AP Physics Algebra-Based

Exam Breakdown

Section I: Multiple Choice | 40 Questions | 1 Hour and 20 Minutes | 50% of Exam Score

Either discrete questions or question sets, in which students may be provided with a stimulus or a set of data and a series of related questions. 


Section II: Free Response | 4 Questions | 1 Hour and 40 Minutes | 50% of Exam Score 

Mathematical routines

Translation between representations 

Experimental design and analysis

Qualitative/quantitative translation


* Four Function, Scientific, and Graphing Calculator Permitted Throughout Exam

Algebra-Based Units

Physics I

Unit 1: Kinematics | 10–15%

Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics | 18–23%

Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power | 18–23%

Unit 4: Linear Momentum | 10–15%

Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics | 10–15%

Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems | 5–8% 

Unit 7: Oscillations | 5–8% 

Unit 8: Fluids | 10–15% 

Physics 2

Unit 9: Thermodynamics | 15-18%

Unit 10: Electric Force, Field, and Potential | 15-18%

Unit 11: Electric Circuits | 15-18%

Unit 12:  Magnetism and Electromagnetism | 12-15%

Unit 13: Geometric Optics | 12-15%

Unit 14: Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics | 12-15%

Unit 15: Modern Physics | 12-15%

Physics I*

Videos

Miscellaneous

* With the recent removal of Electricity and Circuits in the Physics I curriculum, some resources may still have these concepts/units in their reviews

Physics II