AP Physics 1 & 2,
algebra-based
fundamentals.
The algebra-based AP physics courses. Mechanics, electricity, waves, thermodynamics, optics, fluids and modern physics — designed for students who want physics without calculus.
Algebra-based physics across mechanics (Physics 1) and electricity, optics, fluids and modern physics (Physics 2). Ideal for pre-med and biology-track students.
Physics 1 has the lowest 5-rate of any AP — but it is coachable.
AP Physics 1 is the most-taken and hardest-to-ace AP science. Nationally, only ~7% of students score a 5. The reason is not content difficulty — it is the FRQ format, which demands paragraph-length conceptual explanations rather than calculations. AP Physics 2 covers electricity, optics, fluids and modern physics with the same style.
Why so few students score 5
The rubric rewards conceptual reasoning written in complete sentences. "F = ma, a = 10 m/s²" scores poorly. "The net force on the block is 20 N to the right, resulting in an acceleration of 10 m/s² by Newton's second law, since the block has a mass of 2 kg" scores full marks.
The full content we cover in 1:1 lessons.
Every Times Edu AP Physics 1 & 2 mentor maps lessons directly to the College Board Course and Exam Description — nothing on the May exam is a surprise.
Kinematics
Motion in 1D and 2D, projectiles, reference frames.
Forces & Newton's Laws
Free-body diagrams, friction, circular motion.
Work, Energy & Power
Conservation of energy, work-energy theorem.
Momentum & Collisions
Impulse, conservation of momentum, elastic and inelastic.
Rotation & SHM
Torque, angular momentum, simple harmonic motion, waves.
Fluids & Thermo
Pressure, buoyancy, Bernoulli, thermodynamic laws.
Electricity & Magnetism
Circuits, Coulomb, electric fields, magnetism.
Optics & Modern
Reflection, refraction, lenses, atomic and nuclear physics.
Exactly what the May exam tests.
Knowing the format and rubric is half the battle. Here is the full breakdown of the AP AP Physics 1 & 2 exam.
Multiple Choice
50 questions. No calculator allowed on Physics 1; calculator on Physics 2.
Free Response
5 FRQs including experimental design and paragraph-length explanations.
Paragraph Explanation
Full-sentence conceptual justifications — not just equations.
1 – 5 Scale
Physics 1: ~7% score 5 nationally. Physics 2: ~14% score 5.
Why even strong students miss a 5.
These are the three traps we see most often in AP AP Physics 1 & 2 diagnostics — and every one is fixable with focused coaching.
Equation-only answers
The Physics 1 rubric penalises calculation-only answers. Conceptual explanation in words is worth more than the numbers. We drill verbal reasoning from week 1.
Free-body diagram errors
Almost every mechanics FRQ starts with an FBD. A wrong FBD cascades through the entire response. We drill FBDs weekly.
Experimental design gaps
One FRQ every year requires designing an experiment. Students who have never practised this format lose all 7 marks.
From diagnostic to May exam.
Physics 1 has the lowest 5-rate of any AP. I scored a 5. The difference was learning to explain physics in words, not just equations. Times Edu made me practice that every session.
What families always ask about AP Physics 1 & 2.
Have a question about your child? Book a free 60-minute diagnostic and our AP specialist will answer every one.
Is Physics 1 really the hardest AP to get a 5 on?
Statistically yes — only ~7% nationally score 5, versus 15–20% on most other APs. But that reflects the average, not the coached. Our students score 5 at ~45% because we drill the paragraph-explanation rubric.
Should my child take Physics 1 or Physics C?
Physics 1 is algebra-based and better for pre-med, bio and non-engineering STEM. Physics C is calculus-based and better for engineering and physics majors. We advise based on target universities.
Do Physics 1 and 2 count as separate APs?
Yes — two separate exams, two separate scores. Students can sit one or both. Most US-bound students in Vietnam take Physics 1; Physics 2 is less common.
Is a calculator really not allowed on Physics 1?
Correct — no calculator on Physics 1 MCQ. This catches many students off guard. We drill mental arithmetic and estimation as part of exam prep.
Ready to turn AP Physics 1 & 2 into a perfect 5?
Your child's free 60-minute AP diagnostic includes a full content gap analysis, a realistic score prediction and a week-by-week roadmap to the May exam. Worth $60 — free for the first 50 families.