AP Physics C: Mechanics
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Advanced Placement (AP) Physics I is an algebra-based introductory physics course equivalent to the first semester of a college algebra-based physics class. It is commonly taught in the sophomore or junior year of high school.
The AP Physics I curriculum and exam format has changed for the 2024-25 school year. AP Physics I now contains eight units: Kinematics (Unit 1), Force and Translational Dynamics (Unit 2), Work, Energy, and Power (Unit 3), Linear Momentum (Unit 4), Torque and Rotational Dynamics (Unit 5), Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems (Unit 6), Oscillations (Unit 7), and Fluids (Unit 8). Review videos and notes for all units can be found below.
A video and explanation of the exam format can be located at the bottom of this page. It is essential to know and understand the Physics I curriculum, but students should also prepare for the exam by completing practice questions that will be structured alike those found on the AP. Our playlist of practice questions can also be found below.
NOTE THAT ANY AP PHYSICS FRQS CREATED BEFORE 2024 WILL BE VOID AFTER THE MAY 2024 EXAM ADMINISTRATION. Every FRQ structure has changed.
Unit 1: Kinematics
Unit 1: Kinematics
Topics discussed include:
Scalars & Vectors
Position, Distance, Displacement, Speed, Velocity & Acceleration
Reference Frames & Relative Motion
Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics
Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics
Topics discussed include:
Center of Mass
Forces & Free-Body Diagrams
Newton's Three Laws of Motion
Gravitational Forces & Circular Motion
Spring Force
Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power
Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power
Topics discussed include:
Translational Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy
Work & Power
Unit 4: Linear Momentum
Unit 4: Linear Momentum
Topics discussed include:
Impulse & Linear Momentum
Conservation of Momentum
Elastic & Inelastic Collisions
Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Topics discussed include:
Rotational Kinematics
Relationships between Linear & Rotational Motion
Torque & Rotational Inertia
Newton's Laws of Motion (Rotational Form)
Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Topics discussed include:
Rotational Kinetic Energy
Torqe & Work
Angular Momentum & Angular Impulse
Conservation of Angular Momentum
Satellite Motion
This is a new unit for the 2024-25 school year. Previously, Units 5 & 6 were one unit; as such, use our Unit 5 video for both units until we post an updated video.
Unit 7: Oscillations
Unit 7: Oscillations
Topics discussed include:
Defining Simple Harmonic Motion
The Energy, Frequency, and Period of Simple Harmonic Oscillators
Unit 8: Fluids
Unit 8: Fluids
Topics discussed include:
Pressure
Density
Newton's Laws of Fluids
Conservation Laws
This is a 100% new unit for the 2024-25 school year. A unit video will be published in early 2025.
Exam Structure & Practice
Exam Structure & Practice
Topics discussed include:
Changes to AP Physics I's exam structure
Practice problems
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