AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, and conservation.
The AP Physics 1 course framework also outlines distinct skills, called science practices, that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like physicists.
This big idea collects the properties of matter into one area so that they can be employed in other big ideas. The universe contains fundamental particles with no internal structure such as electrons, and systems built from fundamental particles, such as protons and neutrons.
All of the fundamental forces, including the gravitational force and the electric and magnetic forces, are exerted “at a distance”; the two objects involved in the interaction do not “physically touch” each other.
An object either has no internal structure or can be analyzed without reference to its internal structure. An interaction between two objects causes changes in the translational and/or rotational motion of each object.
A system is a collection of objects, and the interactions of such systems are an important aspect of understanding the physical world.
Conservation laws constrain the possible behaviors of the objects in a system of any size, or the outcome of an interaction or a process.
Classically, waves are a “disturbance” that propagates through space.