AP Physics 1 study plan
AP Physics 1 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Force and Translational Dynamics
Draw and label complete free-body diagrams for at least 10 multi-force scenarios, including inclined planes and connected objects
Apply Newton's second law algebraically to solve for unknown forces or accelerations in two-object systems (Atwood-style and stacked blocks)
Distinguish static from kinetic friction and correctly select coefficients when setting up equations
Explain in writing how Newton's third-law pairs differ from balanced-force pairs in a given physical situation
Your checkpoint
A 10-problem worked set on Newton's laws and friction with free-body diagrams, scored against a rubric you write; target 8/10 correct
Work, Energy, and Power
Compute work done by constant and variable forces, including using the area under a force-vs-position graph
Apply the work-energy theorem to relate net work to change in kinetic energy in multi-step problems
Analyze conservation of mechanical energy with and without nonconservative forces, solving for unknown heights or speeds
Calculate average and instantaneous power and convert between watts and other units
Construct energy bar charts to represent energy transfers in a system
Your checkpoint
A one-page energy bar-chart summary sheet plus 8 solved energy/power problems, with at least 6 correct
Force and Translational Dynamics & Work, Energy, and Power
Solve combined force-and-energy problems where Newton's laws set up the acceleration and energy methods find the final speed
Identify which conservation law or equation is most efficient for a given problem and justify the choice in one sentence
Re-derive the spring potential energy and kinetic energy relationships from definitions
Complete a timed 12-question mixed set on dynamics and energy under 25 minutes
Your checkpoint
Timed 12-question mixed quiz with a written error log classifying each mistake as conceptual, algebraic, or unit-related
Kinematics
Interpret and sketch position, velocity, and acceleration vs time graphs and translate between them
Solve projectile motion problems by separating horizontal and vertical components
Use kinematic equations to solve for unknown displacement, velocity, or time in constant-acceleration scenarios
Analyze relative motion in one dimension using vector addition of velocities
Your checkpoint
A graph-translation worksheet (6 graph sets) plus 6 projectile problems, with at least 10 of 12 correct
Linear Momentum
Apply conservation of momentum to collisions and explosions in one and two dimensions
Classify collisions as elastic or inelastic and verify using kinetic energy before and after
Calculate impulse from force-time graphs and relate impulse to momentum change
Set up and solve center-of-mass problems for simple systems
Your checkpoint
A 10-problem momentum set including at least two 2D collision problems, with a written solution for each showing momentum vectors
Torque and Rotational Dynamics & Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Calculate torque about a specified axis and apply rotational equilibrium conditions to static problems
Apply Newton's second law for rotation to rolling and pulley systems
Compute moment of inertia for point-mass systems and standard shapes, and use rotational kinetic energy
Apply conservation of angular momentum to changing-radius scenarios
Your checkpoint
A worked set of 8 rotational problems (4 static equilibrium, 4 dynamics/energy) with at least 6 correct
Oscillations & Fluids
Derive the period of a simple pendulum and mass-spring system and apply them to numerical problems
Describe the energy exchange in simple harmonic motion and identify points of maximum speed and acceleration
Apply Pascal's principle and the continuity equation to fluid flow problems
Use Bernoulli's equation to relate pressure, speed, and height in a flowing fluid
Calculate buoyant force and determine whether an object floats or sinks
Your checkpoint
A two-part problem set (5 oscillation, 5 fluid) with a one-page formula sheet you build yourself, with at least 8 of 10 correct
Kinematics & Force and Translational Dynamics & Work, Energy, and Power & Linear Momentum & Torque and Rotational Dynamics & Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems & Oscillations & Fluids
Complete two full-length timed practice exams under realistic conditions
Review every missed question and re-solve it without notes
Consolidate a single master formula sheet organized by domain
Identify your three weakest domains and complete 5 targeted problems in each
Your checkpoint
Two completed timed practice exams with a scored review log and a final master formula sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 75% on a self-made 10-question quiz covering Newton's laws, friction, and work-energy; all free-body diagrams correctly labeled
Week 4: Score at least 80% on the graph-translation and projectile worksheet, and correctly choose energy vs. kinematics methods on 5 of 5 mixed problems
Week 6: Score at least 75% on the rotational problem set and correctly apply conservation of angular momentum in at least one changing-radius problem
Week 8: Score at least 70% on each full-length practice exam, with all missed questions re-solved correctly without notes