AP Physics 1

The AP Physics 1 equation sheet

The equation sheet is provided on both sections, in Bluebook and on paper, and you may write on the printed copy. It gives g = 9.8 m/s², the gravitational constant, a trigonometry table and the core equations of all eight units, so the skill is choosing the right one.

g9.8 m/s², or 9.8 N/kg
G6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg²
1 atm1.0 × 10⁵ Pa
Trig table0°, 30°, 37°, 45°, 53°, 60°, 90°

What is on the sheet

  • Kinematics: the three constant-acceleration equations, in linear and rotational form.
  • Forces: a = ΣF/m, Newton's law of gravitation, friction |Ff| ≤ μ|FN|, the spring force Fs = −kΔx and ac = v²/r.
  • Energy: K = ½mv², W = Fd cos θ, the spring and gravitational potential energies, and power.
  • Momentum: p = mv, impulse J = Favg Δt = Δp, and the center-of-mass velocity.
  • Rotation: τ = rF sin θ, I = Σmr², the parallel-axis theorem, α = Στ/I, K = ½Iω², L = Iω and ΔL = τΔt.
  • Oscillations and fluids: the spring and pendulum periods, x = A cos(2πft), density, pressure, P = P₀ + ρgh, buoyancy Fb = ρVg, continuity and Bernoulli's equation.

What is not on it

  • Rotational inertias of particular shapes such as a rod or disk: a question gives them when they are needed.
  • Results you derive, such as the range of a projectile or the speed at the bottom of a ramp. The exam expects you to build them from the sheet's equations.
  • The conventions printed with it still apply: frames are inertial, air resistance is negligible, and springs, strings and fluids are ideal unless a question says otherwise.

Try 2 questions

Question 1
2.0 m/s6.0 m/s1: 1.50 × 10⁵ Pa2
Water (1000 kg/m³) flows through a horizontal pipe. At point 1 the pressure is 1.50 × 10⁵ Pa and the speed is 2.0 m/s; at point 2 the speed is 6.0 m/s. What is the pressure at point 2?
Question 2
0.50 kgk = 200 N/m
A 0.50 kg block on a frictionless horizontal surface is attached to an ideal spring of spring constant 200 N/m, as shown. The block is pulled aside and released. What is the period of its oscillation?

Next step

College Board's AP Physics 1 equation sheet

Questions people ask

Do you get an equation sheet on the AP Physics 1 exam?

Yes. It is provided for both sections, in Bluebook and as a printed booklet you may write on.

What value of g does AP Physics 1 use?

The equation sheet gives g = 9.8 m/s² (9.8 N/kg) at Earth's surface.

Is Bernoulli's equation on the AP Physics 1 equation sheet?

Yes, with the continuity equation, P = P₀ + ρgh and the buoyant force, for Unit 8, Fluids.