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If you're gearing up to tackle the AP Physics 1 exam, it’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed. There’s a lot to keep track of!
In this blog, we're breaking down the ins and outs of the AP Physics 1 exam. We’ll provide an overview of how the exam works, how the exam is scored, and things you absolutely must do before sitting the exam!
Unlike traditional physics courses, AP Physics 1 takes a more conceptual approach, focusing on key concepts and reasoning skills rather than memorization of formulas.
This means you won't just be crunching numbers but understanding the "why" behind the physical phenomena.
Here are the core concepts you'll encounter throughout the AP Physics 1 exam:
The exam is split into two main sections:
The free responses are categorized into 4 different types, each assessing a different skill or concept:
Section | Duration | Score Weighting | Structure |
---|---|---|---|
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) | 90 minutes | 50% | - 45 single-select questions, where one answer is correct. - 5 multi-select questions where two answers are correct. |
Free-Response Questions (FRQ) | 90 minutes | 50% | - 1 Experimental Design question - 1 Qualitative/Quantitative Translation question - 1 Paragraph Argument question - 2 Short Answer questions |
The duration of the exam is 3 hours in total. The MCQ section is 90 minutes long, and the FRQ section is another 90 minutes.
Why AP Exams Matter More Than Ever
While the total possible number of points from the exam are 95 points, your total score is scaled down to be a number from 1 to 5, similar to a letter grade.
AP Physics 1 Exam Score | Qualification | Closest Equivalent College Grade |
---|---|---|
5 | Extremely well qualified | A+ or A |
4 | Very well qualified | A-, B+, or B |
3 | Qualified | B-, C+, or C |
2 | Possibly qualified | - |
1 | No recommendation | - |
To increase your chances of getting credit at a top university, you’ll need a score of 4 or 5 - that’s the score most schools accept to grant college credit.
The MCQ is worth 50 points, 1 point per question. For the FRQs, each question is worth a different amount of points.
Section | Number of questions | Points per question | Total possible points | Weighting |
---|---|---|---|---|
MCQ | 50 questions | 1 point per question | 50 points | 50% |
FRQs | 5 questions | Experimental Design: 12 Qualitative/Quantitative Translation: 12 Short Answer Paragraph Argument: 7 Short Answer Questions: 7 per question | 45 points | 50% |
Remember: The total number of points you score for each section contributes to 50% of your total score - so both sections are equally important!
AP Physics 1 covers a broad range of topics, introducing you to the fundamentals of mechanics, waves, Newtonian mechanics and electricity. It's a bit like the first semester of a college-level physics class without diving too deep into calculus.
AP Physics C is a more mathematically rigorous exploration of Physics and dives deeper into calculus. It’s divided into two parts: Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism.
Practice makes perfect, and this definitely applies to getting good grades for AP Physics 1 exam.
Dig into past exam questions to get a feel for the format, question types, and the level of difficulty you can expect. This not only helps you identify your weak spots but also boosts your confidence as you become more familiar with the exam's nuances.
The Chief Reader Report is your secret weapon for understanding what the examiners are looking for.
This report provides insights into common mistakes made by students in previous years to avoid similar pitfalls and fine-tune your strategies for success.
AP Physics 1 questions often come with specific tasks and verbs that can give you valuable clues about what's expected. Don’t underestimate the importance of this!
Here’s a list of the common tasks and verbs used in the AP Physics 1 Exam and what they mean:
Verb/Task | Meaning |
---|---|
Calculate/”What is?” | Apply mathematical steps (basic algebra, formulas from the provided AP Physics 1 formula and equation sheet) to arrive at a final calculated answer. |
Compare | Find relationships and differences between two different things. Describe or explain this. |
Derive | Use equations, laws and mathematical steps in a proper sequence to come at a final answer. Show all the step of the process. |
Describe | Provide correct information that is relevant to the topic or question. Determine: Come to a decision or conclusion using reasoning or evidence after evaluating the given information in the question. |
Estimate/Evaluate | Roughly calculate numerical answers, signs (positive or negative), or compare values (equal to, less than, greater than). You don’t need to show steps in calculations when estimating. |
Explain | Use evidence, reasoning and/or data to provide information about why or how a particular thing happens. |
Label | Add labels to a visual representation to indicate units, scale, or other components. |
Plot | Add data points and/or scale/units as needed to a graph. |
Sketch/Draw | This type of task requires you to create a visual representation to illustrate or explain. |
State/Indicate/Circle | Point out or state your answer without an elaboration. Avoid writing an extensive amount of words and try to be as concise and accurate as possible. |
At the exam, you’re provided an equation sheet containing equations commonly used in physics will be provided to you at the exam site.
Familiarize yourself with every equation on this sheet - knowing which formulas are at your disposal can save you precious time during the exam. Make it your go-to reference, and ensure you understand when and how to apply each equation.
Make sure you're using a calculator that's permitted for the exam. A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both sections of the exam. Other types of calculators might not be allowed.
Remember that calculators may not be shared during the exam, so prepared and bring the correct calculator.
Tutors can provide personalized assistance, offer targeted feedback, and help you navigate challenging topics. It's like having a dedicated coach in your corner, ensuring you're fully prepared for whatever the exam throws at you.
Let's start with the foundation – a good night's sleep. This isn't just a casual suggestion; it's a game-changer.
Your brain needs to be firing on all cylinders, and a well-rested you is more likely to tackle those AP physics challenges effectively.
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep before exam day. Create a bedtime routine to wind down, avoid caffeine late in the day, and resist the urge to pull an all-nighter – it’s never worth it.
As you enter the exam room, find your zen zone. Take a few deep breaths – in through the nose, out through the mouth. This isn't a cliche; deep breathing calms your nervous system, reducing anxiety.
Remind yourself that you've prepared for the AP Physics 1 Exam thoroughly. Read each question carefully, underlining key terms. This helps organize your thoughts and signals to your brain that you've got this under control.
Time management is your invisible companion in this physics adventure. Mastering time management during the exam is crucial - here’s how to do it:
When packing your exam essentials, think like an organized physicist.
As mentioned above, you’ll need the right calculator, but you’ll need to pack a few other things too:
Even if you have anything like a lucky charm - if it brings you comfort, toss it in.
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