AP Physics 1 Formula Sheet: Your Ultimate Study Companion

If you’re prepping for the AP Physics 1 exam, having a reliable formula sheet is an absolute game-changer. Physics can feel overwhelming with so many equations for motion, forces, energy, and circuits. But don’t worry—this AP Physics 1 formula sheet breaks it all down in a simple, easy-to-use way, so you can focus on understanding concepts instead of scrambling for equations during study sessions.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the essential formulas, explain when and how to use them, and give you tips to remember them efficiently. Let’s dive in!

Kinematics Formulas

Kinematics is all about describing motion. Here’s a quick reference for the formulas you’ll need:

Linear Motion (Constant Acceleration)

• v=v0+atv = v_0 + atv=v0​+at → Final velocity

• x=x0+v0t+12at2x = x_0 + v_0t + \frac{1}{2}at^2x=x0​+v0​t+21​at2 → Displacement

• v2=v02+2a(x−x0)v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a(x – x_0)v2=v02​+2a(x−x0​) → Velocity squared formula

Projectile Motion

• Horizontal motion: x=vxtx = v_x tx=vx​t

• Vertical motion: y=vyt−12gt2y = v_y t – \frac{1}{2} g t^2y=vy​t−21​gt2

• Velocity components: vx=vcos⁡θ, vy=vsin⁡θv_x = v \cos\theta, \, v_y = v \sin\thetavx​=vcosθ,vy​=vsinθ

Circular Motion

• Centripetal acceleration: ac=v2ra_c = \frac{v^2}{r}ac​=rv2​

• Centripetal force: Fc=mv2rF_c = m \frac{v^2}{r}Fc​=mrv2​

These formulas form the foundation for almost every AP Physics 1 problem involving motion.

Dynamics and Forces

Understanding forces is key to mastering mechanics. Here’s a concise list for your formula sheet:

Newton’s Laws

• $F=ma$ → Force and acceleration relationship

• $\Sigma F=0$ → Equilibrium condition

Friction

• fs≤μsNf_s \leq \mu_s Nfs​≤μs​N → Static friction

• fk=μkNf_k = \mu_k Nfk​=μk​N → Kinetic friction

Gravity

• Fg=mgF_g = mgFg​=mg → Weight of an object

• Fgravity=Gm1m2r2F_{\text{gravity}} = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}Fgravity​=Gr2m1​m2​​ → Universal gravitation

Pro tip: Draw free-body diagrams to quickly identify which formula applies in a problem—it saves time and avoids mistakes.

Work, Energy, and Power

Energy and work are areas where AP Physics 1 tests conceptual understanding. Keep these formulas handy:

Work and Energy

• $W=Fd\cos \theta$ → Work done by a force

• Kinetic energy: KE=12mv2KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2KE=21​mv2

• Potential energy: $PE=mgh$

• Conservation of energy: KEi+PEi=KEf+PEfKE_i + PE_i = KE_f + PE_fKEi​+PEi​=KEf​+PEf​

Power

• P=WtP = \frac{W}{t}P=tW​ → Power formula

• $P=Fv$ → Power with constant force

Momentum and Collisions

Momentum problems are frequent in AP Physics 1. Here’s what you need:

• Momentum: $p=mv$

• Impulse: $J=F\Delta t=\Delta p$

• Conservation of momentum: m1v1+m2v2=m1v1′+m2v2′m_1v_1 + m_2v_2 = m_1v_1′ + m_2v_2′m1​v1​+m2​v2​=m1​v1′​+m2​v2′​

Rotational Motion

AP Physics 1 also tests rotational concepts:

• Rotational kinematics:

  • ω=ω0+αt\omega = \omega_0 + \alpha tω=ω0​+αt

  • θ=θ0+ω0t+12αt2\theta = \theta_0 + \omega_0 t + \frac{1}{2} \alpha t^2θ=θ0​+ω0​t+21​αt2

  • ω2=ω02+2α(θ−θ0)\omega^2 = \omega_0^2 + 2 \alpha (\theta – \theta_0)ω2=ω02​+2α(θ−θ0​)

• Torque: $\tau =rF\sin \theta$

• Moment of inertia for a point mass: I=mr2I = mr^2I=mr2

• Rotational kinetic energy: KErot=12Iω2KE_{rot} = \frac{1}{2} I \omega^2KErot​=21​Iω2

Simple Harmonic Motion and Waves

• Spring force: $F=-kx$

• Oscillation period (mass-spring system): T=2πmkT = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}T=2πkm​​

• Pendulum period: T=2πLgT = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}T=2πgL​​

• Wave speed: $v=f\lambda$

Electric Circuits (Basic)

Although AP Physics 1 only covers basics, these formulas are useful:

• Ohm’s Law: $V=IR$

• Power: P=IV=I2R=V2RP = IV = I^2R = \frac{V^2}{R}P=IV=I2R=RV2​

Tips for Using Your AP Physics 1 Formula Sheet

1. Highlight key formulas: Use different colors for mechanics, energy, and circuits.

2. Practice derivations: Understanding where formulas come from improves retention.

3. Group related formulas: It’s easier to remember kinematics together and energy formulas separately.

4. Use flashcards: Quick recall helps during timed practice exams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I bring a formula sheet to the AP Physics 1 exam?
A1: No, the AP Physics 1 exam provides a reference sheet with key equations, but having your own study sheet is helpful for preparation.

Q2: What’s the most important formula in AP Physics 1?
A2: Newton’s Second Law $F=ma$ is foundational, as it’s involved in most mechanics problems.

Q3: How should I study formulas effectively?
A3: Group related formulas, practice solving problems, and create a mini cheat sheet for quick review before tests.

Q4: Does AP Physics 1 focus more on theory or calculations?
A4: Both are important. Conceptual understanding helps with multiple-choice questions, while formulas are essential for free-response problems.

Conclusion

Having a solid AP Physics 1 formula sheet is essential for mastering exam questions and boosting confidence. From motion and forces to energy, momentum, and waves, this guide covers all the key formulas you need. The best approach is to combine memorization with practice problems, so formulas become second nature.

Now that you have this comprehensive formula sheet, you’re one step closer to acing AP Physics 1. Keep practicing, and you’ll see your understanding—and scores—soar!