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AP Physics

Understand a model. Work through an example. Test what you can explain.

4 distinct courses28 unit starters28 editable slide decks

Choose your AP Physics course

Two algebra-based courses. Two distinct calculus-based courses. Start with the one you study.

Algebra-based

AP Physics 1

Connect motion, forces and energy, then explore rotation, oscillations and fluids.

  • 8 mapped units
  • Concepts & calculations
  • Mechanics, oscillations & fluids
Is this the right course?

Recommended: completed geometry and concurrent Algebra II or equivalent. This course uses algebra, not calculus.

Official course guidance ↗
Algebra-based

AP Physics 2

Explore thermodynamics, electric and magnetic fields, circuits, optics and modern physics.

  • 7 mapped units
  • Fields, waves & matter
  • Thermal & modern physics
Is this the right course?

Recommended: AP Physics 1 or comparable introductory physics, with completed or concurrent precalculus or equivalent.

Official course guidance ↗
Calculus-based

AP Physics C: Mechanics

Use derivatives and integrals to connect motion, forces, energy, rotation and oscillations.

  • 7 mapped units
  • Derivatives & integrals
  • A separate Mechanics exam
Is this the right course?

Recommended: completed or concurrent calculus. Derivatives and integrals are part of the physics reasoning.

Official course guidance ↗
Calculus-based

AP Physics C: E&M

Build electric and magnetic field models, then apply them to capacitors, circuits and induction.

  • 6 mapped units
  • Fields & circuit models
  • A separate E&M exam
Is this the right course?

Recommended: completed calculus-based Newtonian physics, such as C: Mechanics, and completed or concurrent calculus.

Official course guidance ↗

Key topics to explore

Starting points across the four courses. Each shortcut opens one specific course unit.

AP practice questions →

Practise the skills, as well as the physics

The four free-response question types connect calculations, representations and experimental evidence.

Mathematical routines

Start with a model, then calculate

Define your system and positive direction. Write the physical relationship before substituting values. Show units, signs and limiting cases; in Physics C, explain the bounds and meaning of each derivative or integral.

Translation between representations

Connect a diagram, graph and equation

Label axes and include units. Use the slope or area to explain the physics. If you sketch a field, force or energy diagram, make its direction and system boundary agree with your equations.

Experimental design and analysis

Make the measurement test the claim

Name the independent and dependent variables, what stays fixed, and how each quantity is measured. Collect several values and repeats. Choose a graph whose slope tests your model, then identify a specific source of uncertainty.

Qualitative/quantitative translation

Predict first; support it with physics

Say what increases, decreases or stays constant. Connect the change to a named relationship and the conditions of the model. A clear causal explanation earns its place beside a numerical result.

Build an investigation you can explain
  1. Question and prediction. Identify a measurable relationship, state a prediction, and say which physical model supports it.
  2. Method. Specify apparatus, range, control variables, repeated readings and a safe school laboratory procedure agreed with your teacher.
  3. Graph and uncertainty. Record units and measurement resolution. Explain the slope or intercept. Describe how one identified limitation affects the result rather than writing “human error”.
  4. Evaluate. Compare evidence with the prediction and propose a change that addresses the identified limitation.

The course frameworks allocate at least 25% of instructional time to hands-on laboratory work. These prompts support planning; use your teacher’s laboratory programme and the applicable course requirements. Official laboratory requirements ↗

Exam format and question types checked 12 October 2026 for May 2027. College Board exam guidance ↗

Your AP Physics toolkit

Formula references, diagrams and 28 editable unit presentations—all in one place.

Browse resources
Complete AP unit directory 4 courses · 28 units

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Algebra-based · 8 units

  1. Unit 1Kinematics
  2. Unit 2Force and Translational Dynamics
  3. Unit 3Work, Energy, and Power
  4. Unit 4Linear Momentum
  5. Unit 5Torque and Rotational Dynamics
  6. Unit 6Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
  7. Unit 7Oscillations
  8. Unit 8Fluids

AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based

Algebra-based · 7 units

  1. Unit 9Thermodynamics
  2. Unit 10Electric Force, Field, and Potential
  3. Unit 11Electric Circuits
  4. Unit 12Magnetism and Electromagnetism
  5. Unit 13Geometric Optics
  6. Unit 14Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics
  7. Unit 15Modern Physics

AP Physics C: Mechanics

Calculus-based · 7 units

  1. Unit 1Kinematics
  2. Unit 2Force and Translational Dynamics
  3. Unit 3Work, Energy, and Power
  4. Unit 4Linear Momentum
  5. Unit 5Torque and Rotational Dynamics
  6. Unit 6Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
  7. Unit 7Oscillations

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

Calculus-based · 6 units

  1. Unit 8Electric Charges, Fields, and Gauss's Law
  2. Unit 9Electric Potential
  3. Unit 10Conductors and Capacitors
  4. Unit 11Electric Circuits
  5. Unit 12Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetism
  6. Unit 13Electromagnetic Induction
Course guidance & official sources Scope, prerequisites and exam updates

Choose the course you are taking

Physics 1 and Physics 2 are algebra-based. The two Physics C courses use calculus and have separate exams. Physics 1 includes fluids; thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics belong to Physics 2. The topic shortcuts above identify their specific course and unit.

The objective audit checks the 2026–27 school year against the Fall 2024 framework and Fall 2026 clarifications. Each objective identifies reviewed lesson sections, mathematical depth, question parts and remaining gaps. A mapped explanation does not establish complete course or laboratory coverage.

The existing objective audit was reviewed 17 September 2026. Exam-format information and this learning hub were checked 12 October 2026 for the May 2027 cycle. GioPhysics is independent and is not endorsed by College Board. Our practice questions and papers are original resources; official past-paper links are identified separately.

Questions before you start? Courses, resources and practice

Which Physics C course should I choose?

Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism are distinct courses. Choose the one listed on your class timetable, or use both maps if you study both.

Where are the questions and answers?

AP Exam Prep includes 529 original questions with worked answers. Choose your course and topic there, or build a personalised practice paper.

Can I download teaching materials?

The AP presentation library contains 28 editable unit decks. Choose Teach within a unit to open its matching PowerPoint.

Are these official AP past papers?

No. GioPhysics creates its own learning and practice materials. Use the official College Board links for released free-response questions and scoring information.

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Extra challenging questions

Connect several ideas, explore supplied data, and compare your reasoning with a worked solution.