine, cosine, and tangent of common angles.
The equation sheet also includes formulas for physics. These are categorized by topic, typically covering mechanics, electricity, waves, and sometimes even basic concepts from geometry and trigonometry. Some examples of mechanics formulas include those for motion (displacement, velocity, acceleration), forces (Newton’s laws, gravitation), work, and energy.
How is the AP Physics 1 Exam Scored?
The AP Physics 1 exam is scored on a 5-point scale. The exam itself is not graded out of 100 points, though. There are two sections: multiple-choice and free-response. Each section is worth 50% of your total score. You’ll receive points based on the number of questions you answer correctly in the multiple-choice section, and graders will award points based on a rubric for the free response section.
This rubric considers how well you demonstrate your understanding of physics concepts and your problem-solving abilities. In June, experienced teachers come together to grade the free-response questions following a set of standards. Finally, your scores from both sections are combined and converted into a 5-point scale. Here’s how students scored on the AP Physics 1 Exam in May 2022:
| AP Physics 1 Score | Meaning | Percentage of Test Takers |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely qualified | 7.90% |
| 4 | Well qualified | 17.00% |
| 3 | Qualified | 18.30% |
| 2 | Possibly qualified | 27.10% |
| 1 | No recommendation | 29.60% |
AP Physics 1 Exam Questions and Scoring Information
The following table includes a question paper from 2023. To access more past question papers and scoring information, please visit the official website of the College Board.
From the Desk of Yocket
The AP Physics 1 exam is a good opportunity to assess your knowledge of physics concepts and your ability to apply them to real-world scenarios. The exam is designed to test your conceptual understanding rather than your memorization of formulas. If you’re considering taking the exam, make sure to prepare diligently by taking a physics class, practicing with past exams and problems, and familiarizing yourself with the format and types of questions you’ll come across.
Getting a high score on the AP Physics 1 exam can also give you a leg up in college. Many colleges award credit for passing AP exams. This can lighten your course load and allow you to take more advanced physics classes sooner. Additionally, a strong performance on the AP Physics 1 exam shows colleges that you’re a hard-working student who’s prepared for the challenges of college-level science courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the format of the AP Physics 1 exam?
The AP Physics 1 Exam is divided into two sections: multiple-choice (MCQ) and free-response (FRQ). The MCQ section is 50% of your score and has 50 questions (45 single-select, 5 multi-select) that test your understanding of key concepts. The FRQ section is also 50% of your score and has 5 free-response questions that require you to apply your knowledge to solve problems and explain your reasoning.
How long is the AP Physics 1 exam?
The AP Physics 1 Exam is 3 hours long. You’ll get 90 minutes for the MCQ section and another 90 minutes for the FRQ section.
Can I use a calculator in the AP Physics 1 exam?
Yes, a scientific or graphing calculator is allowed on the entire AP Physics 1 exam, as long as it meets the College Board’s approval standards (you can find a list of approved calculators on their website).
What topics are covered in the AP Physics 1 exam?
The AP Physics 1 exam covers a variety of mechanics topics, including kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque, and rotational motion.