Important Notes from the Physics Development Committee

The AP Physics Development Committee and Chief Reader have adopted new wording in parts of free-response questions that ask for free-body or force diagrams. It is hoped that this new wording will make it clear to students what should be included in their responses.

The new wording for drawing free-body or force diagrams will direct the students to "draw and label the forces (not components) that act on the [object]," where [object] is replaced by a reference specific to the question, such as "the car when it reaches the top of the hill." Any components that are included in the diagram will be scored in the same way as incorrect or extraneous forces.

In addition, in any subsequent part asking for a solution that would typically make use of the diagram, the following will be included. "If you need to draw anything other than what you have shown in part [x] to assist in your solution, use the space below. Do NOT add anything to the figure in part [x]." This will give students the opportunity to construct a working diagram showing any components that are appropriate to the solution of the problem. This second diagram will not be graded.

These changes will be incorporated in any new exams, beginning with the May 2010 administration.