5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics 1 Algebra-Based 2021 Elite Student Edition (2020)
5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics 1 Algebra-Based 2021 Elite Student Edition (2020) covers key exam topics to help you succeed on test day.
Scarlett Anderson
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permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this
publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means,
or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written
permission of the publisher.
ISBN: 978-1-26-046685-0
MHID: 1-26-046685-X
The material in this eBook also appears in the print version of this title:
ISBN: 978-1-26-046684-3, MHID: 1-26-046684-1.
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Version 1.0
All trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Rather than put a
trademark symbol after every occurrence of a trademarked name, we use
names in an editorial fashion only, and to the benefit of the trademark
owner, with no intention of infringement of the trademark. Where such
designations appear in this book, they have been printed with initial caps.
McGraw-Hill Education eBooks are available at special quantity discounts
to use as premiums and sales promotions or for use in corporate training
programs. To contact a representative, please visit the Contact Us page at
www.mhprofessional.com.
McGraw Hill, the McGraw Hill logo, 5 Steps to a 5, and related trade dress
are trademarks or registered trademarks of McGraw Hill and/or its affiliates
in the United States and other countries and may not be used without
written permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners. McGraw Hill is not associated with any product or vendor
mentioned in this book.
AP, Advanced Placement Program, and College Board are registered
trademarks of the College Board, which was not involved in the production
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CONTENTS
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Introduction: The Five-Step Program
STEP 1 Get to Know the Exam and Set Up Your Study Program
1 Frequently Asked Questions About the AP Physics 1
Exam
FAQs: The AP Physics Program
FAQs: The AP Physics 1 Exam
2 Understanding the Exam: The AP Physics 1 Revolution
What Happened to the AP Physics Test?
What Is AP Physics 1? Eleven Things You Should Know
About the Course and Exam
3 How to Use Your Time
Personalizing Your Study Plan
Plan A: You Have a Full School Year to Prepare
Plan B: You Have One Semester to Prepare
Plan C: You Have Six Weeks to Prepare
STEP 2 Determine Your Test Readiness
4 Facts to Know for the AP Physics 1 Exam
I. Forces and Motion
II. Conservation Laws
III. (a) Electricity
III. (b) Waves
5 Types of Questions on the AP Physics 1 Exam
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Introduction: The Five-Step Program
STEP 1 Get to Know the Exam and Set Up Your Study Program
1 Frequently Asked Questions About the AP Physics 1
Exam
FAQs: The AP Physics Program
FAQs: The AP Physics 1 Exam
2 Understanding the Exam: The AP Physics 1 Revolution
What Happened to the AP Physics Test?
What Is AP Physics 1? Eleven Things You Should Know
About the Course and Exam
3 How to Use Your Time
Personalizing Your Study Plan
Plan A: You Have a Full School Year to Prepare
Plan B: You Have One Semester to Prepare
Plan C: You Have Six Weeks to Prepare
STEP 2 Determine Your Test Readiness
4 Facts to Know for the AP Physics 1 Exam
I. Forces and Motion
II. Conservation Laws
III. (a) Electricity
III. (b) Waves
5 Types of Questions on the AP Physics 1 Exam
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Question Types
Solutions for the AP Physics 1 Question Types Assessment
STEP 3 Develop Strategies for Success
6 Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your AP Physics Course
Seven Simple Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your AP
Physics Course
7 Strategies to Approach the Questions on the Exam
Tools You Can Use and Strategies for Using Them
Strategies for Questions That Involve a Ranking Task
Strategies for Questions That Involve Graphs
8 Strategies to Approach the Questions: Free-Response
Section
Structure of the Free-Response Section
How to Approach the Laboratory Question
The Qualitative-Quantitative Translation (QQT)
What Do the Exam Readers Look For?
Final Advice About the Free-Response Questions
9 Strategies to Approach the Questions: Multiple-Choice
Section
Multiple-Choice Questions
Multiple-Correct: A New Question Type
Preparing for the Multiple-Choice Section of the Test
Final Strategies for the Multiple-Choice Section
STEP 4 Review the Knowledge You Need to Score High
10 How Things Move
Introduction to Motion in a Straight Line
Graphical Analysis of Motion
Algebraic Analysis of Motion
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
Solutions for the AP Physics 1 Question Types Assessment
STEP 3 Develop Strategies for Success
6 Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your AP Physics Course
Seven Simple Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your AP
Physics Course
7 Strategies to Approach the Questions on the Exam
Tools You Can Use and Strategies for Using Them
Strategies for Questions That Involve a Ranking Task
Strategies for Questions That Involve Graphs
8 Strategies to Approach the Questions: Free-Response
Section
Structure of the Free-Response Section
How to Approach the Laboratory Question
The Qualitative-Quantitative Translation (QQT)
What Do the Exam Readers Look For?
Final Advice About the Free-Response Questions
9 Strategies to Approach the Questions: Multiple-Choice
Section
Multiple-Choice Questions
Multiple-Correct: A New Question Type
Preparing for the Multiple-Choice Section of the Test
Final Strategies for the Multiple-Choice Section
STEP 4 Review the Knowledge You Need to Score High
10 How Things Move
Introduction to Motion in a Straight Line
Graphical Analysis of Motion
Algebraic Analysis of Motion
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
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11 Forces and Newton’s Laws
Describing Forces: Free-Body Diagrams
Determining the Net Force
Newton’s Third Law
Forces at Angles
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
12 Collisions: Impulse and Momentum
The Impulse-Momentum Theorem
Conservation of Momentum
Motion of the Center of Mass
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
13 Work and Energy
Energy
Work
The Work-Energy Theorem
Power
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
14 Rotation
Circular Motion
Torque
Rotational Kinematics
Rotational Inertia
Newton’s Second Law for Rotation
Angular Momentum
Rotational Kinetic Energy
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Describing Forces: Free-Body Diagrams
Determining the Net Force
Newton’s Third Law
Forces at Angles
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
12 Collisions: Impulse and Momentum
The Impulse-Momentum Theorem
Conservation of Momentum
Motion of the Center of Mass
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
13 Work and Energy
Energy
Work
The Work-Energy Theorem
Power
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
14 Rotation
Circular Motion
Torque
Rotational Kinematics
Rotational Inertia
Newton’s Second Law for Rotation
Angular Momentum
Rotational Kinetic Energy
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
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Rapid Review
15 Gravitation
Determining the Gravitational Field
Determining Gravitational Force
Force of Two Planets on One Another—Order of
Magnitude Estimates
Gravitational Potential Energy
Gravitational and Inertial Mass
Fundamental Forces: Gravity Versus Electricity
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
16 Electricity: Coulomb’s Law and Circuits
Electric Charge
Circuits
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
17 Waves and Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple Harmonic Motion
Waves
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
18 Extra Drills on Difficult but Frequently Tested Topics
How to Use This Chapter
Springs and Graphs
Tension
Inclined Planes
Motion Graphs
Simple Circuits
STEP 5 Build Your Test-Taking Confidence
15 Gravitation
Determining the Gravitational Field
Determining Gravitational Force
Force of Two Planets on One Another—Order of
Magnitude Estimates
Gravitational Potential Energy
Gravitational and Inertial Mass
Fundamental Forces: Gravity Versus Electricity
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
16 Electricity: Coulomb’s Law and Circuits
Electric Charge
Circuits
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
17 Waves and Simple Harmonic Motion
Simple Harmonic Motion
Waves
Practice Problems
Solutions to Practice Problems
Rapid Review
18 Extra Drills on Difficult but Frequently Tested Topics
How to Use This Chapter
Springs and Graphs
Tension
Inclined Planes
Motion Graphs
Simple Circuits
STEP 5 Build Your Test-Taking Confidence
Loading page 16...
AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 1
AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 1: Section I (Multiple-Choice
Questions)
AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 1: Section II (Free-Response
Questions)
Solutions: AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 1, Section I
(Multiple-Choice Questions)
Solutions: AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 1, Section II (Free-
Response Questions)
Scoring the Practice Exam
AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 2
AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 2: Section I (Multiple-Choice
Questions)
AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 2: Section II (Free-Response
Questions)
Solutions: AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 2, Section I
(Multiple-Choice Questions)
Solutions: AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 2, Section II (Free-
Response Questions)
Scoring the Practice Exam
ELITE
STUDENT
EDITION 5 Minutes to a 5
180 Daily Questions and Activities in 5 Minutes a Day
Appendixes
Table of Information
Recommended Websites
The Pantheon of Pizza
AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 1: Section I (Multiple-Choice
Questions)
AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 1: Section II (Free-Response
Questions)
Solutions: AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 1, Section I
(Multiple-Choice Questions)
Solutions: AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 1, Section II (Free-
Response Questions)
Scoring the Practice Exam
AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 2
AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 2: Section I (Multiple-Choice
Questions)
AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 2: Section II (Free-Response
Questions)
Solutions: AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 2, Section I
(Multiple-Choice Questions)
Solutions: AP Physics 1 Practice Exam 2, Section II (Free-
Response Questions)
Scoring the Practice Exam
ELITE
STUDENT
EDITION 5 Minutes to a 5
180 Daily Questions and Activities in 5 Minutes a Day
Appendixes
Table of Information
Recommended Websites
The Pantheon of Pizza
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PREFACE
How is this book different from all other AP Physics prep books?
The quality of the prep book starts with the author. Greg Jacobs has
taught all versions of AP (and non-AP) physics since 1996. His hundreds of
students over the years have a greater than 99 percent pass rate; more than
70 percent earn 5s. Greg has graded the exams, he has written questions that
have appeared on exams, and he has taught teachers how to teach to the
exams. The leading blog about physics teaching is his—“Jacobs Physics.”
(Take a look at it.) Greg knows what he’s talking about, and the proof is in
the results and feedback from his students.
AP Physics 1 emphasizes conceptual understanding over algebraic
manipulation, and so does this book. So many people presume that
physics is about finding the right numbers to plug into the right equation.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. Successful physics students can
explain why they chose a specific equation. They can explain what values
for each variable are reasonable, and why. They can explain the physical
meaning of any mathematical manipulation—how would this problem look
in the laboratory? What equipment would be used to measure these values?
The AP Physics 1 Exam mostly asks questions that are not about number
crunching. Greg has been teaching “beyond the numbers” for years, and he
brings his expertise in explaining complex concepts in simple language.
Your textbook is impenetrable, even to senior physics majors. This
prep book is readable. Be honest—when you read your textbook, you
really just try the problems at the end of the chapter, then look back for a
template of how to do those problems. Well, this book’s content review is
structured around this very method. Greg poses example questions and talks
you through them. On the way, he shows you the relevant facts and
equations, as well as how you are supposed to know they are relevant. He
explains not just the answer, but the thought process behind the answer. You
do not have to be already good at physics to understand the text.
How is this book different from all other AP Physics prep books?
The quality of the prep book starts with the author. Greg Jacobs has
taught all versions of AP (and non-AP) physics since 1996. His hundreds of
students over the years have a greater than 99 percent pass rate; more than
70 percent earn 5s. Greg has graded the exams, he has written questions that
have appeared on exams, and he has taught teachers how to teach to the
exams. The leading blog about physics teaching is his—“Jacobs Physics.”
(Take a look at it.) Greg knows what he’s talking about, and the proof is in
the results and feedback from his students.
AP Physics 1 emphasizes conceptual understanding over algebraic
manipulation, and so does this book. So many people presume that
physics is about finding the right numbers to plug into the right equation.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. Successful physics students can
explain why they chose a specific equation. They can explain what values
for each variable are reasonable, and why. They can explain the physical
meaning of any mathematical manipulation—how would this problem look
in the laboratory? What equipment would be used to measure these values?
The AP Physics 1 Exam mostly asks questions that are not about number
crunching. Greg has been teaching “beyond the numbers” for years, and he
brings his expertise in explaining complex concepts in simple language.
Your textbook is impenetrable, even to senior physics majors. This
prep book is readable. Be honest—when you read your textbook, you
really just try the problems at the end of the chapter, then look back for a
template of how to do those problems. Well, this book’s content review is
structured around this very method. Greg poses example questions and talks
you through them. On the way, he shows you the relevant facts and
equations, as well as how you are supposed to know they are relevant. He
explains not just the answer, but the thought process behind the answer. You
do not have to be already good at physics to understand the text.
Loading page 18...
This book’s practice tests and practice questions are authentic. One
of the primary tenets of Greg’s physics teaching is that in-class tests should
look exactly like the real AP exams. The College Board has published a
curriculum guide that provides express guidance as to the style and content
of the exam questions. Greg’s practice tests are derived directly from what
the curriculum guide says. He has vast experience phrasing questions in the
style seen on College Board exams.
Every practice question includes not just an answer, but also a
thorough explanation of how to get that answer. The back of your
textbook may provide answers like “2 m/s” or “increase.” Huh? Skim
through and look at the solutions to the practice exam, and to the end-of-
chapter questions. They’re complete. This book’s solutions explain
everything, even sometimes the common mistakes that you might have
made by accident. Exam readers expect thoroughness on the free-response
problems—you should expect the same from your prep book.
It is not possible to prepare well for AP Physics merely by using
recycled material from previous AP or honors physics courses. Even
after six years of AP Physics 1, the majority of teachers—and every AP
prep book bar this one—keep using the same problems and presentations,
just tweaking the covered topics to match the new exam. And students in
those classes, students who use those prep books, have a comeuppance on
exam day. The AP Physics 1 Exam asks for explanations, not calculations;
it does not give pity points for writing relevant equations. And in four years
there has been only one—ONE!!!—problem requiring numerical work on
the free-response section. AP Physics 1 demands a revolutionarily different
approach to learning physics. Your parents’ generation might kvetch about
cell phones and the Internet, but if they’re still doing business by landline
and U.S. mail, well, they’re lucky to be doing business at all. Ditto for your
teacher who moans about the good old days when physics was taught with
calculation after calculation.
of the primary tenets of Greg’s physics teaching is that in-class tests should
look exactly like the real AP exams. The College Board has published a
curriculum guide that provides express guidance as to the style and content
of the exam questions. Greg’s practice tests are derived directly from what
the curriculum guide says. He has vast experience phrasing questions in the
style seen on College Board exams.
Every practice question includes not just an answer, but also a
thorough explanation of how to get that answer. The back of your
textbook may provide answers like “2 m/s” or “increase.” Huh? Skim
through and look at the solutions to the practice exam, and to the end-of-
chapter questions. They’re complete. This book’s solutions explain
everything, even sometimes the common mistakes that you might have
made by accident. Exam readers expect thoroughness on the free-response
problems—you should expect the same from your prep book.
It is not possible to prepare well for AP Physics merely by using
recycled material from previous AP or honors physics courses. Even
after six years of AP Physics 1, the majority of teachers—and every AP
prep book bar this one—keep using the same problems and presentations,
just tweaking the covered topics to match the new exam. And students in
those classes, students who use those prep books, have a comeuppance on
exam day. The AP Physics 1 Exam asks for explanations, not calculations;
it does not give pity points for writing relevant equations. And in four years
there has been only one—ONE!!!—problem requiring numerical work on
the free-response section. AP Physics 1 demands a revolutionarily different
approach to learning physics. Your parents’ generation might kvetch about
cell phones and the Internet, but if they’re still doing business by landline
and U.S. mail, well, they’re lucky to be doing business at all. Ditto for your
teacher who moans about the good old days when physics was taught with
calculation after calculation.
Loading page 19...
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The original idea for this book came many moons ago, when my AP
students in 1999 couldn’t stand the other review books on the market. “We
can write a better book than that,” they said. And we did. Justin Kreindel,
Zack Menegakis, Adam Ohren (who still owes me four sandwiches from
Mississippi Sweets for poking Jason during class), Jason Sheikh, and Joe
Thistle were the cast members for that particular opera.
Josh Schulman, also a member of that 1999 class, was the one who
buckled down and put pen to paper, or rather fingers to computer keys. His
first draft of a book forced me to revise and finish and publish. Josh is still a
coauthor on McGraw-Hill’s 5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics C. I highly
recommend that book.
Del Franz has been a fabulous editor for this and other projects. I
appreciate his toils.
The faculty and administration at Woodberry Forest School, in
particular former science department chairman Jim Reid, deserve mention.
They have been extraordinarily supportive of me professionally.
Two amazing physics teachers have vetted this new book for the new
exam. They have done tremendous work in exchange for nothing but a free
cup of coffee. Thank you, Jeff Steele (who gave feedback on the practice
tests) and Matt Sckalor (who read every content chapter). I owe you both.
Thank you to those who sent in errata from the first edition. I’m
particularly indebted to Glenn Mangold and Drew Austen, who sent in three
pages’ worth of edits, along with careful and thorough justifications for
each—wow. Joseph Rao, Patrick Diehl, Mike Pozuc, Shannon Copeland,
Frank Noschese, Hugh Ross, and I’m sure others I’ve missed have also sent
in corrections or thoughts that I’ve used. And to all of the Jacobs Physics
blog readers, know that I deeply appreciate the comments, e-mails, and
conversations you send my way.
Most important, thank you to Shari and Milo for putting up with me
during all of my writing projects.
The original idea for this book came many moons ago, when my AP
students in 1999 couldn’t stand the other review books on the market. “We
can write a better book than that,” they said. And we did. Justin Kreindel,
Zack Menegakis, Adam Ohren (who still owes me four sandwiches from
Mississippi Sweets for poking Jason during class), Jason Sheikh, and Joe
Thistle were the cast members for that particular opera.
Josh Schulman, also a member of that 1999 class, was the one who
buckled down and put pen to paper, or rather fingers to computer keys. His
first draft of a book forced me to revise and finish and publish. Josh is still a
coauthor on McGraw-Hill’s 5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics C. I highly
recommend that book.
Del Franz has been a fabulous editor for this and other projects. I
appreciate his toils.
The faculty and administration at Woodberry Forest School, in
particular former science department chairman Jim Reid, deserve mention.
They have been extraordinarily supportive of me professionally.
Two amazing physics teachers have vetted this new book for the new
exam. They have done tremendous work in exchange for nothing but a free
cup of coffee. Thank you, Jeff Steele (who gave feedback on the practice
tests) and Matt Sckalor (who read every content chapter). I owe you both.
Thank you to those who sent in errata from the first edition. I’m
particularly indebted to Glenn Mangold and Drew Austen, who sent in three
pages’ worth of edits, along with careful and thorough justifications for
each—wow. Joseph Rao, Patrick Diehl, Mike Pozuc, Shannon Copeland,
Frank Noschese, Hugh Ross, and I’m sure others I’ve missed have also sent
in corrections or thoughts that I’ve used. And to all of the Jacobs Physics
blog readers, know that I deeply appreciate the comments, e-mails, and
conversations you send my way.
Most important, thank you to Shari and Milo for putting up with me
during all of my writing projects.
Loading page 20...
—Greg Jacobs
Loading page 21...
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Greg Jacobs is chairman of the science department at Woodberry Forest
School, the nation’s premier boarding school for boys. Over the years, Greg
has taught all flavors of AP physics. He is a reader and consultant for the
College Board, which means he grades AP physics exams, and he runs
professional development seminars for other AP teachers. Greg is president
of the USAYPT, a nonprofit organization promoting physics research at the
high school level. Greg was recently honored as an AP Teacher of the Year
by the Siemens Foundation. Outside the classroom, Greg has coached
football, baseball, and debate. Greg has called football, baseball, soccer, and
basketball games via Internet audio. He writes the prominent physics
teaching blog “Jacobs Physics,” available at https://jacobsphysics
.blogspot.com.
Greg would like to thank Jeff Steele for writing the third practice test.
Jeff teaches in central Virginia, grades AP exams, and judges the U.S.
Invitational Young Physicists Tournaments with Greg. Jeff is also a
coauthor of the 5 Minutes to a 5 section of the Elite Student’s version of
this book.
Greg Jacobs is chairman of the science department at Woodberry Forest
School, the nation’s premier boarding school for boys. Over the years, Greg
has taught all flavors of AP physics. He is a reader and consultant for the
College Board, which means he grades AP physics exams, and he runs
professional development seminars for other AP teachers. Greg is president
of the USAYPT, a nonprofit organization promoting physics research at the
high school level. Greg was recently honored as an AP Teacher of the Year
by the Siemens Foundation. Outside the classroom, Greg has coached
football, baseball, and debate. Greg has called football, baseball, soccer, and
basketball games via Internet audio. He writes the prominent physics
teaching blog “Jacobs Physics,” available at https://jacobsphysics
.blogspot.com.
Greg would like to thank Jeff Steele for writing the third practice test.
Jeff teaches in central Virginia, grades AP exams, and judges the U.S.
Invitational Young Physicists Tournaments with Greg. Jeff is also a
coauthor of the 5 Minutes to a 5 section of the Elite Student’s version of
this book.
Loading page 22...
INTRODUCTION: THE FIVE-
STEP PROGRAM
Welcome!
I know that preparing for the Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 1,
Algebra-Based Exam can seem like a daunting task. There’s a lot of
material to learn and some of it can be challenging. But I also know that
preparing for the AP exam is much easier—and a lot more enjoyable—if
you do it with a friendly, helpful guide. So order the pizza (see “Pantheon
of Pizza” in the Appendix) and let’s get started.
First, you should know that physics does not lend itself well to
cramming. Success on the AP exam is most likely the result of actually
learning and understanding physics in your AP Physics 1 course. If you are
opening this book in the first semester or early in the second semester, be
sure to read Chapter 6, which contains strategies to get the most out of your
physics class in terms of preparation for the AP exam.
Of course, this book can also be instrumental in helping you score high.
5 Steps to 5: AP Physics 1, Algebra-Based is composed of practical, score-
raising items you won’t necessarily get in your AP course, including in-
depth information about the test, proven strategies to attack each type of
question on the exam, an easy-to-follow review of content, and two very
realistic practice tests.
Organization of the Book: The Five-Step Program
You will be taking a lengthy, comprehensive exam in May. You want to be
well prepared so that the exam takes on the feel of a command
performance, not a trial by fire. Following the Five-Step program is the best
way to structure your preparation.
STEP PROGRAM
Welcome!
I know that preparing for the Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 1,
Algebra-Based Exam can seem like a daunting task. There’s a lot of
material to learn and some of it can be challenging. But I also know that
preparing for the AP exam is much easier—and a lot more enjoyable—if
you do it with a friendly, helpful guide. So order the pizza (see “Pantheon
of Pizza” in the Appendix) and let’s get started.
First, you should know that physics does not lend itself well to
cramming. Success on the AP exam is most likely the result of actually
learning and understanding physics in your AP Physics 1 course. If you are
opening this book in the first semester or early in the second semester, be
sure to read Chapter 6, which contains strategies to get the most out of your
physics class in terms of preparation for the AP exam.
Of course, this book can also be instrumental in helping you score high.
5 Steps to 5: AP Physics 1, Algebra-Based is composed of practical, score-
raising items you won’t necessarily get in your AP course, including in-
depth information about the test, proven strategies to attack each type of
question on the exam, an easy-to-follow review of content, and two very
realistic practice tests.
Organization of the Book: The Five-Step Program
You will be taking a lengthy, comprehensive exam in May. You want to be
well prepared so that the exam takes on the feel of a command
performance, not a trial by fire. Following the Five-Step program is the best
way to structure your preparation.
Loading page 23...
Step 1: Get to Know the Exam and Set Up Your Study
Program
You need to get to know the exam—what’s on it and how it’s structured—
so there are no surprises on test day. Understanding the test is the first step
in preparing for it. And you need a plan. Step 1 gives you the background
and structure you will need before you start exam preparation.
Step 2: Determine Your Test Readiness
Your study program should not include cramming absolutely everything
about physics into your head in the weeks before the test; it can’t be done.
Instead, you’ll need to assess your strengths and weaknesses and prioritize
what you need to review. The physics fundamentals self-assessment in
Chapter 4 will help you do just that. Note that the questions in this self-
assessment are not written in the style of the actual questions on the AP
Physics 1 Exam. They are designed to quickly determine your strengths and
weaknesses, not to mimic actual test questions.
Then, in Chapter 5 you’ll be introduced to the different types of
questions found on the actual AP Physics 1 Exam. The self-assessment in
this chapter allows you to see how you do on each of the different types of
questions and to identify the question types with which you need the most
practice. The results from both self-assessments—the fundamentals self-
assessment in Chapter 4 and the question-type assessment in Chapter 5—
should help you develop your study plan and determine which chapters in
this book you’ll spend the most time on.
Step 3: Develop Strategies for Success
Read this if it’s the first semester or the beginning of the second semester of
your course.
The focus of the remaining chapters in Step 3 is developing effective
strategies to approach each of the question types found on the AP Physics 1
Exam. Sure, I know you’ve been listening to general test-taking advice and
have been taking multiple-choice standardized tests practically your whole
life. But the chapters in this section contain physics-specific advice. And the
AP Physics 1, Algebra-Based Exam has questions—even in the multiple-
choice section—that are probably unlike any you’ve encountered
previously in your standardized test taking. Chapter 7 focuses on strategies
Program
You need to get to know the exam—what’s on it and how it’s structured—
so there are no surprises on test day. Understanding the test is the first step
in preparing for it. And you need a plan. Step 1 gives you the background
and structure you will need before you start exam preparation.
Step 2: Determine Your Test Readiness
Your study program should not include cramming absolutely everything
about physics into your head in the weeks before the test; it can’t be done.
Instead, you’ll need to assess your strengths and weaknesses and prioritize
what you need to review. The physics fundamentals self-assessment in
Chapter 4 will help you do just that. Note that the questions in this self-
assessment are not written in the style of the actual questions on the AP
Physics 1 Exam. They are designed to quickly determine your strengths and
weaknesses, not to mimic actual test questions.
Then, in Chapter 5 you’ll be introduced to the different types of
questions found on the actual AP Physics 1 Exam. The self-assessment in
this chapter allows you to see how you do on each of the different types of
questions and to identify the question types with which you need the most
practice. The results from both self-assessments—the fundamentals self-
assessment in Chapter 4 and the question-type assessment in Chapter 5—
should help you develop your study plan and determine which chapters in
this book you’ll spend the most time on.
Step 3: Develop Strategies for Success
Read this if it’s the first semester or the beginning of the second semester of
your course.
The focus of the remaining chapters in Step 3 is developing effective
strategies to approach each of the question types found on the AP Physics 1
Exam. Sure, I know you’ve been listening to general test-taking advice and
have been taking multiple-choice standardized tests practically your whole
life. But the chapters in this section contain physics-specific advice. And the
AP Physics 1, Algebra-Based Exam has questions—even in the multiple-
choice section—that are probably unlike any you’ve encountered
previously in your standardized test taking. Chapter 7 focuses on strategies
Loading page 24...
for question types found on both the multiple-choice and free-response
sections of the test. Chapter 8 looks at strategies for types of questions
found only on the free-response section, and finally, Chapter 9 suggests
strategies for question types that appear only in the multiple-choice section
of the test.
Step 4: Review the Knowledge You Need to Score High
Step 4 contains a comprehensive review of the topics on the AP exam.
Now, you’ve probably been in an AP Physics class all year and you’ve
likely read (or at least tried to read!) your textbook. Our review is not meant
to be another textbook. It’s only a review—an easy-to-follow, step-by-step
review focused exclusively on the things likely to appear on the AP exam.
The review is not as detailed as your textbook, but it’s more germane to
what’s actually on the AP Physics 1 Exam. Chapters 10 through 15 provide
a review of different aspects of mechanics, Chapter 16 focuses on
electricity, and Chapter 17 focuses on waves.
These review chapters are appropriate both for quick skimming (to
remind yourself of salient points) and for in-depth study, with plenty of
sample problems you can work through. Each review chapter contains
several questions in the format of the free-response questions actually found
on the test. Use these questions both to test your knowledge and to practice
with the types of questions you’ll encounter on the test.
Finally, in Chapter 18, you’ll find extra drills on some of the most
common physics situations tested on the AP exam. The old saying is true:
practice makes perfect.
Step 5: Build Your Test-Taking Confidence
This is probably the most important part of this book: full-length practice
tests that closely reflect what you’ll encounter in the actual test. Unlike
other practice tests you may take, these come with thorough explanations.
One of the most important elements in learning physics is making, and then
learning from, mistakes. This book doesn’t just tell you what you got
wrong; we explain why your answer is wrong and how to do the problem
correctly. It’s okay to make a mistake here because, if you do, you probably
won’t make the same mistake again on that day in mid-May. In fact, it’s a
good idea to read not only the solutions to the problems you got wrong, but
sections of the test. Chapter 8 looks at strategies for types of questions
found only on the free-response section, and finally, Chapter 9 suggests
strategies for question types that appear only in the multiple-choice section
of the test.
Step 4: Review the Knowledge You Need to Score High
Step 4 contains a comprehensive review of the topics on the AP exam.
Now, you’ve probably been in an AP Physics class all year and you’ve
likely read (or at least tried to read!) your textbook. Our review is not meant
to be another textbook. It’s only a review—an easy-to-follow, step-by-step
review focused exclusively on the things likely to appear on the AP exam.
The review is not as detailed as your textbook, but it’s more germane to
what’s actually on the AP Physics 1 Exam. Chapters 10 through 15 provide
a review of different aspects of mechanics, Chapter 16 focuses on
electricity, and Chapter 17 focuses on waves.
These review chapters are appropriate both for quick skimming (to
remind yourself of salient points) and for in-depth study, with plenty of
sample problems you can work through. Each review chapter contains
several questions in the format of the free-response questions actually found
on the test. Use these questions both to test your knowledge and to practice
with the types of questions you’ll encounter on the test.
Finally, in Chapter 18, you’ll find extra drills on some of the most
common physics situations tested on the AP exam. The old saying is true:
practice makes perfect.
Step 5: Build Your Test-Taking Confidence
This is probably the most important part of this book: full-length practice
tests that closely reflect what you’ll encounter in the actual test. Unlike
other practice tests you may take, these come with thorough explanations.
One of the most important elements in learning physics is making, and then
learning from, mistakes. This book doesn’t just tell you what you got
wrong; we explain why your answer is wrong and how to do the problem
correctly. It’s okay to make a mistake here because, if you do, you probably
won’t make the same mistake again on that day in mid-May. In fact, it’s a
good idea to read not only the solutions to the problems you got wrong, but
Loading page 25...
also the solutions for the problems you weren’t sure of or simply happened
to guess correctly.
The Graphics Used in This Book
To emphasize particular skills and strategies, we use icons throughout this
book. An icon in the margin will alert you that you should pay particular
attention to the accompanying text. We use these three icons:
1. This icon points out a very important concept or fact that you should not
pass over.
2. This icon calls your attention to a problem-solving strategy that you may
want to try.
3. This icon indicates a tip that you might find useful.
to guess correctly.
The Graphics Used in This Book
To emphasize particular skills and strategies, we use icons throughout this
book. An icon in the margin will alert you that you should pay particular
attention to the accompanying text. We use these three icons:
1. This icon points out a very important concept or fact that you should not
pass over.
2. This icon calls your attention to a problem-solving strategy that you may
want to try.
3. This icon indicates a tip that you might find useful.
Loading page 26...
STEP 1
Get to Know the Exam and Set Up
Your Study Program
CHAPTER 1 Frequently Asked Questions About the AP Physics 1
Exam
CHAPTER 2 Understanding the Exam: The AP Physics 1
Revolution
CHAPTER 3 How to Use Your Time
Get to Know the Exam and Set Up
Your Study Program
CHAPTER 1 Frequently Asked Questions About the AP Physics 1
Exam
CHAPTER 2 Understanding the Exam: The AP Physics 1
Revolution
CHAPTER 3 How to Use Your Time
Loading page 27...
CHAPTER 1
Frequently Asked Questions About the
AP Physics 1 Exam
IN THIS CHAPTER
Summary: This chapter provides the basic information you need to know
about the AP Physics 1, Algebra-Based Exam. Learn how the test is
structured, what topics are tested, how the test is scored, as well as basic
test-taking information.
Key Ideas
It’s not possible to “game” this test. In order to get a good score, you
must know your physics.
Half of the test consists of multiple-choice questions and the other half of
free-response questions. Each section accounts for half of your score.
Frequently Asked Questions About the
AP Physics 1 Exam
IN THIS CHAPTER
Summary: This chapter provides the basic information you need to know
about the AP Physics 1, Algebra-Based Exam. Learn how the test is
structured, what topics are tested, how the test is scored, as well as basic
test-taking information.
Key Ideas
It’s not possible to “game” this test. In order to get a good score, you
must know your physics.
Half of the test consists of multiple-choice questions and the other half of
free-response questions. Each section accounts for half of your score.
Loading page 28...
A score of 3 or above makes you qualified for credit from most colleges
and universities.
Topics on the exam include the following:
I. Force and Motion
- How things move
- Forces and Newton’s laws
- Rotation
- Gravitation
II. Conservation Laws
- Collisions: impulse and momentum
- Work and energy
- Rotation
- Gravitation
III. Electricity and Waves
- Coulomb’s law and circuits
- Waves and simple harmonic motion
The focus of the test is not numbers and equations. You may use a
calculator and an equation sheet, but these will not be very helpful
because far more explanations and verbal responses are required than
calculations and numerical answers.
FAQs: The AP Physics Program
Chapter 2 contains the answers to some of the most frequently asked
questions about the AP Physics 1, Algebra-Based course and exam. If you
have additional questions, check out the College Board’s “AP Central” web
pages (http://apcentral.collegeboard.com). Another helpful resource for the
test is the author’s physics teaching blog at https://jacobsphysics
.blogspot.com.
What Is AP Physics 1, Algebra-Based, and How Is It Different
from a Typical Advanced Physics Course?
and universities.
Topics on the exam include the following:
I. Force and Motion
- How things move
- Forces and Newton’s laws
- Rotation
- Gravitation
II. Conservation Laws
- Collisions: impulse and momentum
- Work and energy
- Rotation
- Gravitation
III. Electricity and Waves
- Coulomb’s law and circuits
- Waves and simple harmonic motion
The focus of the test is not numbers and equations. You may use a
calculator and an equation sheet, but these will not be very helpful
because far more explanations and verbal responses are required than
calculations and numerical answers.
FAQs: The AP Physics Program
Chapter 2 contains the answers to some of the most frequently asked
questions about the AP Physics 1, Algebra-Based course and exam. If you
have additional questions, check out the College Board’s “AP Central” web
pages (http://apcentral.collegeboard.com). Another helpful resource for the
test is the author’s physics teaching blog at https://jacobsphysics
.blogspot.com.
What Is AP Physics 1, Algebra-Based, and How Is It Different
from a Typical Advanced Physics Course?
Loading page 29...
AP Physics 1 is a first-time, no-calculus physics course covering
mechanics, waves, and electricity.1 The AP Physics 1 Exam involves fewer
topics than typical high school or college introductory courses, but it
requires far more explanations and verbal responses than calculations and
numerical answers.
Even though most advanced physics courses require loads of numerical
answers and mathematical manipulation, AP Physics 1 requires you to be
able to do only two things mathematically: (1) solve straightforward
algebraic equations, and (2) use the basic definitions of the trigonometric
functions sine, cosine, and tangent. There’s no completing the square, no
trigonometric identities—just the basic stuff you learned in your algebra
and geometry courses.
The next chapter contains more information about how the AP Physics
1, Algebra-Based curriculum differs from the old AP Physics B course and
other traditional advanced physics courses.
Who Should Take the AP Physics 1, Algebra-Based Course?
The AP Physics 1 course is ideal for all college-bound high school students.
For those who intend to major in math or the heavy-duty sciences, Physics
1 serves as a perfect introduction to college-level work. For those who want
nothing to do with physics after high school, Physics 1 is a terrific terminal
course—you get exposure to many facets of physics at a rigorous yet
understandable level.
Most important, for those who aren’t sure in which direction their
college career may head,2 the Physics 1 course can help you decide: “Do I
like this stuff enough to keep studying it, or not?”
What Are the Other AP Physics Courses?
In addition to AP Physics 1, the College Board now offers three other AP
Physics courses.
AP Physics 2 is designed as an algebra-based follow-up to AP Physics
1. In the same style of requiring depth of understanding and verbal
explanation, AP Physics 2 covers electricity, magnetism, fluids, thermal
physics, atomic and nuclear physics, and more.
The AP Physics C courses are only for those who have already taken a
solid introductory physics course and are considering a career in the
mechanics, waves, and electricity.1 The AP Physics 1 Exam involves fewer
topics than typical high school or college introductory courses, but it
requires far more explanations and verbal responses than calculations and
numerical answers.
Even though most advanced physics courses require loads of numerical
answers and mathematical manipulation, AP Physics 1 requires you to be
able to do only two things mathematically: (1) solve straightforward
algebraic equations, and (2) use the basic definitions of the trigonometric
functions sine, cosine, and tangent. There’s no completing the square, no
trigonometric identities—just the basic stuff you learned in your algebra
and geometry courses.
The next chapter contains more information about how the AP Physics
1, Algebra-Based curriculum differs from the old AP Physics B course and
other traditional advanced physics courses.
Who Should Take the AP Physics 1, Algebra-Based Course?
The AP Physics 1 course is ideal for all college-bound high school students.
For those who intend to major in math or the heavy-duty sciences, Physics
1 serves as a perfect introduction to college-level work. For those who want
nothing to do with physics after high school, Physics 1 is a terrific terminal
course—you get exposure to many facets of physics at a rigorous yet
understandable level.
Most important, for those who aren’t sure in which direction their
college career may head,2 the Physics 1 course can help you decide: “Do I
like this stuff enough to keep studying it, or not?”
What Are the Other AP Physics Courses?
In addition to AP Physics 1, the College Board now offers three other AP
Physics courses.
AP Physics 2 is designed as an algebra-based follow-up to AP Physics
1. In the same style of requiring depth of understanding and verbal
explanation, AP Physics 2 covers electricity, magnetism, fluids, thermal
physics, atomic and nuclear physics, and more.
The AP Physics C courses are only for those who have already taken a
solid introductory physics course and are considering a career in the
Loading page 30...
physical sciences or math. Physics C consists of two separate, calculus-
based courses: (1) Newtonian Mechanics, and (2) Electricity and
Magnetism. Of course, the Physics 1 and Physics 2 courses cover these
topics as well. However, the C courses go into greater mathematical depth
and detail. The problems are more involved, and they demand a higher level
of conceptual and mathematical ability, including differential and integral
calculus, and some differential equations. You can take either or both 90-
minute Physics C exams. The AP Physics C exams have not changed in
many years. If you decide to attempt the Physics C Exam, try 5 Steps to a 5:
AP Physics C.
Is One Exam Better than the Other? Should I Take More than
One?
We strongly recommend taking only one exam—and make sure it’s the one
your high school AP course prepared you for! Physics C is not considered
“better” than Physics 1 or 2 in the eyes of colleges and scholarship
committees. They are different courses with different intended audiences. It
is far better to do well on the one exam you prepared for than to attempt
something else and do poorly.
Why Should I Take an AP Physics Exam?
Many of you take an AP Physics exam because you are seeking college
credit. A score of 3 or above makes you qualified for credit from most
colleges and universities. This means you are one or two courses closer to
graduation before you even start college!
Therefore, one compelling reason to take an AP exam is economic.
How much does a college course cost, even at a relatively inexpensive
school? You’re talking several thousands of dollars. If you can save those
thousands of dollars by paying less than a hundred dollars now, why not do
so? Even if you do not score high enough to earn college credit, the fact that
you elected to enroll in an AP course tells admissions committees that you
are a high achiever and are serious about your education.
You’ll hear a whole lot of misinformation about AP credit policies.
Don’t believe anything a friend (or even a teacher) tells you; instead, find
out for yourself. One way to learn about the AP credit policy of the school
you’re interested in is to look it up on the College Board’s official website,
based courses: (1) Newtonian Mechanics, and (2) Electricity and
Magnetism. Of course, the Physics 1 and Physics 2 courses cover these
topics as well. However, the C courses go into greater mathematical depth
and detail. The problems are more involved, and they demand a higher level
of conceptual and mathematical ability, including differential and integral
calculus, and some differential equations. You can take either or both 90-
minute Physics C exams. The AP Physics C exams have not changed in
many years. If you decide to attempt the Physics C Exam, try 5 Steps to a 5:
AP Physics C.
Is One Exam Better than the Other? Should I Take More than
One?
We strongly recommend taking only one exam—and make sure it’s the one
your high school AP course prepared you for! Physics C is not considered
“better” than Physics 1 or 2 in the eyes of colleges and scholarship
committees. They are different courses with different intended audiences. It
is far better to do well on the one exam you prepared for than to attempt
something else and do poorly.
Why Should I Take an AP Physics Exam?
Many of you take an AP Physics exam because you are seeking college
credit. A score of 3 or above makes you qualified for credit from most
colleges and universities. This means you are one or two courses closer to
graduation before you even start college!
Therefore, one compelling reason to take an AP exam is economic.
How much does a college course cost, even at a relatively inexpensive
school? You’re talking several thousands of dollars. If you can save those
thousands of dollars by paying less than a hundred dollars now, why not do
so? Even if you do not score high enough to earn college credit, the fact that
you elected to enroll in an AP course tells admissions committees that you
are a high achiever and are serious about your education.
You’ll hear a whole lot of misinformation about AP credit policies.
Don’t believe anything a friend (or even a teacher) tells you; instead, find
out for yourself. One way to learn about the AP credit policy of the school
you’re interested in is to look it up on the College Board’s official website,
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Subject
Advanced Placement