AP Physics C Mechanics Details

one year course, calculus based, equivalent to a semester of college level physics

Exam Topics

1 Kinematics (14–20%)
1.1 Motion in One-Dimension
1.2 Motion in Two-Dimensions

2 Newton’s Laws of Motion (17–23%)
2.1 First and Second Law
2.2 Circular Motion
2.3 Third Law

3 Work, Energy and Power (14–17%)
3.1 Work-energy theorem
3.2 Forces and potential energy
3.3 Conservation of energy
3.4 Power

4 Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum (14–17%)
4.1 Center of mass
4.2 Impulse and momentum
4.3 Conservation of linear momentum, collisions

5 Rotation (14–20%)
5.1 Torque and rotational statics
5.2 Rotational kinematics
5.3 Rotational dynamics and energy
5.4 Conservation of angular momentum

6 Oscillations (6–14%)
6.1 Simple harmonic motion, springs, and pendulums

7 Gravitation (6–14%)
7.1 Gravitational forces
7.2 Orbits of planets and satellites

Exam Format

Section I: Multiple choice, 35 questions, 45 minutes, 50% weight
Section II: Free response, 3 questions, 45 minutes, 50% weight

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