AP Physics C Mechanics

Useful Links

Lesson Plans and Homework	Physics Glossary
Syllabus	Sigmund
AP Physics CM Equation Tables	The Physics Classroom
HyperPhysics	nPlot
Desmos Graphing Calculator (can use on the AP exam)	PhET Sims
Overview of Linearization fysicsfool YouTube Video	Linearization Example with Desmos fysicsfool YouTube Video
Lab Scoresheet	Physics Glossary
Test Score Calculations

College Board Unit	Topics
Unit 1 Kinematics	1-d motion, 2-d motion, relative motion
Unit 2 Force and Translational Dynamics	Interactions, systems, Newton’s laws, Free-body diagrams, force and translational acceleration
Unit 3 Work, Energy, and Power	Work, energy transfers, and power
Unit 4 Linear Momentum	Impulse and linear momentum in 1- and 2-dimensions, center of mass model, collisions, explosions
Unit 5 Torque and Rotational Dynamics	Extended objects, rotational inertia, force diagrams, torque and angular acceleration, Newton’s laws
Unit 6 Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems	Transfers of energy and angular momentum in rotational systems
Unit 7 Oscillations	Simple harmonic motion, mass-spring systems, simple pendulums, physical pendulums
(class does not follow this sequence exactly, see below)

COURSE OUTLINE from syllabus

First Semester Topic 1 – Intro to Science Practices Topic 2 – Motion I – Constant Velocity Topic 3 – Motion II – Constant Acceleration Unit 1 Kinematics Test Topic 4 – Interactions I – Balanced Force Topic 5 – Interactions II – Unbalanced Forces Unit 2 Force and Translational Dynamics Test Topic 6 – Impulse and Momentum Topic 7 – Projectile Motion Semester Exam

Second Semester Topic 8- Work, Energy, and Power Unit 3 Work, Energy and Power Test Topic 9 – Circular Motion and Gravitation  Topic 10 – Torque and Translational Dynamics Topic 11 – Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems Units 5 and 6 – Torque and Translational Dynamics; Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems Test Topic 11 – Oscillation Mock Exam Review AP PHYSICS 1 EXAM Wednesday, 13 May 2026