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The Tian2 Study Library AP Edition · Tian2 Editorial Bureau
Volume I · MMXXVI AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
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⁂   Sciences · AP Exam

Physics 1 Study Library.

AP Physics 1 (Algebra-Based) covers mechanics and basic electricity using algebra. The 2025 redesign added Fluids (Unit 8) and restructured FRQs into four named types: MR, TBR, EDA, and QQT.

8 units 180 minutes 174,401 candidates
Total Time 180 minutes
MCQ 40 multiple-choice questions
FRQ 4 free-response questions
Score Scale 1-5 67.3% scored 3+
Mean Score 3.12 2025 national mean

About the exam

The AP Physics 1 exam (2025 redesign) runs 3 hours. Section I (50%) has 40 single-select multiple-choice in 80 minutes with a calculator. Section II (50%) has 4 named FRQs in 100 minutes: one each of MR (Mathematical Reasoning, 10 pts), TBR (Translate Between Representations, 12 pts), EDA (Experimental Design and Analysis, 10 pts), and QQT (Qualitative/Quantitative Translation, 8 pts). A formula sheet is provided.

How to use this library

Each unit page below contains the full list of key topics, common exam errors to avoid, and a study guide section. Work through units in order, or jump directly to the unit with the highest exam weight — those are your highest-leverage study targets.

Exam strategy notes

  • Free-body diagrams are graded. Include all forces, label them (e.g., $F_g$, $F_N$, $f_s$), and draw vectors originating from the object's center.
  • The four named FRQ types each have a distinct structure: MR (mathematical reasoning), TBR (translate between representations), EDA (experimental design and analysis), QQT (qualitative/quantitative translation).
  • Energy bar charts (LOL diagrams) earn points on their own. Sketch them even for problems you can solve algebraically.
  • The 2025 exam format is 40 MCQ + 4 FRQ in 180 min. Time-per-question is tight; move on if stuck and return.
Curriculum

Study by unit.

1.
Kinematics
Scalars and vectors in one dimension · Displacement, velocity, and acceleration (average and instantaneous) · Position-time, velocity-time, and acceleration-time graphs · …
10–15% of exam
Study unit ›
2.
Force and Translational Dynamics
Systems and center of mass · Forces and free-body diagrams · Newton's Third Law and action-reaction pairs · …
18–23% of exam
Study unit ›
3.
Work, Energy, and Power
Translational kinetic energy · Work and the work-energy theorem · Gravitational potential energy · …
18–23% of exam
Study unit ›
4.
Linear Momentum
Linear momentum as a vector quantity · Change in momentum and the impulse-momentum theorem · Impulse from force-time graphs · …
10–15% of exam
Study unit ›
5.
Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Rotational kinematics: angular position, velocity, and acceleration · Connecting linear and rotational quantities (v = rω, a = rα) · Torque and the lever-arm concept · …
10–15% of exam
Study unit ›
6.
Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Rotational kinetic energy · Work done by a torque · Angular momentum and angular impulse · …
5–8% of exam
Study unit ›
7.
Oscillations
Conditions for simple harmonic motion: restoring force proportional to displacement · Frequency and period relationships · Representing and analyzing SHM with position, velocity, and acceleration graphs · …
5–8% of exam
Study unit ›
8.
Fluids
Internal structure of fluids and density · Pressure and its relationship to force and area · Hydrostatic pressure variation with depth · …
10–15% of exam
Study unit ›
Our worked solutions and practice questions are original instructional content created by Tian2 AP. They are aligned to the concepts and skills described in College Board’s Course and Exam Description and are not reproductions of, or affiliated with, College Board’s official materials.