492 Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics H

Gr 11-12 | 6 Class Credits 1 Lab Credit | Year-Long  6x per Cycle

PREREQUISITE: Students must have completed one year of physics. In addition, students must be either simultaneously enrolled in an AP calculus course at Wellesley High School or have completed one of these courses. Seniors are given preference for this course.

This course is equivalent to a first semester college course in classical mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, simple harmonic motion, and gravity) for students in a physical science or engineering curriculum. Calculus is used throughout the year and students should expect to apply topics covered in calculus directly in AP Physics. A major focus is on developing systematic approaches to solving complex problems. The laboratory component of this course is emphasized. Students should expect to design and build projects; they will also learn how to write computer simulations using Visual Python. In addition, statistical techniques are used extensively to analyze experimental data. While this course has a narrow focus, students are given the opportunity to develop many of the skills needed to pursue further study in science or engineering. After successfully completing this course, students are prepared to take the Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics exam.