AP Physics 1

Comprehensive AP Physics 1 (algebra-based) guide covering all eight units of the redesigned 2024 CED: Kinematics, Force and Translational Dynamics, Work/Energy/Power, Linear Momentum, Torque and Rotational Dynamics, Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems, Oscillations, and Fluids. Includes the equation/constants sheet, the three science practices, and a dedicated capstone on the four FRQ types (Mathematical Routines, Translation Between Representations, Experimental Design and Analysis, Qualitative/Quantitative Translation).

Topics Covered

Kinematics

Force & Translational Dynamics

Work, Energy & Power

Linear Momentum

Torque & Rotational Dynamics

Rotational Energy & Momentum

Oscillations

Fluids

What you get

Full topic-by-topic curriculum coverage

Spaced-repetition flashcards for every topic

Multiple-choice quizzes with explanations

Term-matching vocabulary games

Aligned with the College Board CED

Exam technique tips throughout

Key terms & definitions bank

12 months of access from purchase

Free Sample

Unit 1: Kinematics

THE BIG PICTURE. Unit 1 (10–15% of the MC) is the language layer for everything downstream. Forces (Unit 2), energy (Unit 3), momentum (Unit 4), and the rotational analogues (Units 5 & 6) are all about motion, so if your kinematics is sloppy, every later unit inherits that sloppiness. Two ideas dominate: (1) vectors vs. scalars, and (2) the three constant-acceleration equations plus their graphical interpretation.

Sample Flashcards

A car moves in the $- x$ direction with $v = - 10$ m/s and $a = - 2$ m/s $^{2}$ . Speeding up or slowing down?

Speeding up. Both $v$ and $a$ are negative, so the velocity is becoming more negative: the car moves in the $- x$ direction faster.

The "negative acceleration means slowing down" intuition is wrong. That rule only works when $v > 0$ .

A ball is thrown straight up at 20 m/s. How long until it returns to the launch height?

About 4.08 s. Use $v = v_{0} + a t$ with $v = - 20$ m/s at landing (same speed, opposite direction) and $a = - 9.8$ m/s $^{2}$ : $- 20 = 20 + (- 9.8) t$ , so $t = 40/9.8 \approx 4.08$ s.

Or: time up $= v_{0} / g = 20/9.8 \approx 2.04$ s, doubled for the symmetric trajectory.

Sample Key Terms

Scalar

Quantity with magnitude only (mass, time, speed, distance, energy). Sign carries no directional meaning.

Vector

Quantity with magnitude AND direction (displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum). In 1D, encoded as signed value; in 2D, as components.

Displacement ( $Δ x$ )

Vector change in position: $Δ x = x_{f} - x_{i}$ . Independent of path. Magnitude $\leq$ distance travelled.

What's Covered

Unit 1: Kinematics
Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics
Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power
Unit 4: Linear Momentum
Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Unit 7: Oscillations
Unit 8: Fluids
Exam Skills: Science Practices, Equation Sheet & FRQ Strategy

9 topics · 108+ flashcards · quizzes & matching games included

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