AP Physics 1 · Exam guide
AP Physics 1 Multiple-Choice Guide: 42 Questions in 85 Minutes
The multiple-choice section is half of the AP Physics 1 score, with 42 questions in 85 minutes. Most questions test reasoning, not calculation. They ask what happens when something changes, so ratios and proportions solve many of them faster than plugging in numbers. This guide shows the format and a worked example.
The format
- 42 multiple-choice questions in 85 minutes, then 4 free-response questions in 95 minutes. Each section is half of the exam score.
- A calculator and an equation sheet are provided. Use \(g = 10\ \mathrm{m/s^2}\) unless told otherwise.
- There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so answer every question.
Pacing
About two minutes per question. A question that needs a long calculation is probably built to be solved by proportion or by a concept. Reread it before you start computing.
A worked example of proportional reasoning
A car moving at speed v brakes to a stop in a distance d with constant braking force. If the car's speed is doubled and the same braking force is used, what is the stopping distance?
The work done by the braking force equals the change in kinetic energy: \(F d = \dfrac{1}{2}mv^2\). So \(d\) is proportional to \(v^2\). Doubling \(v\) multiplies \(d\) by 4. The answer is \(4d\). No numbers are needed.
| Option | Verdict and reason |
|---|---|
| A. d | Wrong. This assumes distance does not depend on speed. |
| B. 2d | Wrong. This assumes distance is proportional to speed. It is proportional to speed squared. |
| C. 4d | Correct, by the work-energy theorem. |
| D. 8d | Wrong. It uses a cube instead of a square. |
Question types
| Type | What to do |
|---|---|
| Qualitative reasoning | Say what happens in a sentence, then pick the option that matches. |
| Graphs | Read slope and area. The slope of a position graph is velocity, and the area under a velocity graph is displacement. |
| Free-body diagrams | Draw it, even for a quick question, then apply Newton's second law. |
| Proportional reasoning | Write the relationship, then change one quantity at a time. |
| Experiments | Decide what to measure and which graph would give a straight line. |
Common mistakes
- Starting to calculate before understanding the situation.
- Using the wrong direction or sign for a vector quantity.
- Confusing velocity and acceleration in a graph.
- Choosing the option that matches a formula but not the situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a penalty for guessing?
No. Answer every question.
What value of g should I use?
Use 10 m/s^2 unless a question gives another value.
Is a calculator allowed?
Yes, and an equation sheet is provided.
How do I practice proportional reasoning?
Take any formula and ask what happens to the result if one quantity doubles.
Where can I find the official format?
Exam formats change a little from year to year, so check the current course and exam description on the College Board site before test day.
Keep practicing
Every lesson in the AP Physics courses ends with practice problems and an Exam focus box that shows how the topic is tested, and every unit has a review with worked answers. These free lessons also build the skills the free-response section tests:
- Free lesson 1.2: displacement, velocity, and acceleration
- Free lesson 1.4: the constant acceleration equations
See the AP Physics 1 course Free lessons and lesson list
More AP Physics 1 guides (7)
Start here
Free-response and writing
- AP Physics 1 Experimental Design Question Explained: How to Plan an Experiment and Use the Data
- AP Physics 1 Qualitative/Quantitative Translation Explained: Connecting Equations and Explanations
- AP Physics 1 Forces and Free-Body Diagrams: An Incline Problem Step by Step
- AP Physics 1 Energy and Momentum Question: Collisions and Work by Friction
- AP Physics 1 Mathematical Routines Explained: Derive, Calculate and Justify
- AP Physics 1 Translation Between Representations Explained: Diagrams, Equations and Graphs
AP is a registered trademark of the College Board, which is not affiliated with and does not endorse this site. This guide is our own explanation of the question types and scoring. For the official scoring guidelines, see the College Board.