AP Physics 1

It is a hybrid digital exam with two sections. Section I is multiple choice: 42 questions in 85 minutes, worth 50% of the score, including discrete questions and question sets built on a stimulus or data. Section II is free response: 4 questions in 95 minutes, worth 50%, one each of mathematical routines, translation between representations, experimental design and analysis, and qualitative/quantitative translation.

The two sections together are scheduled for 180 minutes: 85 minutes for the 42 multiple-choice questions and 95 minutes for the 4 free-response questions. Your AP coordinator will confirm when and where the exam is administered.

The listed date is Wednesday, May 5, 2027, Session 2. Your AP coordinator tells you the exact time and location. Because exam dates and formats are periodically revised, confirm details with your coordinator or on AP Central rather than relying on older schedules.

Yes. The number of multiple-choice questions and the timing of each section were updated effective starting with the May 2027 exam. Materials describing an earlier multiple-choice count or section timing are out of date, so use the current exam page and the exam updates document when planning your pacing practice.

Yes, calculators are permitted on this exam. Check the AP calculator policy for the list of approved models before exam day, and practice with the same calculator you plan to bring so that routine computations do not cost you time.

Each unit's share is published only as a range of the multiple-choice score: Kinematics 10 to 15 percent; Force and Translational Dynamics 18 to 23 percent; Work, Energy, and Power 18 to 23 percent; Linear Momentum 10 to 15 percent; Torque and Rotational Dynamics 10 to 15 percent; Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems 5 to 8 percent; Oscillations 5 to 8 percent; Fluids 10 to 15 percent.

The College Board recommends that you have completed a geometry course and are concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course. The physics itself is algebra based, so the main mathematical demands are proportional reasoning, rearranging equations, reading graphs, and working with vectors and trigonometry rather than calculus.

The published unit sequence is a sensible default: kinematics, then force and translational dynamics, work, energy, and power, linear momentum, torque and rotational dynamics, energy and momentum of rotating systems, oscillations, and fluids. Your teacher may organize content differently. Later units reuse earlier models, so rotational and oscillation topics are easier once forces and energy are solid.

Common problems include treating a system boundary loosely in force and energy problems, confusing impulse with force, mishandling signs and directions for vectors, and losing points on experimental design questions by describing a procedure without saying what is measured, graphed, or concluded. Free-response answers also need clear justification, not just a final number.

Retake rules and score requirements are set by the AP Program and by individual colleges, and neither is stated on the pages summarized here. Check AP Central for retake policy and search AP credit policies to see what scores specific colleges accept for credit or placement.