The free-response questions on the AP Physics 1 and 2 exams can be daunting. Students tend to not be used to writing in science classes, and the AP Physics B exam had a lot more calculations and a lot fewer explanations. These FRQs require careful thought and deep knowledge of physics concepts. Here are my top tips for tackling the AP Physics FRQs.
1. Support your answer.
This is my biggest pet peeve with student responses. If a question says to refer to a graph or has to analyze a student’s statement or uses any sort of source, directly refer back to that source.
For example, question #2 on the 2016 AP Physics 1 exam was an experimental design question that referenced a student’s hypothesis. The experiment outlined should directly address this, not just generally discuss the overarching concept.
Make sure that explanations are not generally statements, but directly refer back to the question at hand.
2. Do not just write equations into words.
The qualitative/quantitative translation question will frequently include parts that say “explain without the use of equations.” This does not mean to write out “Well, force equals mass times acceleration…” Be sure to explain, and make reference to the law or principle you are explaining. The AP Physics FRQs are looking for students’ mastery of the content – not reciting equations.
3. Know when to explain and when to not.
Sometimes, a question says things like “State…” or “Determine…” These types of questions are looking for an answer, not a long winded explanation. Read the first word of the question to clue in to what type of answer is needed. Take a look at this document to help with what different exam words mean.
4. Use the given symbols.
If a problem has you solve something symbolically, use the given symbols. For example, a question might read, “Solve for the acceleration in terms of m, θ, and physical constants.” This means your answer should not have tension, friction, normal force, or any other variables in it.
5. Be clear and concise.
Most answers are designed that a simple sentence or two can explain what you need, except of course the paragraph-length response. Even for the paragraph, however, it is important to get to the point. Writing a diatribe about an unrelated concept shows that you do not truly know the principle at hand. For example, I posted about the 2017 AP Physics 1 paragraph-length question here.