What are the most common mistakes on the AP Physics 1 exam?

Students lose points on the AP Physics 1 exam in predictable ways. Most of these are avoidable if you know what to watch out for.

The mistakes

• Not justifying answers on FRQs. This is the big one. Students write the right answer but don't explain why. On the AP exam, a correct answer without reasoning will only 1 out of 2-4 points.. and sometimes even zero points. You need to cite the specific physics principle, explain how it applies, and connect it to your conclusion. See our guide on how to solve FRQs for more detail.

• Confusing similar concepts. Velocity vs acceleration. Force vs energy. Momentum vs force. These are related but distinct, and confusing them in your reasoning will cost you. The AP exam is designed to test whether you truly understand the difference.

• Forgetting about direction and signs. Physics is full of vectors. If you treat everything as positive, you'll get wrong answers on problems involving objects moving in opposite directions, forces in different directions, or anything with circular motion. Pick a sign convention, state it, and be consistent.

• Not reading the question carefully. The AP exam uses very specific language:

If the question says...	You need to...
"Derive an expression"	Show your algebra starting from a fundamental equation
"Explain"	Write words connecting physics principles to observations
"Justify"	Provide evidence for your claim
"Calculate"	Show your work and include units

• Skipping units. Losing a point because you wrote "5" instead of "5 m/s" is one of the most frustrating ways to lose credit. Always include units on numerical answers and labels on graph axes.

• Running out of time. Students spend too long on problems they're stuck on and then rush through problems they could've solved easily. If you're stuck for more than two minutes, mark it and move on.

• Weak free response skills. Many students prepare only with multiple choice and are shocked by the FRQ section. Since FRQs are 50% of your score, this is like preparing for half the test.

How to avoid them

The best way to avoid all of these is to practice under realistic conditions. PhysicsGraph includes full FRQ practice with AI grading and practice exams that use the same format and timing as the real AP exam. Our review system targets whatever you miss.