AP Prep/AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
Advanced Placement Exam

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Practice every unit with AI-generated questions matched to the official College Board exam format. Free to start.

May 6, 2026

Exam Date

3 hours 10 minutes

Duration

1–5 scale

Scoring

Most colleges

Credit

About the Exam

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based explores the foundations of mechanics — kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, oscillations, and fluids. Students design experiments, analyze data, and apply algebra-based reasoning to predict and explain physical phenomena.

Equivalent to a first-semester introductory college course in algebra-based physics.

Calculator allowed throughout. Equation sheet provided. Algebra-based only — no calculus required.

Exam Format

Section I — Multiple Choice

50% of exam score

50 questions · 90 minutes (single-select only)

Conceptual, calculation, graph-interpretation, and experimental questions across all units. Multi-select questions were removed in the 2024 redesign.

Section II — Free Response

50% of exam score

4 questions · 100 minutes

Question types: Mathematical Routines, Translation Between Representations, Experimental Design and Analysis, and Qualitative/Quantitative Translation. Each tests Science Practices in depth.

Units & Exam Weights

Approximate exam content distribution (College Board ranges, current redesign)

Unit 1: Kinematics

13% of exam
DisplacementVelocityAccelerationMotion GraphsProjectile Motion

Unit 2: Forces and Newton's Laws

21% of exam
Newton's Three LawsFree Body DiagramsFrictionTensionNormal Force

Unit 3: Circular Motion and Gravitation

10% of exam
Centripetal AccelerationGravitational ForceOrbital Motion

Unit 4: Energy

21% of exam
WorkKinetic EnergyPotential EnergyConservation of EnergyPower

Unit 5: Momentum

13% of exam
ImpulseLinear MomentumConservation of MomentumCollisions

Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion

7% of exam
SpringsPendulumsPeriodFrequencyAmplitude

Unit 7: Torque and Rotational Motion

12% of exam
TorqueRotational InertiaAngular Momentum

Unit 8: Electric Charge and Electric Force

2% of exam
ChargeCoulomb's LawElectric Fields

Unit 9: DC Circuits

2% of exam
CurrentVoltageResistanceOhm's LawSeries/Parallel CircuitsPower

Unit 10: Mechanical Waves and Sound

2% of exam
Wave PropertiesInterferenceStanding WavesSound

Skills & Practices Tested

Modeling Nature

Describe phenomena and models with figures, equations, and graphs.

Mathematical Routines

Apply mathematics to solve problems and analyze data.

Scientific Questioning and Argumentation

Refine scientific questions and construct evidence-based arguments.

Experimental Method

Design and analyze experiments to test hypotheses.

Data Analysis

Analyze, evaluate, and interpret experimental and theoretical data.

Theoretical Relationships

Develop theoretical relationships between physical quantities.

Argumentation

Construct and defend scientific arguments grounded in physical principles.

Ready to start practicing AP Physics 1?

Free unlimited practice. AI explanations on every wrong answer. Per-unit mastery tracking.

100% original questions, calibrated to College Board format

Every practice question is AI-generated and validated against the College Board AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based exam style — stem patterns, stimulus depth, distractor types, and difficulty. Cross-model validation catches errors before questions reach students. We never reproduce copyrighted exam content.

AP® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which is not affiliated with StudentNest. All practice questions are original AI-generated content.

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