AP Physics 1 · Science

AP Physics 1: free lessons and course outline

Algebra-based mechanics (kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations, and fluids) taught unit by unit to the current College Board framework. Every lesson pairs the equation with the reasoning, because the exam grades the explanation as much as the number. Exam format from 2027: this is a hybrid digital exam: multiple choice in Bluebook, free response handwritten in a paper booklet. Work the practice problems on paper and check your steps against the worked answer, the way you will sit the free-response section in May.

3H EXAM 40 MCQ 4 FRQ 69 LESSONS 80 PRACTICE PROBLEMS PREREQ: GEOMETRY

AP Physics 1 follows the eight units of the College Board course framework (revised for the 2024–25 school year, when fluids returned to the course). Forces and energy together are roughly 40% of the exam, and the free-response section always includes an experimental-design question and a qualitative/quantitative translation question.

U1Kinematics10–15%
U2Force and Translational Dynamics18–23%
U3Work, Energy, and Power18–23%
U4Linear Momentum10–15%
U5Torque and Rotational Dynamics10–15%
U6Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems5–8%
U7Oscillations5–8%
U8Fluids10–15%

Every lesson, unit by unit

U1 is free to read below. The other units open with a free month or a paid plan.

U1 Kinematics 10–15% of the examFREE

U2 Force and Translational Dynamics 18–23% of the exam

2.1 Systems and center of mass
2.2 Forces and free-body diagrams
2.3 Newton's third law and tension
2.4 Newton's first law and equilibrium
2.5 Newton's second law
2.6 Applying Newton's second law to connected objects
2.7 Universal gravitation and the gravitational field
2.8 Apparent weight and the equivalence principle
2.9 Kinetic and static friction
2.10 Spring forces and Hooke's law
2.11 Uniform circular motion and centripetal acceleration
2.12 Circular motion: curves, loops, conical pendulums
2.13 Circular orbits and Kepler's third law

U3 Work, Energy, and Power 18–23% of the exam

3.1 Translational kinetic energy
3.2 Work done by a constant force
3.3 The work-energy theorem
3.4 Work from force-position graphs
3.5 Conservative and nonconservative forces
3.6 Gravitational potential energy
3.7 Elastic potential energy
3.8 Conservation of mechanical energy
3.9 Energy with friction and external work
3.10 Power

U4 Linear Momentum 10–15% of the exam

4.1 Linear momentum
4.2 Impulse and the impulse-momentum theorem
4.3 Impulse in action: bounces, crashes and safety
4.4 Systems and the velocity of the center of mass
4.5 Conservation of linear momentum
4.6 Collisions that stick and explosions that push apart
4.7 Elastic and inelastic collisions
4.8 Momentum in two dimensions

U5 Torque and Rotational Dynamics 10–15% of the exam

5.1 Angular displacement and velocity
5.2 Rotational kinematics equations
5.3 Connecting linear and rotational motion
5.4 Torque
5.5 Rotational inertia
5.6 Parallel axis theorem
5.7 Rotational equilibrium
5.8 Newton's second law for rotation
5.9 Linear and rotational analyses together

U6 Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems 5–8% of the exam

6.1 Rotational kinetic energy
6.2 Torque and work
6.3 Angular momentum
6.4 Angular impulse
6.5 Conservation of angular momentum
6.6 Rolling without slipping
6.7 Rolling while slipping
6.8 Orbiting satellites
6.9 Escape velocity

U7 Oscillations 5–8% of the exam

7.1 Defining simple harmonic motion
7.2 Period of a mass on a spring
7.3 Period of a simple pendulum
7.4 Representing SHM with graphs and equations
7.5 Energy of simple harmonic oscillators

U8 Fluids 10–15% of the exam

8.1 Fluids, density and the ideal fluid
8.2 Pressure on a surface
8.3 Pressure in a fluid at rest
8.4 Fluids and Newton's laws
8.5 Buoyancy: floating and sinking
8.6 Continuity: mass conservation in flow
8.7 Bernoulli's equation and Torricelli's theorem

Keep going in the full AP Physics 1 course

All of U1 (Kinematics) is free to everyone, with no account. The course has 69 lessons, each with worked examples and practice problems that come with full solutions. A free account can also start a free month of the whole course, with no card.

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