AP Physics 1 Past FRQs: A Comprehensive Study Guide

Introduction

Advanced Placement Physics 1 (AP Physics 1) is a rigorous introductory physics course for high school students. The end-of-course exam includes multiple choice and free-response questions (FRQs). FRQs assess students’ understanding of physics concepts, problem-solving skills, and mathematical abilities.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to past AP Physics 1 FRQs, including:

• Tips for answering FRQs
• A review of common topics tested on the exam
• A table of past FRQs with solutions
• Strategies for improving your FRQ performance

Tips for Answering FRQs

• Read the question carefully. Make sure you understand what is being asked.
• Identify the concepts involved. What physics concepts are relevant to the question?
• Draw a diagram. This can help you visualize the problem and identify the forces and interactions involved.
• Use appropriate equations. Make sure you use the correct equations to solve the problem.
• Show your work. Write down all of your steps, even if they are incorrect. This will help you earn partial credit.
• Check your answer. Make sure your answer makes sense and is consistent with the question.

Common Topics Tested on the AP Physics 1 Exam

The following topics are commonly tested on the AP Physics 1 FRQs:

• Linear motion
• Projectile motion
• Circular motion and centripetal force
• Dynamics (Newton’s laws)
• Work and energy
• Momentum
• Simple harmonic motion
• Waves

Table of Past FRQs with Solutions

The following table provides a list of past AP Physics 1 FRQs with solutions and score distributions:

Strategies for Improving Your FRQ Performance

• Practice, practice, practice. The more FRQs you practice, the better you will become at answering them.
• Review the FRQ scoring guidelines. This will help you understand what the graders are looking for.
• Use a timer when you practice. This will help you get used to the time constraints of the exam.
• Get feedback from your teacher or a tutor. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve.

Conclusion

FRQs are an important part of the AP Physics 1 exam. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can improve your FRQ performance and increase your chances of success on the exam.

Questions to Consider

• What are your favorite tips for answering FRQs?
• What are some common mistakes that students make when answering FRQs?
• How can you improve your FRQ performance?

Effective Strategies

• Use a systematic approach. When answering FRQs, it is helpful to use a systematic approach to ensure that you do not miss any important steps. For example, you could use the following steps:
  • Read the question carefully.
  • Identify the concepts involved.
  • Draw a diagram.
  • Use appropriate equations.
  • Show your work.
  • Check your answer.
• Use resources. There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for FRQs, including:
  • AP Physics 1 textbooks and review books
  • Online videos and tutorials
  • FRQ practice problems
• Get help from your teacher or a tutor. If you are struggling with FRQs, do not hesitate to get help from your teacher or a tutor. They can provide you with personalized guidance and support.

Pros and Cons of Different Strategies

Pros of using a systematic approach:

• Ensures that you do not miss any important steps
• Helps you organize your thoughts
• Makes it easier to check your answer

Cons of using a systematic approach:

• Can be time-consuming
• May not be necessary for all FRQs

Pros of using resources:

• Can help you learn new concepts and review old ones
• Can provide you with practice problems and solutions
• Can give you access to expert advice

Cons of using resources:

• Can be expensive
• May not be tailored to your individual needs

Pros of getting help from your teacher or a tutor:

• Can provide you with personalized guidance and support
• Can help you identify areas where you need to improve
• Can give you feedback on your practice FRQs

Cons of getting help from your teacher or a tutor:

• May not be available
• Can be expensive