AP Physics 1
Full Course
Videos·Simulations·FRQs·Mind maps
- Unit 1Kinematics
- Unit 2Force & Translational Dynamics
- Unit 3Work, Energy & Power
- Unit 4Linear Momentum
- Unit 5Torque & Rotational Dynamics
- Unit 6Energy & Momentum (Rotation)
- Unit 7Oscillations
- Unit 8Fluids
Video lesson
Frames of Reference
1 / 8
SimulationWork at an Angle
What You’ll Learn in This Plan
50,000+
students enrolled
Students say from 11 reviews
Hard ideas finally click, and they can solve the questions on their own.
Clarity
Visuals
Problem-solving
Top reviews
Rare clarity of thought… making even difficult ideas intuitive.
I often integrate his innovative videos into my university lectures.
Thanks for making me an understander of this concept.
The Science Cube · Course Map
AP Physics 1: Course at a Glance
Every unit, topic and lesson in the course — laid out the way the College Board maps its own AP Physics 1 exam, with the official exam weighting attached to each unit. The full course is free while it's being built out.
What it is
An algebra-based introductory physics course — equivalent to a first-semester college mechanics course. Prerequisite: Geometry, with Algebra II taken concurrently.
How it's taught
The official framework asks for 25% hands-on, inquiry-based work. On The Science Cube, every lesson meets that through an interactive simulation instead of a lab writeup.
How it's organized
8 units, sequenced the way the College Board's own course framework orders them — the same order used in most college mechanics textbooks.
Exam Weighting — Multiple-Choice Section, AP Physics 1 Exam
| Units of Instruction | Exam Weighting |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Kinematics | 10–15% |
| Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics | 18–23% |
| Unit 3: Work, Energy and Power | 18–23% |
| Unit 4: Linear Momentum | 10–15% |
| Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics | 10–15% |
| Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems | 5–8% |
| Unit 7: Oscillations | 5–8% |
| Unit 8: Fluids | 10–15% |
Weighting and pacing reflect the College Board’s official AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Course and Exam Description (effective Fall 2024). Lesson counts below are The Science Cube’s own breakdown of each topic.
Science Practices — spiral through every unit
1
Creating Representations
Create diagrams, graphs, and sketches that depict physical phenomena.
2
Mathematical Routines
Derive, calculate, estimate, or predict using logical mathematical pathways.
3
Scientific Questioning & Argumentation
Design experimental procedures, analyze data, and justify claims with evidence.
Course at a Glance
Unit1 Kinematics 5 topics · 23 lessons
~12–17Class Periods*
10–15%AP Exam Weighting*
23TSC Lessons
1.1 Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension 3 lessons
1.1.1 Scalars vs Vectors
- Definition of a scalar quantity
- Definition of a vector quantity
- Examples of scalars in mechanics (mass, time, distance, speed)
- Examples of vectors in mechanics (displacement, velocity, acceleration, force)
- Why direction matters in physics
1.1.2 Representing Vectors in One Dimension
- Sign convention as direction in 1D
- Choosing a positive direction (coordinate axis)
- Vector notation (arrow notation, bold notation)
- Magnitude vs signed value of a 1D vector
1.1.3 Adding and Subtracting 1D Vectors
- Vector addition with sign convention
- Vector subtraction as adding the negative
- Net vector quantity in 1D
- Common student errors with signs
1.2 Displacement, Velocity and Acceleration 5 lessons
1.2.1 Position and Displacement
- Position as a coordinate
- Displacement as change in position (Δx)
- Distance vs displacement
- Sign of displacement and direction
- Displacement over multiple intervals
1.2.2 Speed and Velocity
- Speed as a scalar
- Velocity as a vector
- Average velocity formula and meaning
- Average speed formula and meaning
- Why average speed ≠ magnitude of average velocity in general
1.2.3 Instantaneous Velocity
- Concept of instantaneous velocity
- Velocity as the limit of average velocity over small time intervals
- Instantaneous speed
- Direction of instantaneous velocity
1.2.4 Acceleration
- Acceleration as change in velocity
- Average acceleration formula
- Instantaneous acceleration
- Sign of acceleration vs direction of motion
- Why "negative acceleration" does not always mean slowing down
- Deceleration as a non-physics term
1.2.5 Kinematic Equations for Constant Acceleration
- The four kinematic equations
- When constant acceleration applies
- Choosing the right equation for a given problem
- Free-fall as a special case (g = 9.8 m/s²)
- Sign conventions in vertical motion
1.3 Representing Motion 5 lessons
1.3.1 Position-Time Graphs
- Reading position from a position-time graph
- Slope of a position-time graph as velocity
- Straight line vs curve interpretation
- Reading direction of motion from slope sign
1.3.2 Velocity-Time Graphs
- Reading velocity from a velocity-time graph
- Slope of a velocity-time graph as acceleration
- Area under a velocity-time graph as displacement
- Identifying motion phases (speeding up, slowing down, at rest)
1.3.3 Acceleration-Time Graphs
- Reading acceleration from an acceleration-time graph
- Area under acceleration-time graph as change in velocity
- Constant acceleration vs varying acceleration
1.3.4 Translating Between Graphs
- From position-time to velocity-time
- From velocity-time to acceleration-time
- From acceleration-time back to velocity-time
- Common student misreadings of motion graphs
1.3.5 Motion Diagrams
- Drawing motion diagrams with position dots
- Showing velocity vectors on a motion diagram
- Showing acceleration on a motion diagram
- Using motion diagrams to set up problems
1.4 Reference Frames and Relative Motion 3 lessons
1.4.1 Reference Frames
- Definition of a reference frame
- Choosing a reference frame for a problem
- How motion description depends on the frame
- Inertial reference frames (qualitative)
1.4.2 Relative Velocity in One Dimension
- Velocity of A relative to B
- Velocity addition in 1D
- Same-direction vs opposite-direction motion
- Sign convention in relative velocity problems
1.4.3 Applications of Relative Motion
- Boats in rivers (1D component)
- Vehicles passing each other
- Walking on a moving walkway
- Common reference frame problem types
1.5 Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions 7 lessons
1.5.1 Vector Representation and Graphical Addition
- Vectors vs scalars in 2D
- Vector notation and magnitude-direction form
- Graphical vector addition (tip-to-tail)
- Graphical vector subtraction
- Parallelogram method
1.5.2 Vector Components and Resolution
- Resolving a vector into perpendicular components
- Sine and cosine for components
- Reconstructing a vector from components (magnitude and angle)
- Adding vectors using components
- Subtracting vectors using components
1.5.3 Position, Displacement, and Velocity Vectors in 2D
- Position vector in 2D
- Displacement vector in 2D
- Average velocity vector in 2D
- Instantaneous velocity vector (tangent to path)
- Difference between distance traveled and displacement magnitude
1.5.4 Acceleration Vectors in 2D
- Acceleration vector in 2D
- Acceleration changing speed vs changing direction
- Independence of x and y motion under constant acceleration
1.5.5 Projectile Motion (Symmetric Launch)
- Defining assumptions of projectile motion
- Decomposing initial velocity into components
- Time of flight (symmetric case)
- Maximum height
- Range equation
- Angle for maximum range
1.5.6 Projectile Motion (Asymmetric Launch)
- Projectile launched from a height
- Horizontal launch from a cliff
- Velocity at any point along the trajectory
- Trajectory equation (y as function of x)
- Landing speed and angle
1.5.7 Relative Motion in Two Dimensions
- 2D vector velocity addition
- River-crossing problems
- Aircraft and wind problems
- Choosing reference frames in 2D
Unit2 Force and Translational Dynamics 9 topics · 22 lessons
~22–27Class Periods*
18–23%AP Exam Weighting*
22TSC Lessons
2.1 Systems and Center of Mass 2 lessons
2.1.1 Defining a System
- What counts as a system
- Internal vs external forces
- Why system definition matters in problem-solving
- System boundary as a choice
2.1.2 Center of Mass
- Definition of center of mass
- Center of mass for two-particle and multi-particle systems
- Center of mass for symmetric objects
- Center of mass vs geometric center
- Motion of the center of mass under external forces
2.2 Forces and Free-Body Diagrams 3 lessons
2.2.1 Forces as Vectors
- Force as an interaction between objects
- Contact forces vs long-range forces
- Common force types (gravity, normal, friction, tension, applied, spring)
- Force as a vector quantity
2.2.2 Drawing Free-Body Diagrams
- Isolating the object of interest
- Drawing every force acting on the object
- Labeling forces correctly
- Choosing axes for the diagram
- Common student errors in FBDs
2.2.3 Resolving Forces and Net Force
- Decomposing forces along chosen axes
- Computing net force in each direction
- Magnitude and direction of the net force vector
2.3 Newton's Third Law 2 lessons
2.3.1 Action-Reaction Pairs
- Statement of Newton's Third Law
- Identifying action-reaction pairs
- Pairs act on different objects (key distinction)
- Forces in a pair are equal in magnitude, opposite in direction
2.3.2 Common Misconceptions about Third Law Pairs
- Why third-law pairs do not cancel out
- Distinguishing third-law pairs from balanced forces
- Examples that confuse students (horse and cart, person walking)
2.4 Newton's First Law 2 lessons
2.4.1 Inertia and the First Law
- Statement of Newton's First Law
- Concept of inertia
- Mass as a measure of inertia
- Equilibrium (static and dynamic)
2.4.2 Applying the First Law
- Identifying objects in equilibrium
- Equilibrium problems with multiple forces
- Why an object in motion stays in motion without net force
2.5 Newton's Second Law 3 lessons
2.5.1 F = ma
- Statement of Newton's Second Law
- Net force as the cause of acceleration
- Mass and acceleration relationship
- Units and direction
2.5.2 Solving Problems with the Second Law
- Single-object Second Law problems
- Choosing axes aligned with motion
- Inclined plane problems
- Connected objects (Atwood-style problems)
2.5.3 Multi-Body Problems
- Treating connected systems
- Internal vs external forces in multi-body systems
- Tension in connecting strings
- Acceleration constraints between connected objects
2.6 Gravitational Force 2 lessons
2.6.1 Weight and Gravitational Force
- Weight as F = mg
- Difference between mass and weight
- Direction of gravitational force
- Apparent weight in elevators
2.6.2 Universal Gravitation
- Newton's law of universal gravitation
- Inverse-square dependence on distance
- Gravitational field strength near Earth's surface
- Why g varies with altitude (qualitative)
2.7 Kinetic and Static Friction 3 lessons
2.7.1 Static Friction
- What static friction does
- Static friction as a self-adjusting force
- Maximum static friction
- Coefficient of static friction
- Threshold of slipping
2.7.2 Kinetic Friction
- Kinetic friction force
- Coefficient of kinetic friction
- Why kinetic friction is typically less than maximum static friction
- Direction of kinetic friction (opposite to motion)
2.7.3 Friction in Problem Solving
- Friction on horizontal surfaces
- Friction on inclined surfaces
- Friction with applied force at an angle
- Common friction misconceptions
2.8 Spring Forces 2 lessons
2.8.1 Hooke's Law
- Spring force formula (F = -kx)
- Spring constant and stiffness
- Direction of spring force (restoring force)
- Equilibrium position vs displaced position
2.8.2 Springs in Problem Solving
- Springs in equilibrium problems
- Vertical springs with mass attached
- Series and parallel spring combinations (qualitative)
2.9 Circular Motion 3 lessons
2.9.1 Uniform Circular Motion
- Defining uniform circular motion
- Why velocity changes even at constant speed
- Period and frequency of circular motion
2.9.2 Centripetal Acceleration
- Direction of centripetal acceleration
- Centripetal acceleration formula (a = v²/r)
- Why "centripetal" describes a direction, not a force
2.9.3 Centripetal Force
- Net force as the source of centripetal acceleration
- Identifying which real force provides centripetal force
- Common scenarios (car on a curve, ball on a string, satellite, rollercoaster loop)
- Why "centrifugal force" is not a real force in inertial frames
Unit3 Work, Energy and Power 5 topics · 14 lessons
~22–27Class Periods*
18–23%AP Exam Weighting*
14TSC Lessons
3.1 Translational Kinetic Energy 2 lessons
3.1.1 Defining Kinetic Energy
- Kinetic energy formula (½mv²)
- Kinetic energy as a scalar
- Why KE depends on speed squared
- Units of energy (joules)
3.1.2 Kinetic Energy in Problem Solving
- KE before and after collisions or events
- Comparing KE of different objects
- KE and reference frame dependence (qualitative)
3.2 Work 3 lessons
3.2.1 Defining Work
- Work as force times displacement (along force direction)
- W = Fd cos(θ) formula
- Work as a scalar
- Positive, negative, and zero work
- Work done by perpendicular forces
3.2.2 Work-Energy Theorem
- Statement of the work-energy theorem
- Net work as change in kinetic energy
- Applications to single-force and multi-force problems
3.2.3 Work Done by Variable Forces
- Work as area under a force-displacement graph
- Work done by a spring (½kx²)
- Comparing work of constant vs varying forces
3.3 Potential Energy 3 lessons
3.3.1 Gravitational Potential Energy
- GPE near Earth (mgh)
- Reference point dependence
- GPE as energy of position
3.3.2 Elastic Potential Energy
- Spring potential energy (½kx²)
- PE stored in stretched or compressed springs
- PE-displacement relationship for springs
3.3.3 Conservative vs Non-Conservative Forces
- What makes a force conservative
- Why friction is non-conservative
- Path independence of conservative forces (qualitative)
3.4 Conservation of Energy 4 lessons
3.4.1 Mechanical Energy Conservation
- Total mechanical energy (KE + PE)
- Conservation in absence of non-conservative forces
- Energy transformation between KE and PE
3.4.2 Energy Conservation with Friction
- Mechanical energy lost to thermal energy
- Work done by friction as energy "removed" from mechanical system
- Energy bookkeeping in problems with friction
3.4.3 Energy Bar Charts
- Drawing energy bar charts (KE, PE, thermal)
- Initial vs final state representation
- Bar charts as a problem-solving tool
3.4.4 Solving Conservation Problems
- Choosing initial and final states
- Choosing a reference for PE
- Pendulum, rollercoaster, and projectile problems
- Spring-mass energy problems
3.5 Power 2 lessons
3.5.1 Defining Power
- Power as rate of energy transfer
- Average power formula (W/t)
- Units of power (watts)
3.5.2 Instantaneous Power
- P = Fv formula
- Power for constant vs variable speed
- Real-world power examples (engines, lifts, athletes)
Unit4 Linear Momentum 4 topics · 10 lessons
~10–15Class Periods*
10–15%AP Exam Weighting*
10TSC Lessons
4.1 Linear Momentum 2 lessons
4.1.1 Defining Linear Momentum
- Momentum formula (p = mv)
- Momentum as a vector
- Units of momentum
- Comparing momentum of different objects
4.1.2 Momentum vs Kinetic Energy
- Why two objects with same KE can have different momentum
- Why two objects with same momentum can have different KE
- When to use momentum vs energy
4.2 Change in Momentum and Impulse 3 lessons
4.2.1 Impulse
- Impulse as force times time
- Impulse formula (J = FΔt)
- Impulse as change in momentum (impulse-momentum theorem)
- Units of impulse
4.2.2 Force-Time Graphs
- Area under a force-time graph as impulse
- Constant vs varying force impulse problems
- Average force over a collision
4.2.3 Real-World Impulse Applications
- Crumple zones, airbags, padded surfaces
- Why extending collision time reduces force
- Catching a ball with bent knees
4.3 Conservation of Linear Momentum 2 lessons
4.3.1 Conservation Principle
- Statement of momentum conservation
- Closed/isolated system requirement
- Why net external force must be zero
4.3.2 Solving Conservation Problems
- Setting up before and after states
- Vector nature of conservation (component-wise)
- Recoil and explosion problems
4.4 Elastic and Inelastic Collisions 3 lessons
4.4.1 Types of Collisions
- Elastic collision definition (KE conserved)
- Inelastic collision definition (KE not conserved)
- Perfectly inelastic collision (objects stick)
4.4.2 Solving Collision Problems
- 1D elastic collision problems
- 1D inelastic collision problems
- Perfectly inelastic collisions and combined mass
- Energy loss in inelastic collisions
4.4.3 2D Collisions (Qualitative and Component-Based)
- Conservation of momentum in x and y separately
- Glancing collisions
- Splitting and recombination problems
Unit5 Torque and Rotational Dynamics 6 topics · 14 lessons
~15–20Class Periods*
10–15%AP Exam Weighting*
14TSC Lessons
5.1 Rotational Kinematics 3 lessons
5.1.1 Angular Position and Displacement
- Angular position (θ) in radians
- Angular displacement (Δθ)
- Sign convention (counterclockwise positive)
- Radians vs degrees
5.1.2 Angular Velocity and Acceleration
- Average angular velocity (ω)
- Instantaneous angular velocity
- Angular acceleration (α)
- Rotational analogues to linear quantities
5.1.3 Rotational Kinematic Equations
- The four rotational kinematic equations
- Constant angular acceleration applications
- Solving rotational motion problems
5.2 Connecting Linear and Rotational Motion 2 lessons
5.2.1 Tangential Quantities
- Tangential velocity (v = rω)
- Tangential acceleration (aₜ = rα)
- Centripetal acceleration in rotational form (aᵧ = rω²)
- Relationship between linear and angular quantities
5.2.2 Rolling Connection (Preview)
- Rolling as combined translation and rotation
- Constraint v = rω for rolling without slipping
- Setting up problems that mix linear and rotational variables
5.3 Torque 2 lessons
5.3.1 Defining Torque
- Torque as rotational analogue of force
- Torque formula (τ = rF sin θ)
- Lever arm interpretation
- Direction of torque (sign convention)
5.3.2 Calculating Torque
- Torque from a single force at any angle
- Net torque from multiple forces
- Torque when force is perpendicular vs at an angle
- Choice of pivot point
5.4 Rotational Inertia 3 lessons
5.4.1 Moment of Inertia
- Moment of inertia as rotational mass
- Definition for a point mass (I = mr²)
- Why distance from axis matters more than mass
- Units of moment of inertia
5.4.2 Moments of Inertia for Common Shapes
- Solid disk, solid sphere, hollow sphere, rod, hoop
- Reading the I formula from a reference table
- Comparing rotational inertia for same mass, different shape
5.4.3 Parallel Axis Theorem (Qualitative)
- Effect of shifting the axis away from center of mass
- Why I increases when axis moves
- Conceptual applications
5.5 Rotational Equilibrium and Newton's First Law in Rotational Form 2 lessons
5.5.1 Rotational Equilibrium
- Net torque = 0 condition
- Static rotational equilibrium
- Combining translational and rotational equilibrium
5.5.2 Solving Equilibrium Problems
- Beam and bridge problems
- Choosing the pivot strategically
- Hanging signs, ladders, and seesaws
5.6 Newton's Second Law in Rotational Form 2 lessons
5.6.1 Net Torque and Angular Acceleration
- τ_net = Iα formula
- Comparison with F = ma
- Direction of angular acceleration
5.6.2 Solving Rotational Dynamics Problems
- Pulleys with mass
- Falling and rotating objects
- Combined translational and rotational systems
Unit6 Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems 6 topics · 14 lessons
~8–14Class Periods*
5–8%AP Exam Weighting*
14TSC Lessons
6.1 Rotational Kinetic Energy 2 lessons
6.1.1 Defining Rotational KE
- Rotational KE formula (½Iω²)
- Comparison with translational KE
- KE of rotating bodies as scalar
6.1.2 Total KE for Rolling Objects
- KE = ½mv² + ½Iω²
- Why rolling objects have more KE than sliding objects
- Distribution of KE between translation and rotation
6.2 Torque and Work 2 lessons
6.2.1 Work Done by a Torque
- Work-energy formula for rotation (W = τΔθ)
- Work-energy theorem for rotation
- Comparison with linear work-energy theorem
6.2.2 Power in Rotational Systems
- Rotational power (P = τω)
- Power applications (engines, drills, turbines)
6.3 Angular Momentum and Angular Impulse 2 lessons
6.3.1 Angular Momentum
- Angular momentum for a point particle (L = mvr sin θ)
- Angular momentum for a rotating rigid body (L = Iω)
- Direction and sign of angular momentum
6.3.2 Angular Impulse
- Angular impulse formula (τΔt)
- Angular impulse as change in angular momentum
- Comparison with linear impulse
6.4 Conservation of Angular Momentum 2 lessons
6.4.1 Conservation Principle
- When angular momentum is conserved
- Net external torque = 0 condition
6.4.2 Applications of Angular Momentum Conservation
- Spinning skater pulling arms in
- Diver tucking and untucking
- Collisions involving rotation
- Astronomical applications (qualitative)
6.5 Rolling 3 lessons
6.5.1 Rolling Without Slipping
- v = rω constraint
- Static friction's role in rolling
- Why rolling friction is not a separate AP topic
6.5.2 Rolling Down Inclines
- Energy conservation for rolling objects
- Why a hollow object rolls slower than a solid one
- Comparing race-down-incline outcomes for different shapes
6.5.3 Slipping vs Rolling
- When an object slips instead of rolls
- Transition between slipping and rolling (qualitative)
6.6 Motion of Orbiting Satellites 3 lessons
6.6.1 Circular Orbits
- Gravitational force as centripetal force
- Orbital speed formula
- Orbital period
6.6.2 Energy of Orbits
- KE and PE in circular orbit
- Total mechanical energy of an orbit
- Why total energy is negative for bound orbits (qualitative)
6.6.3 Orbital Applications
- Satellites and the ISS
- Geostationary orbits
- Comparing orbits at different altitudes
Unit7 Oscillations 4 topics · 11 lessons
~5–10Class Periods*
5–8%AP Exam Weighting*
11TSC Lessons
7.1 Defining Simple Harmonic Motion 2 lessons
7.1.1 What Makes Motion Simple Harmonic
- Restoring force proportional to displacement
- Equilibrium position
- Why simple harmonic motion is sinusoidal in time
7.1.2 Examples of simple harmonic motion
- Mass on a spring
- Simple pendulum (small angles)
- Why other oscillations may not be simple harmonic motion
7.2 Frequency and Period of Simple Harmonic Motion 3 lessons
7.2.1 Period and Frequency Definitions
- Period (T) and frequency (f) relationship
- Units of period and frequency
- Angular frequency (ω = 2πf)
7.2.2 Period of Spring-Mass System
- T = 2π√(m/k) formula
- Why period does not depend on amplitude
- Effect of mass and spring constant on period
7.2.3 Period of a Pendulum
- T = 2π√(L/g) formula
- Small angle approximation
- Why pendulum period does not depend on mass
- Effect of length and g on period
7.3 Representing and Analyzing Simple Harmonic Motion 3 lessons
7.3.1 Position, Velocity, and Acceleration in Simple Harmonic Motion
- Position as sinusoidal function of time
- Velocity as derivative behavior (qualitative)
- Acceleration relationship (a = -ω²x)
7.3.2 Graphs of Simple Harmonic Motion
- Position-time graph
- Velocity-time graph
- Acceleration-time graph
- Phase relationships between x, v, a
7.3.3 Amplitude, Phase, and Equilibrium
- Amplitude as maximum displacement
- Phase constant
- Where speed is maximum vs zero
- Where acceleration is maximum vs zero
7.4 Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators 3 lessons
7.4.1 KE and PE in Simple Harmonic Motion
- KE varies with position
- PE varies with position
- Energy at equilibrium vs at amplitude
- Total energy as constant (½kA²)
7.4.2 Energy Graphs and Bar Charts
- KE vs position graph
- PE vs position graph
- Total energy line
- Bar charts at different positions in the cycle
7.4.3 Energy in Spring-Mass and Pendulum Systems
- Spring-mass energy expressions
- Pendulum energy expressions
- Maximum speed from energy conservation
Unit8 Fluids 4 topics · 11 lessons
~12–17Class Periods*
10–15%AP Exam Weighting*
11TSC Lessons
8.1 Internal Structure and Density 2 lessons
8.1.1 States of Matter and Fluid Behavior
- Solids, liquids, and gases
- Why liquids and gases are both fluids
- Compressibility differences
8.1.2 Density
- Density formula (ρ = m/V)
- Units of density
- Density of common substances
- Density and floating/sinking (qualitative preview)
8.2 Pressure 3 lessons
8.2.1 Defining Pressure
- Pressure as force per area (P = F/A)
- Units of pressure (pascals)
- Pressure as a scalar in fluids
8.2.2 Pressure in a Fluid Column
- Pressure varies with depth (P = P₀ + ρgh)
- Atmospheric pressure
- Gauge pressure vs absolute pressure
8.2.3 Pascal's Principle
- Statement of Pascal's principle
- Hydraulic systems
- Force multiplication in hydraulics
8.3 Fluids and Newton's Laws 3 lessons
8.3.1 Buoyant Force
- Origin of buoyancy from pressure differences
- Archimedes' principle
- Buoyant force formula (F_b = ρ_fluid · V_displaced · g)
8.3.2 Floating, Sinking, and Apparent Weight
- Condition for floating
- Condition for sinking
- Fraction submerged for floating objects
- Apparent weight of submerged objects
8.3.3 Newton's Laws in Fluids
- Free-body diagrams in fluids
- Equilibrium of floating and submerged objects
- Acceleration of objects in fluids
8.4 Fluids and Conservation Laws 3 lessons
8.4.1 Continuity Equation
- Conservation of mass in fluid flow
- Continuity equation (A₁v₁ = A₂v₂)
- Why narrower pipes mean faster flow
8.4.2 Bernoulli's Equation
- Energy conservation in flowing fluids
- Bernoulli's equation form
- Pressure, height, and speed trade-offs
8.4.3 Applications of Bernoulli
- Lift on an airplane wing (qualitative)
- Venturi effect
- Fluid speed vs pressure intuitions
- Common Bernoulli misconceptions
*Class periods and AP Exam weighting are the College Board’s official figures (45-minute periods, full academic year). They’re shown here so you can see how each unit maps to the real AP Physics 1 exam.
Why grab this course?
- Aligned to the 2026 AP Physics 1 CED
- Mind maps replace 200 pages of textbook
- Simulations let you see the physics
- Made by a physics educator, not an AI
PRINTABLEOFFLINEYOURS TO KEEP
Pack these before exam day
Questions, answered
AP Physics 1 course: frequently asked questions
Is AP Physics 1 algebra-based?
Yes. AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, first-semester college mechanics course, so no calculus is needed. The College Board's prerequisite is geometry, with Algebra II taken at the same time.
Does this course follow the College Board exam?
Yes. All 8 units follow the order and exam weightings in the College Board's AP Physics 1 course framework, and the course is aligned to the 2026 CED.
What is included in the course?
180+ visual video lessons, interactive simulations, 26 mind maps, 400+ MCQs and free-response (FRQ) practice, covering every unit from kinematics to fluids.
How is it different from other physics videos?
Each lesson is built around an interactive simulation, so you see the physics happen before you memorize the equation. The aim is intuition first, formulas second.
Who is this course for?
High school students preparing for the AP exam, teachers looking for visual classroom material, and anyone learning introductory mechanics from scratch.
Is the course free?
Yes, the full course is free to join right now.
www.TheScienceCube.com