AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based – Course and Exam Description

Introduction

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based is a college-level introductory physics course designed to develop students’ deep understanding of foundational principles in classical mechanics and related topics. The course emphasizes reasoning about physical phenomena, applying mathematical routines, designing experiments, analyzing data, and making connections across multiple topics within physics.

Course Framework

Course Structure and Main Units

The AP Physics 1 curriculum is organized into several major units, each focusing on a core area of physics. The course is designed to build conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills through a combination of theoretical content, laboratory investigations, and application of science practices.

• Unit 1: Kinematics – Study of motion in one and two dimensions, including displacement, velocity, acceleration, and the use of vectors.

• Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics – Exploration of Newton’s laws, free-body diagrams, friction, and circular motion.

• Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power – Concepts of kinetic and potential energy, work, conservation of energy, and power.

• Unit 4: Linear Momentum – Linear momentum, impulse, conservation of momentum, and collisions.

• Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics – Rotational kinematics, torque, rotational inertia, and equilibrium.

• Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems – Rotational kinetic energy, angular momentum, and conservation laws for rotating systems.

• Unit 7: Oscillations – Simple harmonic motion, frequency, period, and energy in oscillatory systems.

• Unit 8: Fluids – Properties of fluids, pressure, buoyancy, and fluid dynamics.

Science Practices

The course integrates science practices that are essential for scientific inquiry and problem-solving:

• Modeling – Creating and using representations of physical systems.

• Mathematical Routines – Applying algebraic and quantitative reasoning to solve physics problems.

• Experimental Design – Planning and conducting laboratory investigations.

• Data Analysis – Interpreting and evaluating data from experiments.

• Argumentation – Constructing explanations and justifying claims using evidence.

Laboratory Requirement

Laboratory investigations are a required component of AP Physics 1. Students must engage in hands-on experiments to reinforce conceptual understanding and develop scientific skills. Labs focus on experimental design, data collection, analysis, and communication of results.

Exam Information

The AP Physics 1 exam assesses students’ application of science practices and understanding of course content. The exam includes multiple-choice and free-response questions, with an emphasis on reasoning, quantitative analysis, and experimental skills.

• Multiple-Choice Section – Assesses conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities.

• Free-Response Section – Includes tasks such as mathematical routines, experimental design, and qualitative/quantitative translation.

Students are allowed to use scientific or graphing calculators on both sections of the exam.

Key Topics and Definitions

• Kinematics: The study of motion without considering its causes. Key quantities include displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

• Dynamics: The study of forces and why objects move. Central to this are Newton’s laws of motion.

• Work and Energy: Work is the process of energy transfer to or from an object via force. Energy is the capacity to do work.

• Momentum: The product of an object’s mass and velocity; a conserved quantity in isolated systems.

• Rotational Motion: Motion of objects around an axis, involving angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

• Oscillations: Repetitive back-and-forth motion, such as simple harmonic motion (SHM).

• Fluids: Substances that flow, including liquids and gases, characterized by properties such as density and pressure.

Sample Equations (from Table of Information)

• Kinematic Equations (constant acceleration):

• Newton’s Second Law:

• Work:

• Kinetic Energy:

• Potential Energy (gravitational):

• Momentum:

• Impulse:

• Rotational Kinetic Energy:

• Torque:

• Angular Momentum:

• Density:

• Pressure:

Course Goals and Outcomes

• Develop a deep conceptual understanding of physics principles.

• Apply algebraic and quantitative reasoning to solve physics problems.

• Design and conduct laboratory investigations.

• Analyze and interpret experimental data.

• Communicate scientific reasoning and justify claims with evidence.

Additional info:

• This summary is based on the course and exam description for AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based, effective Fall 2024. The content is structured to provide a comprehensive overview suitable for college-level introductory physics students.