Not a Student?
Go to AP Central for resources for teachers, administrators, and coordinators.
About the Course
Have you ever been curious as to why some objects float while others sink? Why it’s easier to balance on a bicycle when it’s moving fast? Or why it may seem like you’re moving backward when a car passes you on the highway? In AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based, you’ll learn about kinematics, dynamics, and energy through hands-on laboratory work to investigate and answer questions such as these.
AP Physics Revisions 2024-25
We revised the 4 AP Physics courses and exams for the 2024-25 school year.
Skills You'll Learn
Creating representations that depict physical phenomena
Conducting analyses to derive, calculate, estimate, or predict
Describing experimental procedures, analyzing data, and supporting claims
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
A first-semester introductory college course in algebra-based physics.
Recommended Prerequisites
You should have completed a geometry course and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course.
Exam Date
About the Units
The course content outlined below is organized into commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. Your teacher may choose to organize the course content differently based on local priorities and preferences.
Course Content
Credit and Placement
Search AP Credit Policies
Find colleges that grant credit and/or placement for AP Exam scores in this and other AP courses.
Course Resources
See Where AP Can Take You
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based can lead to a wide range of careers and college majors