MIT Course Notes
AP Physics C: Mechanics is equivalent to a one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in physical science or engineering. The course explores topics such as kinematics; Newton's laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Introductory differential and integral calculus is used throughout the course.
Content Outline for AP Physics C: Mechanics
A . Kinematics (including vectors, vector algebra, 18%
components of vectors, coordinate systems, displacement, velocity, and acceleration)
1 . Motion in one dimension
2 . Motion in two dimensions, including projectile motion
B . Newton’s laws of motion 20%
1 . Static equilibrium (first law)
2 . Dynamics of a single particle (second law)
3 . Systems of two or more objects (third law)
C . Work, energy, power 14%
1 . Work and work–energy theorem
2 . Forces and potential energy
3 . Conservation of energy
4 . Power
D . Systems of particles, linear momentum 12%
1 . Center of mass
2 . Impulse and momentum
3 . Conservation of linear momentum & collisions
E . Circular motion and rotation 18%
1 . Uniform circular motion
2 . Torque and rotational statics
3 . Rotational kinematics and dynamics
4 . Angular momentum and its conservation
F . Oscillations and gravitation 18%
1 . Simple harmonic motion (dynamics and energy relationships)
2 . Mass on a spring
3 . Pendulum and other oscillations
4 . Newton’s law of gravity
5 . Orbits of planets and satellites
AP Physics C: Mechanics is equivalent to a one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in physical science or engineering. The course explores topics such as kinematics; Newton's laws of motion; work, energy and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation. Introductory differential and integral calculus is used throughout the course.
Content Outline for AP Physics C: Mechanics
A . Kinematics (including vectors, vector algebra, 18%
components of vectors, coordinate systems, displacement, velocity, and acceleration)
1 . Motion in one dimension
2 . Motion in two dimensions, including projectile motion
B . Newton’s laws of motion 20%
1 . Static equilibrium (first law)
2 . Dynamics of a single particle (second law)
3 . Systems of two or more objects (third law)
C . Work, energy, power 14%
1 . Work and work–energy theorem
2 . Forces and potential energy
3 . Conservation of energy
4 . Power
D . Systems of particles, linear momentum 12%
1 . Center of mass
2 . Impulse and momentum
3 . Conservation of linear momentum & collisions
E . Circular motion and rotation 18%
1 . Uniform circular motion
2 . Torque and rotational statics
3 . Rotational kinematics and dynamics
4 . Angular momentum and its conservation
F . Oscillations and gravitation 18%
1 . Simple harmonic motion (dynamics and energy relationships)
2 . Mass on a spring
3 . Pendulum and other oscillations
4 . Newton’s law of gravity
5 . Orbits of planets and satellites
