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AP Exams (Advanced Placement) AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental) Syllabus
The AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental) syllabus for AP Exams (Advanced Placement) in full: 5 chapters, 29 topics and 36 sub-topics, every one listed below, plus 51 AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental) flashcards with answers.
AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental) syllabus: all 5 chapters
Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics.
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AP Biology Core Concepts
6 topics- Chemistry of Life
- Water properties and macromolecules
- Enzyme structure and function
- Cell Structure and Function
- Membrane transport
- Cellular compartmentalization
- Cellular Energetics
- Photosynthesis
- Cellular respiration
- Heredity and Gene Expression
- Meiosis and Mendelian genetics
- Transcription, translation, and regulation
- Evolution and Natural Selection
- Ecology and Energy Flow
- Chemistry of Life
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AP Chemistry Foundations
6 topics- Atomic Structure and Periodicity
- Electron configuration
- Periodic trends
- Bonding and Molecular Geometry
- Lewis structures and VSEPR
- Intermolecular forces
- Stoichiometry and Reactions
- Mole concept and limiting reactants
- Reaction types
- Thermodynamics
- Enthalpy and Hess's law
- Entropy and Gibbs free energy
- Equilibrium, Acids, and Bases
- Le Chatelier's principle
- pH, Ka/Kb, and buffers
- Kinetics and Electrochemistry
- Atomic Structure and Periodicity
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AP Physics 1 & 2 (Algebra-Based)
6 topics- Kinematics and Dynamics
- Motion in one and two dimensions
- Newton's laws and forces
- Energy, Momentum, and Rotation
- Work-energy theorem
- Conservation of momentum
- Torque and rotational motion
- Oscillations and Waves
- Simple harmonic motion
- Sound and wave behavior
- Fluids and Thermodynamics
- Electrostatics and Circuits
- Electric fields and potential
- DC circuits
- Magnetism and Optics
- Kinematics and Dynamics
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AP Physics C (Calculus-Based)
5 topics- Mechanics with Calculus
- Differential kinematics
- Integration in work and energy
- Systems of Particles and Rotation
- Oscillations and Gravitation
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Gauss's law
- Capacitance and dielectrics
- Faraday's law and inductance
- Maxwell's Equations Overview
- Mechanics with Calculus
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AP Environmental Science
6 topics- Ecosystems and Biodiversity
- Populations and the Living World
- Earth Systems and Resources
- Soil, geology, and the atmosphere
- Water resources
- Energy Resources and Consumption
- Pollution and Human Health
- Global Change and Climate
- Ozone depletion and global warming
- Sustainability and mitigation
AP Exams (Advanced Placement) AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental) flashcards — 51 questions with answers
In the chemistry of life, what four elements make up roughly 96% of living matter, and what property of carbon makes it central to organic molecules?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen (CHON). Carbon has four valence electrons, letting it form four stable covalent bonds and build large, diverse, branched and ring-shaped molecules.
What are the four major classes of biological macromolecules and their monomer building blocks?
Carbohydrates (monosaccharides), lipids (glycerol + fatty acids, not true polymers), proteins (amino acids), and nucleic acids (nucleotides).
What property of water arises from its polarity, and why is hydrogen bonding important for life?
Polarity gives water cohesion, adhesion, high specific heat, and the ability to dissolve polar/ionic solutes. Hydrogen bonds between molecules underlie surface tension, temperature buffering, and ice floating.
Contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in terms of nucleus and organelles.
Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; DNA is in a nucleoid. Eukaryotes have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (mitochondria, ER, Golgi, etc.).
State the function of the mitochondrion, chloroplast, rough ER, and Golgi apparatus.
Mitochondrion: ATP via cellular respiration. Chloroplast: photosynthesis. Rough ER: protein synthesis/folding (ribosome-studded). Golgi: modifies, sorts, and packages proteins/lipids for shipping.
Describe the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane.
A phospholipid bilayer (hydrophilic heads out, hydrophobic tails in) with embedded and peripheral proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates that move laterally, controlling selective permeability.
In cellular energetics, write the overall equation for aerobic cellular respiration.
C6H12O6 + 6 O2 -> 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + energy (about 30-32 ATP per glucose).
Name the three main stages of aerobic respiration and where each occurs in a eukaryotic cell.
Glycolysis (cytoplasm), the Krebs/citric acid cycle (mitochondrial matrix), and oxidative phosphorylation/electron transport chain (inner mitochondrial membrane).
Write the overall equation for photosynthesis and name its two stages.
6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light -> C6H12O6 + 6 O2. Stages: light-dependent reactions (thylakoid membrane) and the Calvin cycle (stroma).
In Mendelian heredity, state the Law of Segregation and the Law of Independent Assortment.
Segregation: the two alleles for a trait separate during gamete formation so each gamete gets one. Independent Assortment: alleles of different genes assort independently (for genes on separate chromosomes).
What is the central dogma of molecular biology, and what enzyme drives each step?
DNA -> RNA -> protein. Transcription (RNA polymerase) makes mRNA from DNA; translation (ribosome) builds protein from mRNA codons.
A heterozygous purple-flowered plant (Pp) is self-crossed. What genotype and phenotype ratios result?
Genotype ratio 1 PP : 2 Pp : 1 pp; phenotype ratio 3 purple : 1 white.
State the conditions required for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
No mutation, random mating, no natural selection, very large (infinite) population size, and no gene flow (migration).
Write the two Hardy-Weinberg equations and define the terms.
p + q = 1 (allele frequencies) and p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1, where p^2 = homozygous dominant, 2pq = heterozygous, q^2 = homozygous recessive frequencies.
What is natural selection, and name the four conditions Darwin identified as necessary for it?
Differential survival/reproduction based on heritable traits. Conditions: variation, heritability, overproduction of offspring (competition), and differential fitness.
Distinguish convergent from divergent evolution, and homologous from analogous structures.
Convergent: unrelated species evolve similar traits (analogous structures, e.g., bird vs insect wings). Divergent: related species diverge, leaving homologous structures (same origin, e.g., vertebrate forelimbs).
In ecology, distinguish a food chain from a food web and define a trophic level.
A food chain is a single linear feeding sequence; a food web is interconnected chains. A trophic level is an organism's position (producer, primary/secondary/tertiary consumer) in energy flow.
What is the 10% rule of energy transfer between trophic levels?
Only about 10% of the energy at one trophic level is passed to the next; ~90% is lost as heat through metabolism, limiting food-chain length.
In atomic structure, what do the atomic number and mass number tell you about an atom?
Atomic number (Z) = number of protons (defines the element); mass number (A) = protons + neutrons. Neutrons = A - Z.
State three periodic trends and their direction across a period (left to right).
Across a period: atomic radius decreases, ionization energy increases, electronegativity increases (effective nuclear charge rises).
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In bonding, contrast ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.
Ionic: electron transfer between metal and nonmetal (electrostatic attraction). Covalent: electron sharing between nonmetals. Metallic: positive ions in a delocalized 'sea' of shared electrons.
Using VSEPR, give the molecular geometry and bond angle for 2, 3, and 4 electron domains (no lone pairs).
2 domains: linear, 180 degrees. 3 domains: trigonal planar, 120 degrees. 4 domains: tetrahedral, 109.5 degrees.
What is the molecular geometry of water (H2O), and why is it bent rather than linear?
Bent (~104.5 degrees). Oxygen has two bonding pairs and two lone pairs (tetrahedral electron geometry); the lone pairs push the bonds closer, giving a bent shape.
Define a mole and state Avogadro's number.
A mole is the amount of substance containing as many entities as atoms in 12 g of carbon-12. Avogadro's number = 6.022 x 10^23 particles per mole.
How do you calculate the percent yield of a reaction?
Percent yield = (actual yield / theoretical yield) x 100%.
What is the limiting reactant, and how do you identify it?
The reactant that runs out first and limits product formed. Identify by converting each reactant to moles of product; the one yielding the least product is limiting.
State the first law of thermodynamics and the formula relating internal energy, heat, and work.
Energy is conserved. ΔU = q + w, where q is heat added to the system and w is work done on the system.
Define endothermic and exothermic reactions in terms of enthalpy change (ΔH).
Exothermic releases heat, ΔH < 0 (negative). Endothermic absorbs heat, ΔH > 0 (positive).
What does a positive Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) indicate, and give the equation linking ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS.
Positive ΔG means the reaction is nonspontaneous. ΔG = ΔH - TΔS; spontaneous when ΔG < 0.
State Le Chatelier's principle and predict the shift when pressure increases on a gaseous equilibrium.
A system at equilibrium shifts to counteract a disturbance. Increasing pressure shifts equilibrium toward the side with fewer moles of gas.
Define pH and pOH, and state their relationship at 25 degrees C.
pH = -log[H+], pOH = -log[OH-]. At 25 degrees C, pH + pOH = 14.
Using Bronsted-Lowry theory, define an acid and a base and identify a conjugate acid-base pair.
Acid = proton (H+) donor; base = proton acceptor. A conjugate pair differs by one H+ (e.g., HCl/Cl- or NH4+/NH3).
In chemical kinetics, list four factors that increase reaction rate.
Higher temperature, higher reactant concentration, larger surface area, and a catalyst (which lowers activation energy).
In electrochemistry, where do oxidation and reduction occur in an electrochemical cell, and what is the mnemonic?
Oxidation at the anode, reduction at the cathode. Mnemonic: 'An Ox, Red Cat' and 'OIL RIG' (Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain of electrons).
In kinematics, write the three main equations of motion for constant acceleration.
v = v0 + at; x = x0 + v0t + (1/2)at^2; v^2 = v0^2 + 2a(x - x0).
State Newton's three laws of motion.
1) An object stays at rest or constant velocity unless acted on by a net force (inertia). 2) F_net = ma. 3) For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Define the work-energy theorem and give the formula for kinetic energy.
Net work equals change in kinetic energy: W_net = ΔKE. KE = (1/2)mv^2.
State the law of conservation of momentum and give the impulse-momentum theorem.
Total momentum is conserved when no external net force acts: p = mv stays constant. Impulse = FΔt = Δp (change in momentum).
Contrast elastic and inelastic collisions.
Both conserve momentum. Elastic collisions also conserve kinetic energy; inelastic collisions do not (KE is lost to heat/deformation); perfectly inelastic objects stick together.
For an object in simple harmonic motion, give the period of a mass-spring system and a simple pendulum.
Mass-spring: T = 2π√(m/k). Simple pendulum: T = 2π√(L/g).
Write the wave equation relating speed, frequency, and wavelength, and define amplitude.
v = fλ (speed = frequency x wavelength). Amplitude is the maximum displacement from equilibrium, related to the wave's energy.
State the continuity equation and Bernoulli's principle for fluids.
Continuity: A1v1 = A2v2 (volume flow rate constant). Bernoulli: where fluid speed is higher, pressure is lower (P + (1/2)ρv^2 + ρgh = constant).
State Archimedes' principle and give the buoyant force formula.
The buoyant force on a submerged object equals the weight of the fluid displaced: F_b = ρ_fluid x V_displaced x g.
State Coulomb's law for the force between two point charges.
F = k(q1 q2)/r^2, where k ≈ 8.99 x 10^9 N·m^2/C^2; like charges repel, opposite charges attract.
State Ohm's law and the formulas for electrical power.
V = IR. Power P = IV = I^2R = V^2/R.
How do total resistance formulas differ for resistors in series versus parallel?
Series: R_total = R1 + R2 + ... (resistances add). Parallel: 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ... (total is less than the smallest resistor).
State the right-hand rule for the magnetic force on a moving positive charge.
Point fingers in the direction of velocity, curl toward the magnetic field B; the thumb (or F = qv x B) gives the force direction. For negative charges, reverse it.
State Snell's law and define the index of refraction.
n1 sin(θ1) = n2 sin(θ2). The index of refraction n = c/v is the ratio of light's speed in vacuum to its speed in the medium.
In Physics C mechanics, give the calculus definitions of velocity and acceleration, and the rotational analog of Newton's second law.
v = dx/dt, a = dv/dt = d^2x/dt^2. Rotational form: net torque τ = Iα (moment of inertia x angular acceleration).
List Maxwell's four equations by name and what each describes.
Gauss's law (electric flux from charge), Gauss's law for magnetism (no magnetic monopoles), Faraday's law (changing B induces E/EMF), and Ampere-Maxwell law (currents and changing E create B).
In environmental science, define biodiversity and distinguish a renewable from a nonrenewable resource, then name the dominant cause of current global climate change.
Biodiversity is the variety of life (genetic, species, ecosystem). Renewable resources replenish naturally (solar, wind, timber); nonrenewable do not on a human timescale (fossil fuels, minerals). Climate change is driven mainly by greenhouse gas emissions (chiefly CO2) from burning fossil fuels.
AP Exams (Advanced Placement) AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental) FAQ
What is in the AP Exams (Advanced Placement) AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental) syllabus?
AP Exams (Advanced Placement) AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental) is split into 5 chapters: AP Biology Core Concepts, AP Chemistry Foundations, AP Physics 1 & 2 (Algebra-Based), AP Physics C (Calculus-Based) and AP Environmental Science. Together they contain 29 topics and 36 sub-topics.
How many chapters are in AP Exams (Advanced Placement) AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental)?
5 chapters, containing 29 topics and 36 sub-topics. The largest chapter is AP Biology Core Concepts, with 6 topics.
Are there flashcards for AP Exams (Advanced Placement) AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental)?
Yes — a 51-card AP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental) deck, printed in full in the flashcards section of this page and available in the Examius app with spaced repetition. The free plan covers one exam of your choice, including its flashcards; Examius Pro, a one-time purchase, unlocks every other exam and deck.