Description

AP Physics 1 Course Overview
AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple
harmonic motion, torque and rotational motion.

PREREQUISITES
Students should have completed Geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course or have equivalent knowledge Students should have strong knowledge of Vectors and Trigonometric functions.
Although the Physics 1 course includes basic use of trigonometric functions, this understanding can be gained either in the concurrent math course or in the AP Physics 1 course itself.Students explore principles of Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. The course is based on six big ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world.

Academic year session requires an average of 8-10 hours per week for 30 weeks, with breaks for holidays.

Major course themes include:

■ Unit 1: Kinematics

■ Unit 2: Dynamics
■ Unit 3: Circular Motion and Gravitation
■ Unit 4: Energy
■ Unit 5: Momentum
■ Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion
■ Unit 7: Torque and Rotational Motion

This course includes a laboratory component designed to meet College Board standards.

Course Structure

Major course themes include:

• Segment One

  Module 01 - Kinematics

   

  ·       Position, velocity, and acceleration

  ·       Vectors

  ·       Graphical representations of motion

  ·       One-dimensional motion

  ·       Two-dimensional motion

   

  Module 02 - Forces and Motion

   

  ·       Projectile motion

  ·       Systems

  ·       Contact forces

  ·       Free-body diagrams

  ·       Mass and weight

  ·       Newton’s first, second, and third laws

  ·       Applications of Newton’s laws

   

  Module 03 - Circular Motion and Gravitation

   

  ·       Fundamental forces

  ·       Gravitation

  ·       Gravity on other planets

  ·       Circular motion

  ·       Orbital motion

  ·       Applications of circular motion and gravitation

   

  Segment Two

  Module 04 - Energy

   

  ·       Systems and energy

  ·       Work

  ·       Mechanical energy

  ·       Kinetic and potential energy

  ·       Conservation of energy

  ·       Work-energy principle

  ·       Power

   

  Module 05 - Momentum and Oscillations

   

  ·       Momentum

  ·       Impulse

  ·       Changes in momentum

  ·       Conservation of momentum

  ·       Collisions

  ·       Simple harmonic motion

  ·       Pendulums

   

  Module 06 - Rotational Motion

   

  ·       Rotational kinematics

  ·       Torque

  ·       Angular acceleration

  ·       Moment of inertia

  ·       Rotational dynamics

  ·       Angular momentum

  ·       Conservation of angular momentum

  ·       Rolling motion

More information about AP Physics 1 course requirements at:
https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-physics-1-algebra-based

Course syllabus

AP Physics 1 Course and Exam Description

• AP Physics 1 Course and Exam Description

Materials required

For this course you need to secure the following textbook and materials (if lab kit is listed, check first the possibility of using your school lab prior to buying the lab kit):

Price

course fee: 741,- EUR / 19 500,- Kč

Student’s Experience

I must begin by saying that this course will always remain in my memory as one of the most enjoyable periods of my academic journey. It made me completely fall in love with classical physics, which, in my opinion, is often poorly represented in our school system. I am looking forward to the AP Physics 1 exam, as well as to taking AP Physics 2 next year. According to what I’ve recently learned, the completion of both courses can serve as a substitute for the Maturita exam—which is, unquestionably, terrific news. I wholeheartedly believe that keeping Thinkwell in this course is essential. Over the past year, I’ve grown quite accustomed to Professor Pollock’s teaching style—so much so, in fact, that I am now reading his book Great Ideas of Classical Physics.Thinkwell is one of the best online learning platforms I have had the pleasure of using, despite its somewhat outdated aesthetic. I definitely prefer it over Khan Academy. I would also like to personally thank you, my instructor, for always granting my deadline extension requests. Your kindness helped me a great deal during challenging times.

Semih, 2025

This year i have improved my algebra and physics skills greatly. I took AP Calc previously, so that helped immensely. I am continuing on to bioengineering at NYU Abu Dhabi as a hopeful Pre-med track, so this class has been very helpful either for the engineering part of the course or for the later medicine classes. I am very thankful for the instructors always being willing to extend a deadline if I missed it for pure forgetfulness or for other personal reasons. I haven't used Thinkwell much, I mostly watched YouTube videos (flippingphysics), which suited my needs more, and I practiced questions from the AP Barrons book.

Michaela C., 2025

I really enjoyed the course as a whole. The Thinkwell portal was quite useful especially the videos. Both during the course and now when revising for the exam. Overall I am happy that I completed the course and have no dislikes.

Jakub M., 2025

I've had an awesome time studying this course, I was every day learning something new or interesting (and that is for me as a person who adores learning, one of the most important things). I would also like to thank our instructor for her persistent and excellent job and I'm looking forward to future AP courses (perhaps also in physics).  

Tomas C., 2022

Elizabeth O., 2022