AP exam review verified for 2027

AP Physics 1 Unit 1 Review: Kinematics

Review AP Physics 1 Unit 1 to build the motion toolkit that runs through every unit in the course. From scalar versus vector distinctions to projectile motion in two dimensions, this unit covers the language and equations you need to describe how objects move.

Use the topic guides, practice questions, and FRQ practice available here to work through all five kinematics topics before your exam.

start review notes review topics

AP exam review verified for 2027

What is AP Physics 1 unit 1?

Kinematics is the foundation of AP Physics 1. Every later unit, from forces to rotational dynamics to oscillations, requires you to describe how position, velocity, and acceleration relate. Unit 1 builds that vocabulary and gives you the graphical, mathematical, and conceptual tools to use it.

Unit 1 covers how to describe motion in one and two dimensions using vectors, kinematic equations, motion graphs, reference frames, and component analysis for projectile motion.

Scalars and vectors

Distance and speed are scalars with magnitude only. Position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration are vectors with both magnitude and direction. In one dimension, a positive or negative sign carries all the directional information you need.

Kinematic equations for constant acceleration

Three equations connect position, velocity, acceleration, and time when acceleration is constant: vx = vx0 + ax*t, x = x0 + vx0*t + 0.5*ax*t^2, and vx^2 = vx0^2 + 2*ax*(x - x0). Near Earth's surface, free-fall uses ag = g = 10 m/s^2 downward.

Two-dimensional motion

Any vector can be resolved into perpendicular x and y components using sine and cosine. In projectile motion, the horizontal component has zero acceleration while the vertical component has constant downward acceleration g, so each direction is solved independently.

Motion can be fully described without knowing its cause

Kinematics gives you a complete toolkit for describing where an object is, how fast it is moving, and how that motion is changing, all before introducing forces. Understanding the relationships among position, velocity, and acceleration in both one and two dimensions is the prerequisite skill for every quantitative argument in AP Physics 1.

AP Physics 1 unit 1 topics

1.1

Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension

Distinguish scalar quantities (distance, speed) from vector quantities (displacement, velocity, acceleration). Use positive and negative signs to encode direction in one-dimensional problems and add vectors algebraically.

open guide

1.2

Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration

Define displacement as delta-x = x - x0, average velocity as delta-x / delta-t, and average acceleration as delta-v / delta-t. Recognize that an object accelerates whenever its speed or direction changes, and apply the object model to simplify analysis.

open guide

1.3

Representing Motion

Use motion diagrams, position-time graphs, velocity-time graphs, and the three constant-acceleration kinematic equations to describe motion. Read slopes and areas off graphs and apply g = 10 m/s^2 for free-fall problems.

open guide

1.4

Reference Frames and Relative Motion

Identify an observer's inertial reference frame and convert velocities between frames using one-dimensional vector addition. Recognize that velocity is frame-dependent but acceleration is the same in all inertial frames.

open guide

1.5

Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions

Resolve vectors into x and y components using sine and cosine, then apply independent one-dimensional kinematics to each direction. Analyze projectile motion by treating horizontal velocity as constant and vertical acceleration as -g.

open guide

practice snapshot

Hardest AP Physics 1 unit 1 topics

This snapshot uses Fiveable practice activity to show where students tend to miss questions and which review moves are worth prioritizing first.

62%average MCQ accuracy

Across 19k multiple-choice practice attempts for this unit.

19kMCQ attempts

Practice activity included in this snapshot.

43%average FRQ score

Across 56 scored free-response attempts for this unit.

Hardest topics in unit 1

MCQ miss rate

1.5

Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions

Review Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions with attention to how the concept appears in AP-style source and evidence questions.

44%2,467 tries

1.2

Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration

Review Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration with attention to how the concept appears in AP-style source and evidence questions.

35%6,095 tries

Unit 1 review notes

1.1

Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension

Every quantity in kinematics is either a scalar or a vector. Scalars need only a number and a unit. Vectors need a number, a unit, and a direction. In one-dimensional problems, direction is encoded entirely by the sign of the component, so you do not need arrow notation for components along a single axis. When you add vectors in one dimension, opposite directions produce opposite signs, and the result is the algebraic sum.

Scalar: Magnitude only, no direction. Examples: distance (5 m) and speed (3 m/s).
Vector: Magnitude and direction. Examples: displacement, velocity, and acceleration. Written with an arrow above the symbol.
Sign convention in 1D: Choose a positive direction at the start of a problem. Motion opposite to that direction gets a negative sign.
Vector addition in 1D: Add the signed values algebraically. A displacement of +8 m followed by -3 m gives a net displacement of +5 m.

A car travels 10 m east then 4 m west. What is the distance traveled and what is the displacement? (Distance = 14 m; displacement = +6 m east.)

Quantity	Type	Example value
Distance	Scalar	14 m
Speed	Scalar	3 m/s
Displacement	Vector	+6 m
Velocity	Vector	-2 m/s
Acceleration	Vector	+5 m/s^2

1.2

Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration

Displacement is the change in position: delta-x = x - x0. Average velocity is displacement divided by elapsed time. Average acceleration is the change in velocity divided by elapsed time. An object is accelerating whenever its speed changes, its direction changes, or both. As the time interval shrinks toward zero, average values approach instantaneous values. The object model treats any object as a point particle, ignoring size and shape.

Displacement: delta-x = x - x0. A vector pointing from the initial to the final position.
Average velocity: v_avg = delta-x / delta-t. Displacement divided by time interval, not total distance divided by time.
Average acceleration: a_avg = delta-v / delta-t. Change in velocity divided by time interval.
Instantaneous values: Found by taking the limit as delta-t approaches zero, equivalent to the slope of the tangent on a position-time or velocity-time graph.
Object model: Treats an object as a single point with mass, ignoring size, shape, and internal structure.

An object moves from x = 2 m to x = -6 m in 4 s. What is its average velocity? (delta-x = -8 m; v_avg = -2 m/s.)

Quantity	Formula	Units
Displacement	delta-x = x - x0	m
Average velocity	v_avg = delta-x / delta-t	m/s
Average acceleration	a_avg = delta-v / delta-t	m/s^2

1.3

Representing Motion

Motion can be represented as motion diagrams, position-time graphs, velocity-time graphs, acceleration-time graphs, kinematic equations, or written descriptions. For constant acceleration, three equations link x, v, a, and t. On a position-time graph, slope equals instantaneous velocity. On a velocity-time graph, slope equals acceleration and the area under the curve equals displacement. Free fall near Earth uses a constant downward acceleration of approximately 10 m/s^2.

vx = vx0 + ax*t: Velocity as a function of time. Use when you know initial velocity, acceleration, and time.
x = x0 + vx0*t + 0.5*ax*t^2: Position as a function of time. Use when you need displacement and know time.
vx^2 = vx0^2 + 2*ax*(x - x0): Velocity as a function of position. Use when time is not given or needed.
Slope on x-t graph: Equals instantaneous velocity. A steeper slope means faster motion; a negative slope means motion in the negative direction.
Area under v-t graph: Equals displacement over that time interval. Negative area (below the axis) means negative displacement.

A ball is dropped from rest and falls for 3 s. Using g = 10 m/s^2, how far does it fall? (x = 0.5 * 10 * 9 = 45 m.)

Graph type	Slope equals	Area equals
Position vs. time	Velocity	N/A
Velocity vs. time	Acceleration	Displacement
Acceleration vs. time	N/A	Change in velocity

1.4

Reference Frames and Relative Motion

A reference frame is the coordinate system an observer uses to measure motion. Different observers can measure different positions and velocities for the same object depending on their own motion. To convert between frames, add or subtract the observer's velocity as a vector. Crucially, acceleration is the same in all inertial (non-accelerating) reference frames, even when velocities differ.

Inertial reference frame: A reference frame moving at constant velocity. Newton's laws hold in all inertial frames.
Relative velocity: v_object relative to ground = v_object relative to observer + v_observer relative to ground. Use signed addition in 1D.
Frame-dependent velocity: The velocity of an object depends on which frame you measure from. A passenger walking on a train has different velocities relative to the train and to the ground.
Frame-independent acceleration: All inertial observers measure the same acceleration for an object, even if they disagree on its velocity.

A boat moves at +5 m/s relative to the water. The river flows at +2 m/s relative to the ground. What is the boat's velocity relative to the ground? (+7 m/s.)

Quantity	Frame-dependent?
Position	Yes
Velocity	Yes
Acceleration	No (same in all inertial frames)

1.5

Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions

Any vector can be broken into perpendicular x and y components using trigonometry: the x-component uses cosine of the angle and the y-component uses sine of the angle (relative to the horizontal). To find the magnitude of a resultant, use the Pythagorean theorem. In two-dimensional motion, each component is solved with its own one-dimensional kinematics. Projectile motion is the key application: horizontal velocity is constant (ax = 0) and vertical acceleration equals g downward (ay = -10 m/s^2). The two directions share only the time variable.

Vector resolution: vx = v*cos(theta), vy = v*sin(theta). Splits a vector into independent perpendicular components.
Resultant magnitude: v = sqrt(vx^2 + vy^2). Combines components back into a single magnitude.
Projectile horizontal direction: ax = 0, so vx is constant throughout the flight. Use x = vx0 * t.
Projectile vertical direction: ay = -g = -10 m/s^2. Use the constant-acceleration kinematic equations with this value.
Shared time: The time of flight is the same for both components. Solve one direction for time, then use that time in the other direction.

A ball is launched horizontally at 20 m/s from a cliff 45 m high. How long is it in the air, and how far does it travel horizontally? (t = sqrt(2*45/10) = 3 s; x = 20*3 = 60 m.)

Direction	Acceleration	Velocity behavior
Horizontal (x)	0	Constant throughout flight
Vertical (y)	-g = -10 m/s^2	Changes linearly with time

Practice AP Physics 1 unit 1 questions

Try stimulus-based AP practice questions and written prompts after you review the notes.

Example stimulus-based MCQs

open all practice

setup_diagram

Stimulus-based practice question

A conveyor belt moves to the right at a constant speed $3v_0$ relative to the floor. A robotic toy moves to the left at a constant speed $v_0$ relative to the belt. A box sits at rest on the floor, as shown in the figure.

answer in practice

Question

Which choice gives the toy's velocity as measured by an observer on the box, with the best justification?

$2v_0$ to the right, by adding the toy and belt velocities.

$4v_0$ to the right, by adding the belt and toy speeds.

$2v_0$ to the left, because the toy moves left on the belt.

$v_0$ to the left, because only the toy's motion matters.

setup_diagram

Stimulus-based practice question

A crate of mass $m$ is pulled across a horizontal floor by a rope that exerts a force $F$ at an angle $\phi$ measured from the vertical, as shown in the figure. The crate remains on the floor.

answer in practice

Question

Which of the following claims correctly applies vector resolution to determine the normal force $F_N$ exerted by the floor on the crate?

$F_N = mg - F\cos\phi$ because the upward vertical component of the applied force reduces the required normal force.

$F_N = mg - F\sin\phi$ because the horizontal component of the applied force reduces the required normal force.

$F_N = mg + F\cos\phi$ because the upward vertical component of the applied force presses the crate harder into the floor.

$F_N = mg + F\sin\phi$ because the horizontal component of the applied force presses the crate harder into the floor.

Example FRQs

open all FRQs

FRQ

Puck motion on frictionless air table

2. A student investigates the motion of a puck sliding on a nearly frictionless horizontal air table while a cart moves at constant speed in the +x direction.

Figure 1. Lab-frame positions of a cart moving at constant speed and a puck launched from the cart, shown at t = 0 s, 1.0 s, and 2.0 s.

Figure 2. Axes for x versus t for the puck in the lab frame (0 to 2.0 s).

Figure 3. Axes for y versus t for the puck in the lab frame (0 to 2.0 s).

Draw the graphs in Figure 2 and Figure 3. The student wants to represent the puck’s motion in the lab frame using graphs. The puck’s positions in the lab frame at the instants shown in Figure 1 are $\vec r_{p/l}(0)=\langle 0,0\rangle\ \text{m}$ , $\vec r_{p/l}(1.0\ \text{s})=\langle 1.4,0.40\rangle\ \text{m}$ , and $\vec r_{p/l}(2.0\ \text{s})=\langle 2.8,0.80\rangle\ \text{m}$ .

• In Figure 2, draw and label a line that represents $x(t)$ for the puck in the lab frame from $t=0$ to $t=2.0\ \text{s}$ .
• In Figure 3, draw and label a line that represents $y(t)$ for the puck in the lab frame from $t=0$ to $t=2.0\ \text{s}$ .
• The lines should be consistent with the data in Figure 1.

Starting with the relationship between relative velocity vectors, derive an expression for the magnitude $v_{p/l}$ of the puck’s velocity in the lab frame. Express your answer in terms of $v_c$ and the components $v_{x,\,p/c}$ and $v_{y,\,p/c}$ . Begin your derivation by writing a fundamental physics principle or an equation from the reference information. The cart moves at constant speed $v_c = 0.80\ \text{m/s}$ in the +x direction relative to the lab frame. The puck’s velocity relative to the cart is $\vec v_{p/c} = (0.60\ \text{m/s})\,\hat{i} + (0.40\ \text{m/s})\,\hat{j}$ .

Figure 4. Velocity x-components versus time (0 to 2.0 s) with v_{x,p/l} shown.

Figure 4 shows a graph of the x-component of the puck’s velocity as a function of time in the lab frame. Because the motion is frictionless, $v_{x,\,p/l}$ is constant, and the line $v_{x,\,p/l}=1.4\ \text{m/s}$ is already shown on the graph.

Sketch and label a horizontal line on Figure 4 that represents $v_{x,\,p/c}$ from $t=0$ to $t=2.0\ \text{s}$ .

ii.

Sketch and label a horizontal line on Figure 4 that represents the x-component of the cart’s velocity $v_{x,\,c/l}$ from $t=0$ to $t=2.0\ \text{s}$ . Then sketch and label a horizontal line that represents $v_{x,\,p/l} - v_{x,\,c/l}$ . The two lines you add must be consistent with the line already shown for $v_{x,\,p/l}$ .

Indicate whether the magnitude of the puck’s average velocity from $t=0$ to $t=2.0\ \text{s}$ is greater as measured in the lab frame than as measured in the cart frame, less, or equal. At $t=2.0\ \text{s}$ , an observer in the lab frame measures the puck’s displacement to be $\Delta \vec r_{p/l}=\langle 2.8,0.80\rangle\ \text{m}$ over the time interval from $t=0$ to $t=2.0\ \text{s}$ . Over the same interval, an observer in the cart frame measures the puck’s displacement to be $\Delta \vec r_{p/c}=\langle 1.2,0.80\rangle\ \text{m}$ .

$\left|\vec v_{\text{avg},\,p/l}\right| > \left|\vec v_{\text{avg},\,p/c}\right|$
$\left|\vec v_{\text{avg},\,p/l}\right| < \left|\vec v_{\text{avg},\,p/c}\right|$
$\left|\vec v_{\text{avg},\,p/l}\right| = \left|\vec v_{\text{avg},\,p/c}\right|$
Justify how your response is consistent with the representations you constructed in part A and/or part C, including the relationship between the x-components in the two reference frames.

write this FRQ

FRQ

Drone average velocity across wind scenarios

4. In Scenario 1, a student controls a small drone that flies at a constant speed of 12.0 m/s relative to the air. The drone is commanded to fly due east for 15.0 s, then due north for 15.0 s, as shown in Figure 1. The air is still (no wind). Take east as +x and north as +y. Neglect any time spent turning between legs of the trip.

In Scenario 2, the same drone follows the same commands: 15.0 s due east and then 15.0 s due north, while maintaining the same constant speed of 12.0 m/s relative to the air. However, there is a steady wind of 5.00 m/s due north relative to the ground. Take east as +x and north as +y. Neglect any time spent turning between legs of the trip.

Figure 1. Commanded headings for the drone: 15.0 s due east then 15.0 s due north; axes define +x east and +y north. Scenario 2 additionally includes a steady wind of 5.00 m/s due north.

Refer to Figure 1. Indicate whether the magnitude of the average velocity of the drone relative to the ground in Scenario 1, $|\vec{v}_{\text{avg},1}|$ , is greater than, less than, or equal to the magnitude of the average velocity of the drone relative to the ground in Scenario 2, $|\vec{v}_{\text{avg},2}|$ , by writing one of the following in your answer booklet.

• $|\vec{v}_{\text{avg},1}| > |\vec{v}_{\text{avg},2}|$
• $|\vec{v}_{\text{avg},1}| < |\vec{v}_{\text{avg},2}|$
• $|\vec{v}_{\text{avg},1}| = |\vec{v}_{\text{avg},2}|$

Justify your answer by describing how the displacement and total time compare between the two scenarios, and by describing how the wind affects (or does not affect) the components of the drone's ground velocity on each leg. Use qualitative reasoning beyond referencing equations.

Starting with the definition of average velocity, $\vec{v}_{\text{avg}} = \Delta \vec{r}/\Delta t_{\text{total}}$ , derive an expression for the magnitude of the average velocity of the drone relative to the ground in Scenario 2, $|\vec{v}_{\text{avg},2}|$ . Express your answer in terms of $v_a$ , $v_w$ , and $\Delta t$ . Your derivation must explicitly use one-dimensional vector addition for the x- and y-components and then combine perpendicular components to obtain the magnitude. Let the drone's airspeed be $v_a = 12.0\ \text{m/s}$ . Each leg lasts $\Delta t = 15.0\ \text{s}$ . In Scenario 2, the wind speed relative to the ground is $v_w = 5.00\ \text{m/s}$ due north. The drone flies due east relative to the air for the first leg and due north relative to the air for the second leg.

Indicate whether the expression for $|\vec{v}_{\text{avg},2}|$ you derived in part B is or is not consistent with the relationship you selected in part A. Briefly justify your answer by referencing how $v_w$ appears in your derived expression and how that affects the displacement (and therefore the average velocity) compared with Scenario 1, where $v_w = 0$ .

write this FRQ

FRQ

Relative velocity of projectile in different reference frames

1. A student stands on a straight, level sidewalk next to a long train moving in a straight line. At the instant the student is next to a particular window on the train, a ball is launched from the window, as shown in Figure 1. Neglect air resistance.

Figure 1. Ball launched from a train window: ground frame axes, train speed v_T, launch speed v_0 at angle θ, and window height y_0 above the sidewalk.

Figure 2. Axes for sketching the ball’s x-component of velocity v_x versus time t (student/sidewalk frame).

On the axes shown in Figure 2, sketch a graph of the x-component of the velocity $v_x$ of the ball as a function of time $t$ as measured by the student from $t = 0$ until $t > t_2$ .

ii.

Derive an expression for the x-component $v_{x,S}$ of the ball's velocity as measured by the student immediately after launch in terms of $v_T$ , $v_0$ , and $\theta$ . Begin your derivation by writing a fundamental physics principle or an equation from the reference information.

iii.

Derive an expression for the time $t_2$ at which the ball reaches the ground as measured by the student in terms of $y_0$ , $v_0$ , $\theta$ , $g$ , and physical constants, as appropriate. Begin your derivation by writing a fundamental physics principle or an equation from the reference information.

Indicate whether the magnitude of the ball's velocity measured by the sidewalk student at $t = 0.50\ \text{s}$ is greater than, less than, or equal to the magnitude measured by the train student. Consider a second student who is riding on the train and is at rest in the train's reference frame. Both the sidewalk student and the train student are in inertial reference frames. Assume the train moves with constant velocity for the entire motion.

At a time $t = 0.50\ \text{s}$ after launch, the train student measures the ball's velocity to have magnitude $8.00\ \text{m/s}$ at an angle $20.0^\circ$ above the horizontal.

Greater than
Less than
Equal to
Justify your response.

write this FRQ

Key terms

Term	Definition
scalar	A physical quantity described by magnitude only, without direction. Distance and speed are scalars.
object model	A simplification in which an object's size, shape, and internal configuration are ignored and the object is treated as a single point with properties such as mass.
position versus time graph	A graph with position on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. The slope at any point equals the instantaneous velocity; a curved line indicates changing velocity.
Time in air	The duration an object spends in free fall after being launched, determined solely by the vertical height and gravitational acceleration.
Range equation	A kinematic formula relating the horizontal distance traveled by a projectile to its launch speed, launch angle, and gravitational acceleration.

Common unit 1 mistakes

Confusing distance with displacement

Distance is the total path length (scalar). Displacement is the straight-line change in position (vector). An object that travels 10 m forward and 4 m back has a distance of 14 m but a displacement of only 6 m. Using distance in a velocity formula gives the wrong answer.

Using kinematic equations when acceleration is not constant

The three kinematic equations only apply when acceleration is constant throughout the interval. If a problem describes changing acceleration or multiple phases of motion, you must split the problem into separate constant-acceleration segments.

Mixing up slope and area on motion graphs

On a velocity-time graph, the slope gives acceleration and the area gives displacement, not the other way around. On a position-time graph, the slope gives velocity. Swapping these relationships produces incorrect values.

Forgetting that horizontal velocity is constant in projectile motion

Many students apply g to the horizontal direction or assume the horizontal velocity changes. In projectile motion, ax = 0, so vx stays equal to its initial value for the entire flight.

Subtracting velocities incorrectly in relative motion problems

When converting between reference frames, the sign of the observer's velocity matters. Clearly define a positive direction, write the vector addition equation explicitly, and substitute signed values rather than magnitudes.

How this unit shows up on the AP exam

Graph interpretation and translation

AP Physics 1 frequently asks you to read a position-time or velocity-time graph and describe the motion in words, identify the sign of acceleration, or sketch a corresponding graph in a different representation. Practice moving fluently between graphs, equations, and verbal descriptions for the same motion scenario.

Quantitative justification with kinematic equations

Free-response questions often require you to select the correct kinematic equation, substitute values with correct signs, and show your reasoning. Partial credit depends on setting up the equation correctly even if arithmetic errors occur, so label known and unknown variables explicitly before solving.

Projectile motion analysis in multi-part problems

Two-dimensional kinematics problems typically ask for time of flight, maximum height, or horizontal range in separate parts. Each part may require a different kinematic equation applied to a different direction. Identifying the shared time variable and keeping x and y work clearly separated is the key organizational skill for these problems.

Final unit 1 review checklist

Classify every quantity as scalar or vectorFor any quantity in a problem, confirm whether it needs a direction. Distance and speed are scalars; displacement, velocity, and acceleration are vectors. Assign a positive direction and use signs consistently throughout.
Apply the three kinematic equations correctlyIdentify which of the four variables (x, v, a, t) are known and which is unknown, then select the equation that connects them. Confirm that acceleration is actually constant before using these equations.
Read motion graphs accuratelyOn a position-time graph, find velocity from the slope. On a velocity-time graph, find acceleration from the slope and displacement from the area under the curve. Recognize what a curved versus straight line means in each graph type.
Convert velocities between reference framesWrite out the vector addition equation for relative velocity, assign signs based on your chosen positive direction, and solve algebraically. Confirm that acceleration does not change between inertial frames.
Resolve vectors into components before solving 2D problemsUse vx = v*cos(theta) and vy = v*sin(theta) to split any launch velocity. Set up separate kinematic equations for x and y, and identify the shared time variable to link the two directions.
Handle projectile motion as two independent 1D problemsHorizontal: ax = 0, vx is constant. Vertical: ay = -10 m/s^2, use kinematic equations. Solve for time from one direction and substitute into the other.
Check signs and units throughout every calculationA sign error in direction or a unit mismatch (m vs. cm, s vs. ms) is one of the most common sources of wrong answers in kinematics. Label your positive direction at the start and verify units before finalizing.

How to study unit 1

Start with scalars and vectors (Topic 1.1)Read the Topic 1.1 guide and practice labeling every quantity in a sample problem as scalar or vector. Write out a few one-dimensional vector addition examples using signed numbers until the sign convention feels automatic.

Build fluency with displacement, velocity, and acceleration (Topic 1.2)Work through the Topic 1.2 guide focusing on the formulas delta-x = x - x0, v_avg = delta-x / delta-t, and a_avg = delta-v / delta-t. Practice distinguishing average from instantaneous values and identifying when an object is accelerating.

Practice all three representations of motion (Topic 1.3)Use the Topic 1.3 guide to review the three kinematic equations and motion graph interpretation. Sketch position-time and velocity-time graphs for a few scenarios, identify slopes and areas, and solve at least five kinematic equation problems including free-fall.

Work through reference frame conversions (Topic 1.4)Read the Topic 1.4 guide and practice the relative velocity addition formula with at least three scenarios involving objects moving in the same and opposite directions. Confirm for each that acceleration is unchanged between frames.

Solve two-dimensional and projectile motion problems (Topic 1.5)Use the Topic 1.5 guide to practice resolving vectors into components with sine and cosine. Set up and solve at least three projectile motion problems, one with horizontal launch and two with angled launch, keeping x and y equations separate and linking them through time.

More ways to review

Topic study guides

Open the individual guides for Unit 1 when you want a closer review of one topic.

browse guides

FRQ practice

Practice free-response reasoning and compare your answer with scoring guidance.

practice FRQs

Cram archive videos

Watch past review streams filtered to Unit 1 when you want a video walkthrough.

open videos

Cheatsheets

Use unit cheatsheets for a quick visual review after you work through the notes.

open cheatsheets

Score calculator

Estimate your broader AP score goal after you review the course and exam format.

open calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are covered in AP Physics 1 Unit 1?

AP Physics 1 Unit 1 covers 5 topics in kinematics: Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension, Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration, Representing Motion, Reference Frames and Relative Motion, and Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions. Together they build the foundation for analyzing how objects move in one and two dimensions. Here's a quick breakdown: - **1.1** Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension - **1.2** Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration - **1.3** Representing Motion (diagrams, graphs, equations) - **1.4** Reference Frames and Relative Motion - **1.5** Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions See everything for this unit at AP Physics 1 Unit 1.

How much of the AP Physics 1 exam is Unit 1?

Unit 1 makes up 10-15% of the AP Physics 1 exam, making kinematics one of the more heavily tested units. It covers displacement, velocity, acceleration, reference frames, and motion in two dimensions. Expect multiple-choice questions that test graph interpretation and vector analysis, plus free-response questions that ask you to model or explain motion.

What's on the AP Physics 1 Unit 1 progress check (MCQ and FRQ)?

The AP Physics 1 Unit 1 progress check includes both MCQ and FRQ parts drawn from all five kinematics topics: scalars and vectors, displacement, velocity and acceleration, representing motion through graphs and diagrams, reference frames, and two-dimensional motion. The MCQ section tests conceptual understanding and graph reading, while the FRQ section asks you to analyze or model motion scenarios in writing. Practicing with these topics before the progress check is the best prep move. You can find matched practice at AP Physics 1 Unit 1.

How do I practice AP Physics 1 Unit 1 FRQs?

AP Physics 1 Unit 1 FRQs most often pull from displacement and velocity analysis, representing motion with graphs or equations, and two-dimensional vector problems. These questions typically ask you to describe motion, interpret a position-time or velocity-time graph, or solve a multi-step kinematics problem with written justification. To practice effectively, work through problems that require you to both calculate and explain your reasoning in full sentences. College Board scores FRQs on the quality of your explanation, not just the math. Start with the topic guides and practice sets at AP Physics 1 Unit 1 to get reps on each question type.

Where can I find AP Physics 1 Unit 1 practice questions?

The best place to find AP Physics 1 Unit 1 practice questions, including multiple-choice and practice test sets, is AP Physics 1 Unit 1. You'll find MCQ practice covering scalars and vectors, displacement, velocity, acceleration, reference frames, and two-dimensional motion, which are the exact topics tested on the exam. For the most targeted prep, focus on questions that involve reading motion graphs and working with vector components, since those show up most often in both the MCQ and FRQ sections.

How should I study AP Physics 1 Unit 1?

Start by getting solid on displacement and the difference between scalars and vectors, since those ideas run through every other topic in the unit. From there, work through each of the 5 topics in order: one-dimensional vectors, displacement and velocity, motion representations, reference frames, and two-dimensional motion. Here's a study approach that works: 1. **Sketch motion diagrams and graphs** for each scenario before writing equations. Visual models are a huge part of how this unit is tested. 2. **Practice converting between representations**, like going from a position-time graph to a velocity-time graph. 3. **Work FRQs out loud.** Kinematics FRQs reward clear written reasoning, so practice explaining your steps. 4. **Review reference frames carefully.** Relative motion trips up a lot of students but is very testable. All the topic guides and practice you need are at AP Physics 1 Unit 1.

Ready to review Unit 1?Start with the notes, check the topic cards, and use the practice or resource links when they are available for this course.

start review notes review topics