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AP Physics 1

Physics 1

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Complete Notes

Exam: 3 hours - 50 MCQ (90 min, 50%) + 5 FRQ (90 min, 50%) Calculator: Allowed (both sections) Note: Algebra-based; no calculus required; distinct from AP Physics C: Mechanics

SectionFormatQuestionsTimeWeight
Section IMultiple Choice (MCQ)5090 min50%
Section IIFree Response (FRQ)590 min50%

Science Practices (Skills Tested)

SkillNameExam Weight
1Visual Representations12%-18%
2Question and Methods8%-12%
3Representing Data and Phenomena12%-18%
4Data Analysis12%-18%
5Theoretical Arguments8%-12%
6Mathematical Routines18%-24%
7Connection Across Topics12%-18%

FRQ Tips

  • Translation FRQs: Start with a verbal description or graph -> write equations -> solve; or vice versa
  • Extended FRQs: Usually combine 2-3 topics (e.g., energy + momentum, rotation + oscillation); plan before writing
  • Lab FRQs: Always identify controlled variables, independent variable, dependent variable; suggest one improvement
  • Free-body diagrams: Draw one per distinct object; label forces with standard names (weight = mg)
  • Energy conservation: State clearly when using conservation of energy vs. work-energy theorem; include WncW_{nc} for friction
  • Momentum: Check whether collision is elastic or inelastic; write momentum equation AND (for elastic) kinetic energy equation
  • SHM: Remember period depends only on mass/spring constant (T=2πm/kT = 2\pi\sqrt{m/k}) - independent of amplitude
  • Partials are real: Set up correct equations even if you can't finish; show all reasoning

Unit 1: Kinematics

Difference Between Scalars And Vectors

  • Scalar: Quantity with magnitude only (no direction)
  • Examples: distance, speed, mass, time, energy
  • Added/subtracted using ordinary arithmetic

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Practice

Vector Addition And Subtraction

  • Graphical method: Tip-to-tail method
  • Addition: Place tail of second vector at tip of first
  • Resultant: From tail of first to tip of last

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Practice
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Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics

System Vs Object

  • Object: Single rigid body
  • System: Collection of objects that can move together or separately
  • Can treat system as single object located at center of mass

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Practice

Calculating Center Of Mass

  • xcm=m1x1+m2x2+...m1+m2+...x_{cm} = \frac{m_1x_1 + m_2x_2 + ...}{m_1 + m_2 + ...}
  • ycm=m1y1+m2y2+...m1+m2+...y_{cm} = \frac{m_1y_1 + m_2y_2 + ...}{m_1 + m_2 + ...}
  • For continuous objects: xcm=1Mxdmx_{cm} = \frac{1}{M}\int x\,dm

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Practice
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Unit 3: Work Energy and Power

Definition Of Work

W=FdcosθW = Fd\cos\theta

  • Force must have component parallel to displacement
  • Positive work: force has component in direction of motion

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Practice

Work By Variable Forces / Area Under Curve

  • W=FxdxW = \int F_x\,dx (variable force)
  • Graphically: Area under F vs. position curve
  • Spring force: W=0xkxdx=12kx2W = \int_0^x kx'\,dx' = \frac{1}{2}kx^2

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Practice
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Unit 4: Momentum

Definition Of Linear Momentum

p=mv\vec{p} = m\vec{v}

  • Vector quantity (direction same as velocity)
  • Proportional to mass and velocity

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Practice

Definition Of Impulse

J=FavgΔt=Δp\vec{J} = \vec{F}_{avg}\Delta t = \Delta\vec{p}

  • Vector quantity (direction of net force)
  • Change in momentum over time interval

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Practice
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Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Motion

Angular Displacement Velocity Acceleration

  • Angular displacement (θ\theta): Radian measure of rotation angle
  • Angular velocity (ω\omega): ω=dθdt\omega = \frac{d\theta}{dt} (rad/s)
  • Angular acceleration (α\alpha): α=dωdt=d2θdt2\alpha = \frac{d\omega}{dt} = \frac{d^2\theta}{dt^2} (rad/s2))))
Practice

Rotational Kinematics Equations

ω=ω0+αt\omega = \omega_0 + \alpha t θ=θ0+ω0t+12αt2\theta = \theta_0 + \omega_0 t + \frac{1}{2}\alpha t^2 ω2=ω02+2αΔθ\omega^2 = \omega_0^2 + 2\alpha\Delta\theta

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Practice
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Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems

Formula For Rotational Ke

Krot=12Iω2K_{rot} = \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2

  • Energy of rotation
  • Depends on moment of inertia and angular velocity

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Practice

Total Kinetic Energy Of Rolling Objects

Ktotal=Ktrans+Krot=12mv2+12Iω2K_{total} = K_{trans} + K_{rot} = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 + \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2

  • For rolling without slipping: v=rωv = r\omega
  • K=12mv2+12(mr2)(vr)2=12mv2(1+Imr2)K = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 + \frac{1}{2}(mr^2)\left(\frac{v}{r}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\left(1 + \frac{I}{mr^2}\right)

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Practice
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Unit 7: Simple Harmonic Motion

Definition Of Shm

  • Periodic motion back and forth over same path
  • Restoring force proportional to displacement from equilibrium
  • Frestoring=kxF_{restoring} = -kx (Hooke's law type force)

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Practice

Restoring Force

  • Force directed toward equilibrium position
  • Proportional to displacement: F=kxF = -kx
  • Causes oscillation about equilibrium

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Practice
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Unit 8: Fluids

Definition Of Density

ρ=mV\rho = \frac{m}{V}

  • Mass per unit volume
  • Units: kg/m3

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Practice

Definition Of Pressure

P=FAP = \frac{F}{A}

  • Force per unit area
  • Units: Pa (Pascal) = N/m2

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Practice
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