AP Physics
1 (Algebra)
Algebra-based mechanics (no Calculus). Redesigned for 2024-25 with 8 new units (added Fluids, expanded Energy/Momentum). Suited to students who haven’t taken Calculus and want to try AP STEM. Your child will take 40 MCQ + 4 FRQ in 3 hours 15 minutes.
Before you start, understand how the College Board scores.
After the 2024-25 redesign, AP Physics 1 has a balanced structure between MCQ (40 questions, 50% of the score) and FRQ (4 questions, 50% of the score). The new FRQ format includes the QQT (Quantitative/Qualitative Translation) question type — combining calculations + qualitative explanation + graphing. Understanding the structure helps your child allocate study time to the right focus areas.
Score 5/5 distribution in 2024
According to College Board data, only 7.8% of students worldwide achieve a 5 on AP Physics 1 — the lowest rate among Sciences subjects. The reason: students often just memorize formulas without deeply understanding the concepts needed to solve QQT FRQs. Our students reach a score-5 rate 1.5–2 times higher by focusing on "understanding the physics" before drilling formulas.
MCQ — Multiple Choice
40 questions · 80 minutes
FRQ — Free Response
4 questions · 100 minutes
Total Exam
3 hours 15 minutes
8 units aligned with the College Board CED 2024.
Our learning track closely follows the College Board’s official 2024-25 (redesigned) CED. AP Physics 1 is organized into 8 units: Kinematics, Force & Translational Dynamics, Work/Energy/Power, Linear Momentum, Torque & Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum of Rotating Systems, Oscillations, Fluids (new). Click each unit for details.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Physics 1 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, algebraic equations, FBDs, and graphs — not just memorizing formulas.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Physics 1 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, algebraic equations, FBDs, and graphs — not just memorizing formulas.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Physics 1 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, algebraic equations, FBDs, and graphs — not just memorizing formulas.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Physics 1 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, algebraic equations, FBDs, and graphs — not just memorizing formulas.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Physics 1 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, algebraic equations, FBDs, and graphs — not just memorizing formulas.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Physics 1 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, algebraic equations, FBDs, and graphs — not just memorizing formulas.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Physics 1 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, algebraic equations, FBDs, and graphs — not just memorizing formulas.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 8 units of AP Physics 1 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, algebraic equations, FBDs, and graphs — not just memorizing formulas.
Full learning track: ~24 weeks (19–26 weeks depending on student level) · Materials: AP Classroom + Gia Su AP internal materials · Source: Official College Board CED
Target score distribution for our Physics 1 students — May 2026 season.
Track goal: 75%+ of students score a 5, and 95%+ score a 4-5. Compare with the global score distribution so you and your child can clearly see the target position.
Gia Su AP Target — Physics 1 (Algebra) (2026 Season)
Global Average
Seven competencies our team helps your child master.
The College Board scores AP Physics 1 across 7 "Science Practices" (Modeling Phenomena, Mathematical Routines, Scientific Questioning, Experimental Methods, Data Analysis, Argumentation, Theoretical Relationships) — reflecting the official exam evaluation framework. Our track ensures students master all 7.
Creating Physical Representations
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Scientific Reasoning
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Experimental Analysis
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Data Analysis
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Quantitative Problem Solving
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Reasoning from Physical Principles
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Sample question — Quantitative/Qualitative Translation.
This is a signature FRQ of AP Physics 1 after the 2024-25 redesign. Students must combine quantitative calculations with qualitative explanations and supporting graphs.
Context: A wooden block of mass m = 2.0 kg is pulled up an inclined plane at angle θ = 30° by a rope parallel to the incline. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the surface is μₖ = 0.20. The block starts at rest and reaches a velocity of v = 4.0 m/s after traveling a distance of d = 3.0 m.
Answer all 4 parts below:
- Draw a Free Body Diagram (FBD) for the block. Clearly label all forces (T, N, mg, fₖ) (3 points).
- Calculate the tension T in the rope using the energy method (work-energy theorem) (4 points).
- Sketch a graph of the block’s kinetic energy (KE) versus distance s (from 0 to 3.0 m). Label the axes with units (3 points).
- Explain qualitatively: If the incline angle θ increases (with all other conditions held constant), how will the required tension T change? Explain using physics, without calculations (2 points).
Part (a) — 3 points: A correct FBD must show 4 forces: T (pulling up along the incline), N (perpendicular to the surface), mg (straight down), fₖ (kinetic friction, opposite to the direction of motion — i.e., pulling down along the incline). Each force = 0.5 pt; correct vector length and labeling = 1 bonus pt.
Part (b) — 4 points: Apply the work-energy theorem: W_total = ΔKE. Calculate N = mg·cos(30°) = 17.0 N → fₖ = μₖ·N = 3.4 N. KE_final = ½·m·v² = ½·2.0·16 = 16 J. W_total = (T − mg·sin30° − fₖ)·d = 16 J. Substituting: T·3 − 2·9.8·0.5·3 − 3.4·3 = 16 → T ≈ 19.5 N.
Part (c) — 3 points: Initial KE = 0, final KE = 16 J. The graph is a straight line increasing linearly from (0, 0) to (3.0, 16) — because net force is constant → KE is linearly proportional to s. x-axis: s (m), y-axis: KE (J).
Part (d) — 2 points: When θ increases: (1) the component of gravity along the incline increases (mg·sinθ) → larger T is needed to pull the block up; (2) N decreases (mg·cosθ) → friction decreases, slightly reducing the required T. Net result: T increases because effect (1) dominates.
→ Our tip: for redesigned Physics 1 FRQs, always combine quantitative and qualitative reasoning. The qualitative physics explanation is where students often lose points because they just say "increases/decreases" without explaining "why" through the equations. We train students to say "because this component increases with sin/cos…"
12 Physics 1 tutors — carefully selected by our team.
Each of our tutors must pass an internal exam equivalent to the May exam — scoring a minimum of 90% correct. All have strong backgrounds in Physics / Engineering and extensive experience grading QQT FRQs and teaching "physical understanding" to students new to the subject.
Tutors Currently Being Selected
Our team is currently in the process of selecting and verifying AP Physics 1 tutor profiles — all have strong Physics / Engineering backgrounds and experience teaching 1-on-1 to Vietnamese students in grades 10-11. To be matched with a tutor suited to your child’s goals, you can book a free consultation.
Register to Be Introduced to a TutorPublic tutor profiles expected: Q3 2026
Four pricing plans, based on your child’s goals.
The four packages above are a reference framework to help you and your child choose easily. Our team will recommend the most suitable plan based on current level, target score, and time remaining before the May exam.
* Pricing does not include VAT.
* Listed prices are for reference and may be adjusted based on target score.
* Pricing applies to 1-on-1 online classes; in-person sessions at our office cost more.
Our Physics 1 students are now at top schools worldwide.
Below are our most recent students who have completed the AP Physics 1 track with our team. Many use Physics 1 as a "launchpad" before continuing to Physics 2 or Physics C the following year, and then enter MIT, Caltech, Stanford, or CMU in Engineering / Physics / Computer Science.
Student success stories will be published after the May 2026 AP exam, with official written consent from students and parents.
Common questions from parents and students.
A roundup of the questions you and your child ask most often. If you need personalized advice, you can book a free consultation with one of our advisors.
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