Is calculus required for AP Physics 1?

No. AP Physics 1 is algebra-based, so this course focuses on algebra and trigonometry skills rather than calculus.

How is AP Physics 1 different from AP Physics C: Mechanics?

AP Physics 1 uses algebra-based reasoning and covers a slightly broader range of introductory mechanics topics, while AP Physics C: Mechanics is calculus-based and covers similar mechanics content at a faster, more rigorous pace. They are offered as separate courses on this site.

Does the exam require written explanations, not just calculations?

Yes, the AP Physics 1 exam regularly asks students to justify their reasoning in words, so this course includes practice writing clear physical explanations alongside solving problems.

AP Exam Preparation

AP Physics 1

High school students preparing for the AP Physics 1 exam.

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based course covering foundational mechanics, including motion, forces, energy, momentum, and rotational motion. This course organizes those topics in the order they typically build on one another, starting with kinematics before introducing forces and later energy and momentum concepts. Since the exam frequently asks students to explain physical reasoning in words, not only solve equations, lessons include practice with conceptual explanation as well as calculation. Students can progress through the modules at their own pace and revisit foundational topics whenever a later unit depends on them.

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Suitability: Typically taken in grades 10 through 12, for students age 13 and older.
Delivery format: 100% online, self-paced with scheduled live webinars
Modules: 7
Practice activities: Included
Mock examinations: Included
Instructor webinars: Included

Course modules

Lessons explain physics concepts using diagrams and worked problems, with attention to the written justifications the exam expects alongside numerical answers.

Kinematics

Describing motion using position, velocity, and acceleration.

Dynamics

Understanding Newton's laws of motion and force analysis.

Circular Motion and Gravitation

Covering uniform circular motion and gravitational forces.

Energy

Understanding work, kinetic energy, potential energy, and conservation of energy.

Momentum

Covering impulse, momentum, and collisions.

Simple Harmonic Motion

Exploring oscillations, springs, and pendulum motion.

Torque and Rotational Motion

Understanding rotational kinematics, torque, and angular momentum.

Practice format

Practice questions are grouped by topic and include both calculation-based problems and conceptual questions that ask students to explain physical reasoning, reflecting how the exam is structured.

Mock exam format

Full-length mock exams are structured to reflect the general format and pacing of the AP Physics 1 exam, including multiple-choice questions and free-response questions that require written justification.

Webinar format

Live webinars led by an AP Physics 1 instructor cover commonly difficult topics, such as rotational motion and circular motion, with time set aside for student questions.

Written questions

Students can submit a written question through the platform whenever a problem or concept is unclear, and responses come back through private platform messages, with no need to appear on camera.