Question 1
Two blocks of masses m₁ and m₂, with m₁ > m₂, hang from the ends of a light string over an ideal pulley, as shown. What is the magnitude of each block's acceleration?
Is AP Physics 1 hard?
In May 2025, 67.3% of students scored 3 or higher, and 19.2% scored a 1, one of the larger shares of 1s among AP exams. The difficulty is less the algebra than choosing the right principle and explaining why it applies.
| Students in May 2025 | 174,401 |
|---|---|
| Scored 3 or higher | 67.3% |
| Scored 5 | 19.8% |
| Mean score | 3.12 |
What makes it hard
- Reasoning before numbers: many questions ask for a comparison, a factor of change or a claim with a reason, not a single value.
- Choosing the model: Newton's laws, energy or momentum each fit some situations and not others, and the question rarely says which.
- Representations: free-body diagrams, motion graphs and energy bar charts appear on both sections, and the free-response section asks you to make them.
- Units 2 and 3, forces and energy, are each 18–23% of Section I.
What makes it easier
- The equation sheet is given on the exam, so you practice using it rather than memorizing it.
- The course is eight units with published weights, so you can plan your time.
- The free-response section always has the same four types, so you can practice each one.
Try 2 questions
Question 2
A solid sphere, with rotational inertia (2/5)MR², is released from rest at the top of a ramp and rolls without slipping to the bottom. The bar chart shows the energies of the sphere-Earth system at the top, with the bottom of the ramp as zero for Ug. Which describes the energies at the bottom?
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Questions people ask
What percentage of students pass AP Physics 1?
In May 2025, 67.3% of the 174,401 students who took AP Physics 1 scored 3 or higher. Many US colleges grant credit or placement for 3 and above, but each college sets its own policy.
What share of AP Physics 1 students earn a 5?
19.8% in May 2025 (34,447 students).
What is the hardest part of AP Physics 1?
For most students it is choosing the right principle for a new situation and justifying it in words. Practicing comparisons and claims, not only calculations, helps most.