If you’re planning to take AP Physics C: Mechanics, you might have noticed some buzz about changes coming in the 2024–25 exam cycle. The College Board has updated the AP Physics C Mechanics exam format to better reflect the rigorous, college-level content and to give you more time to show off your skills. Let’s dive into what’s new, and how it compares to the old format.
What’s in the Updated Format of AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam?
Section I: Multiple-Choice (MCQs)
New Structure:
• 40 multiple-choice questions
• 80 minutes to complete this section
• Each question now comes with 4 answer choices
Key Change:
• The previous version featured 35 questions in 45 minutes and had 5 answer choices per question. This update not only increases the number of questions and overall time but also standardizes answer choices to 4 options, streamlining the decision process.
Section II: Free-Response (FRQs)
New Structure:
• 4 free-response questions
• 100 minutes are allotted for this section
• Each FRQ is designed to assess a specific skill set, such as mathematical routines, translating between representations, experimental design and analysis, and qualitative/quantitative translation.
Key Change:
• In the old format, you had 3 FRQs in 45 minutes. The new format provides an extra question and significantly more time, allowing you to develop more thoughtful, well-organized responses.
Administration Changes
Hybrid Digital Format:
• The MCQ section is now administered digitally, while the FRQ section remains handwritten on paper.
Separate Testing Sessions:
• AP Physics C: Mechanics is now scheduled in its own testing session, ensuring you have a full exam period dedicated solely to Mechanics.
Find latest syllabus, official specification by the College Board and AP Physics practice resources here.
How Does This Compare to the Old Format?
Here’s a quick side-by-side look:
Feature | Old Format | New Format (2025) |
Multiple-Choice Section | 35 questions in 45 minutes; 5 options per question | 40 questions in 80 minutes; 4 options per question |
Free-Response Section | 3 questions in 45 minutes | 4 questions in 100 minutes |
Exam Administration | Entirely paper-based; Mechanics paired with Electricity & Magnetism | Hybrid digital (MCQs on computer, FRQs handwritten); Separate testing session for Mechanics |
Key takeaways:
More Time & More Questions: The extended time and increased number of questions in both sections mean you can think through each problem without feeling overly rushed.
Streamlined Answer Choices: Reducing the MCQ options from 5 to 4 simplifies decision-making and can help reduce test anxiety.
Dedicated Session: Having Mechanics in its own session lets you focus solely on the concepts of mechanics without the distraction of switching between two different AP Physics C exams.
What Do These Changes Mean for Your Preparation?
For Multiple-Choice:
Practice on a Digital Platform: Since the MCQs will be administered digitally, it’s a good idea to use online practice tests to get accustomed to the format.
Pace Yourself: With 40 questions in 80 minutes, aim for about 2 minutes per question. Use practice sessions to develop a steady pace.
For Free-Response:
Develop Structured Responses: With 100 minutes for 4 questions, focus on crafting clear, organized answers that show your thought process and problem-solving skills.
Focus on Key Skills: Brush up on your mathematical routines, representation translations, and experimental design. These skills are now front and center in the FRQ section.
General Tips:
Simulate the Exam Environment: Try to practice with a mix of digital and paper-based materials to mirror the hybrid exam setup.
Review and Adapt: Use feedback from practice tests to adjust your study strategies, focusing on areas where you can save time and improve clarity.
Wrapping Up
The new AP Physics C: Mechanics exam format is designed to provide a more balanced and focused assessment of your understanding of mechanics. With additional time, a slight increase in the number of questions, and a shift to a hybrid digital format, the exam not only challenges you to think deeply about physics but also gives you the opportunity to present your knowledge more clearly.
Have you started using digital practice tests yet? What do you think about having more time for FRQs? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
Happy studying, and here’s to mastering Mechanics in 2025!
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