Mastering AP Physics C: Mechanics (2024 - 2025), pt. 1 of 2 from Udemy

Although it can seem daunting, AP Physics C: Mechanics is a great course to teach you skills that will have long-term value in many different fields whether in science or engineering or math or other non-scientific fields. This course is designed to be approachable for any student and will logically walk you through the first half of the content required for the AP exam in May.

In addition to the content, this course will carefully cover the other skills required for success on the AP exam. These include:

incorporating calculus into physics
derivations when only variables are provided
working with experimental data, especially understanding how to successfully spot relationships in the data
familiarity with core, fundamental labs that apply the content to real-world scenarios that often show up on the AP exam

We will also cover ideas from AP problems from past exams so that you can see first-hand how the exam is scored and how to apply to content correctly in order to maximize your success. Whether you are taking this course in school or independently, this course will prove you valuable insight so that you can master AP Physics.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

All the ap physics content required by the college board
Insights into ap scoring by looking at past ap exams

How to incorporate calculus into physics
Additional skills (derivations, data analysis, and lab techniques) that are necessary for success on the ap exam.

All the ap physics content required by the college board
Insights into ap scoring by looking at past ap exams
How to incorporate calculus into physics
Additional skills (derivations, data analysis, and lab techniques) that are necessary for success on the ap exam.

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction to the Course

This quiz will ask you about basic information about the AP Exam.

Students will have reviewed units and how to convert between different units.

Download the Chapter 1 Notes

Metric Base Units & Prefixes

Non-metric Conversion

Advanced Conversions

Students will understand how to describe the three kinematic variables (position, velocity, and acceleration) for the motion of a particle in one dimension.

Download the Chapter 2 Notes

Position

Velocity

Acceleration

PhET Lab - Moving Man (Position, Velocity, & Acceleration)

Motion Equations

DATA ANALYSIS: Constant Velocity

DATA ANALYSIS: Constant Acceleration

Video - Examining Freefall

Freefall & Problem-Solving

DERIVATION: Freefall

CALCULUS: Connecting Position, Velocity, and Acceleration

CALCULUS: Deriving the Kinematic Equations

Students will understand how to describe the three kinematic variables (position, velocity, and acceleration) for the motion of a particle in two dimensions using vectors.

Download the Chapter 3 Notes

Vectors & Vector Components

Position, Velocity, & Acceleration

Students will be able to analyze various motions that take place in two dimensions.

Download the Chapter 4 Notes

Demonstration - Shooter/Dropper

PhET Lab - Projectile Motion

Projectile Motion

DERIVATION: Projectile Motion

Block on a Ramp

DERIVATION: Block on a Ramp

Uniform Circular Motion

Relative Velocity

(Optional) Video - Frames of Reference

Students will learn Newton's laws and use them to explain the motion of different objects.

Download the Chapter 5 Notes

Force & Newton's 1st Law

Mass & Newton's 2nd Law

Free-body Diagrams & Advanced 2nd Law Problems

Newton's 3rd Law

Additional Problems

DERIVATION: Blocks & Pulley

Students will be able to analyze motion that involves friction.

Download the Chapter 6 Notes

Friction

Coefficient of Friction

DERIVATION: Block on a Ramp with Friction

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Incorporates calculus into physics, which is essential for success in AP Physics C: Mechanics and provides a foundation for further studies in physics and engineering

Covers derivations when only variables are provided, a skill that is crucial for success on the AP exam and in advanced physics coursework

Familiarizes learners with core, fundamental labs that apply content to real-world scenarios, which often appear on the AP exam and enhance understanding of physics principles

Examines ideas from past AP problems, offering valuable insight into exam scoring and application of content for maximizing success on the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam

Requires students to understand how to convert between different units, which is a foundational skill for solving physics problems and ensuring accurate calculations

Focuses on data analysis, which is a critical skill for experimental physics and is often assessed on the AP exam through lab-based questions and data interpretation

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mastering AP Physics C: Mechanics (2024 - 2025), pt. 1 of 2 with these activities:

Review Calculus Fundamentals

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Strengthen your calculus foundation to better understand the physics concepts that rely on it.

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Review derivative rules and integration techniques.
Practice solving problems involving limits and continuity.
Work through examples of applying calculus to motion problems.

Read 'Fundamentals of Physics' by Halliday and Resnick

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Reinforce your understanding of core physics principles with a widely used textbook.

View Principles of Physics, Extended on Amazon

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Read chapters related to kinematics, dynamics, and energy.
Work through example problems in each chapter.
Review key concepts and formulas.

Solve Kinematics Problems

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Sharpen your problem-solving skills by working through a variety of kinematics problems.

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Solve problems involving constant velocity and constant acceleration.
Solve problems involving projectile motion.
Check your answers and review solutions.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Read 'Physics for Scientists and Engineers' by Serway and Jewett

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Expand your understanding of physics with a comprehensive textbook used in universities.

View Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Cengage... on Amazon

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Read chapters related to mechanics and calculus-based physics.
Work through challenging problems at the end of each chapter.
Review key concepts and formulas.

Create a Video Explaining Newton's Laws

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Solidify your understanding of Newton's Laws by creating a video explaining them to others.

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Research and gather information about Newton's Laws.
Write a script for your video.
Record and edit your video.
Share your video with others and get feedback.

Design a Projectile Motion Experiment

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Apply your knowledge of projectile motion by designing and conducting a simple experiment.

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Define the objectives of your experiment.
Gather materials and equipment.
Conduct the experiment and collect data.
Analyze the data and draw conclusions.
Write a report summarizing your experiment.

Tutor other students in Physics

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Reinforce your understanding by explaining concepts to others.

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Offer help to classmates or students in lower-level physics courses.
Prepare explanations and examples for common physics problems.
Answer questions and provide guidance to students.

Career center

Learners who complete Mastering AP Physics C: Mechanics (2024 - 2025), pt. 1 of 2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Physics Teacher

A physics teacher introduces students to the fundamental principles of physics, often using examples from everyday life that students can relate to. This course can be especially helpful as it covers many of the same topics that a high school physics teacher would need to be familiar with. This course also includes information regarding AP exam scoring, which can be used to prepare students for a high-stakes exam. The course can help teachers understand how to derive physics equations and how to analyze data, allowing them to better assist their students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physics Teacher

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers design, develop, and test mechanical and thermal devices, often applying principles from physics and calculus to solve real-world problems. This course, with its foundation in mechanics and calculus, can be particularly valuable for an aspiring mechanical engineer. The course covers derivations, data analysis, and lab techniques which can all enhance the skills needed for this profession. The course explores concepts of motion, force, and energy, foundational areas of study for mechanical engineering applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers specialize in designing and developing aircraft and spacecraft. This role draws on a deep understanding of physics, particularly in areas of mechanics. This course provides a strong foundation in classical mechanics which is invaluable for any aerospace engineer. The course uses calculus to describe the motion of objects. This course's focus on derivations and data analysis also helps an aerospace engineer develop a critical eye and approach problems logically. The course addresses topics such as projectile motion and forces, which are highly relevant to aerospace applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, process, and perform statistical analyses on data to draw actionable conclusions. This course's focus on data analysis, particularly spotting relationships in the data, may be helpful for a data analyst. While the data in this course relates to physics, the process of analysis is the same across many fields. The course includes hands-on lab experiences which simulate real-world scenarios from which data can be analyzed. An aspiring data analyst can look to this course for practice in these skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and create educational materials and resources for courses. This course, which aims to make physics approachable to all students, may be helpful in a curriculum developer role. The course provides insights on how to teach advanced physics concepts to students, and it includes information on how to analyze student performance. This course focuses on key skills such as data analysis and derivation, and it offers hands-on labs that can be integrated into other curricula. This course can help a curriculum developer understand effective lesson planning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Research Scientist

Research scientists plan and conduct experiments to investigate natural phenomena and solve scientific problems. This role requires the ability to think analytically and understand mathematical relationships. A research scientist may benefit from this course given its emphasis on how to incorporate calculus into physics. This course also provides relevant training in working with experimental data and finding relationships. This course helps build a foundation for a research scientist to perform detailed analyses using a scientific approach.

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Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and test software applications. For an aspiring software engineer, this course may prove helpful because of the logical approach it takes to solving problems. Software engineers can benefit from understanding problem solving strategies, such as the kind employed by the derivation of equations. Software design requires careful planning and organization, and this course can help a software engineer improve in these areas. Software often interacts with real-world systems which require a conceptual understanding of physics.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve real-world problems. This course's focus on data analysis, particularly spotting relationships in the data, may be helpful for a statistician. The course offers a chance to work with experimental data which many statisticians do in their careers. A background in logical reasoning and analysis can help a statistician in analyzing complex data. The labs in this course may help provide real-world examples that are helpful in interpreting data.

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Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians perform tests and experiments, often in a science-related field. Lab technicians need a solid understanding of lab procedures and data collection. This course, while focused on physics, may help to prepare any aspiring lab technician. The course covers techniques including data analysis and derivations and includes several hands-on labs. Lab technicians need to be able to follow the scientific method, and this course offers a chance to practice that.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laboratory Technician

Math Teacher

A math teacher guides students through the principles of math, using techniques that are approachable to students. This course, which incorporates calculus into physics, may be helpful for a math teacher. It allows teachers to see a real-world application of mathematical ideas. Additionally, the course addresses how to approach problem solving logically, which can help teachers prepare their own lectures. Math teachers can use this course to build a good foundation in applied math, as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Math Teacher

Technical Writer

Technical writers create documents that explain complex technical information in a clear and concise way. This course covers a wide array of physics topics, and in order to master this course, one must be able to explain these ideas clearly. A technical writer who has taken this course may have a better understanding of how to explain these concepts to others. This course also covers topics relating to data and experiments, and being familiar with these topics could prove useful to a technical writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts analyze financial data, market trends, and investment opportunities to provide recommendations to clients. While not directly related to finance, this course may be helpful due to its emphasis on data analysis. Financial analysts rely on data to draw conclusions. The logical approach used in this course may be useful for an aspiring financial analyst as they can apply these strategies to financial problems. Analyzing data in multiple formats is a key part of both professions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Actuary

An actuary applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk. This career role typically requires an advanced degree (master's or phd). This course may be useful because of its focus on math, calculus, and data analysis, all of which are highly useful for an actuary. Working with data, especially experimental data, is a key part of both an actuary's job and this course. Actuaries need to derive formulas to make projections, and this course provides experience with mathematical derivations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts study market conditions to assess the potential sale of a product or service. This course may be helpful because of its focus on data analysis. Market research analysts are expected to draw logical conclusions using data. The course’s emphasis on logical thinking and problem solving may help an aspiring market research analyst. The course offers opportunities to look for relationships within data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Economist

Economists study the production and distribution of resources and goods, often using highly complex statistical models. Economists may find this course helpful because of the emphasis on data analysis and calculus. The data analytic skills learned in this course may be applied in the field of economics. Economists use mathematical models regularly, and the course provides opportunities to derive those models from first principles. This course may prove a useful way to begin thinking about complex models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Mastering AP Physics C

Mechanics (2024 - 2025), pt. 1 of 2

What's inside

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Syllabus

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Activities

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