AP® Physics 1: Algebra-Based Cheat Sheet

This comprehensive AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Cheat Sheet provides essential formulas, key concepts, and critical information across all units of the AP Physics 1 curriculum. By summarizing complex topics into easy-to-understand points, it helps students efficiently review and reinforce their knowledge. The inclusion of specific formulas and example problems aids in the application of theoretical concepts, ensuring students are well-prepared for both multiple-choice and free-response questions on the exam. With clear, concise explanations and organized sections, this cheat sheet is an invaluable study aid for achieving a high score on the AP Physics 1 exam.

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Unit 1: Kinematics

• Vector vs. Scalar: Vectors include directions.

• Displacement vs. Distance

• Velocity vs. Speed: Include direction for velocity.

• Acceleration: (also a vector)

• Key Equations:

  • $v = v_0 + at$$v = v_0 + at$

  • $\Delta x = v_0t + \frac{1}{2} at^2$$ \Delta x = v_0t + \frac{1}{2} at^2 $

  • $v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a\Delta x$$ v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a\Delta x $

  • $\Delta x = \frac{1}{2}(v_0 + v)t$$ \Delta x = \frac{1}{2}(v_0 + v)t $

• Projectile Motion

• Position-Time Graphs: Slope = velocity

• Velocity-Time Graphs: Slope = acceleration

• Acceleration-Time Graphs

• Gravity: $\text{Gravity: } g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2$$ \text{Gravity: } g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 $

Unit 2: Dynamics

• Equilibrium: Net force = 0

• Newton’s Laws:

  • 1st: Law of Inertia

  • 2nd: F = ma

  • 3rd: Action-Reaction

• Friction: $F_f = \mu F_n$$ F_f = \mu F_n $

• Ramps/Inclined Planes: Free body diagrams

• Force Body Diagrams

• Net Force Calculation

Unit 3: Circular Motion & Gravitation

• Centripetal Force: Not an actual force, net force

  • $F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r}$$ F_c = \frac{mv^2}{r} $

• Centripetal Acceleration: $a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}$$ a_c = \frac{v^2}{r} $

• Universal Gravitation: $F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$$ F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2} $

• Uniform Circular Motion: Constant speed

• Gravitational Mass vs. Inertial Mass

Unit 4: Energy

• Work: W = Fd

  • Parallel: (+) Work

  • Antiparallel: (−) Work

• Energy Types:

  • Kinetic Energy: $KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2$$ KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2$

  • Potential Energy: $PE_g = mgh, \, PE_s = \frac{1}{2} kx^2$$ PE_g = mgh, \, PE_s = \frac{1}{2} kx^2 $

• Mechanical Energy: Sum of kinetic and potential energy

• Power: $P = \frac{W}{t} \text{ or } P = Fv$$ P = \frac{W}{t} \text{ or } P = Fv$

• Conservation of Energy

• Graphs & Diagrams

Unit 5: Momentum

• Momentum: p = mv

• Impulse: J = Ft

  • $\Delta p = J$$ \Delta p = J $

• Conservation of Momentum

• Collisions:

  • Elastic: Kinetic Energy and Momentum conserved

  • Inelastic: Momentum conserved

• Center of Mass

Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion

• Spring & Pendulum

• Key Relationships:

  • Hooke’s Law: F = kx

  • Period Equations:

    • Pendulum: $T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}$$ T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{L}{g}} $

    • Spring: $T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}$$ T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}} $

Unit 7: Torque & Rotational Motion

• Rotational Kinematics: θ,ω,α

  • Similar to linear kinematics with rotational symbols

• Torque: tau = rF \sin \theta $

  • $\tau = I\alpha$$ \tau = I\alpha $

• Moment of Inertia: $I = \sum mr^2$$ I = \sum mr^2 $

• Angular Momentum: $L = I\omega$$L = I\omega$

• Conservation of Angular Momentum

FRQ Tips

• FRQ Breakdown:

  • Experimental Design: Data analysis

  • Quantitative & Qualitative Translation: Concept application

  • Paragraph Argument: Cohesive argument in physics

• Solving Tips:

  • Correct equations and observations

  • Direct/indirect relationships

  • Citing information

  • Basic physics application

  • Clear and concise claims