AP Physics 1

In this unit, students will investigate how objects move by analyzing position, velocity, acceleration, and time. They will use graphs, equations, and other representations to model motion and build a foundation for later study of forces, energy, and momentum.

In this unit, students will investigate forces as interactions between objects and systems. They will analyze how forces affect motion and use free-body diagrams, models, and mathematical representations to explain physical phenomena.

In this unit, students will examine conservation of energy and the relationship among work, energy, and power. They will use models and mathematical representations to analyze physical situations and determine which problem-solving approaches are most appropriate.

In this unit, students will investigate the relationships among force, time, impulse, and linear momentum through calculations, data analysis, experimental design, and prediction. They will use models to explain conservation of momentum and connect momentum to force, Newton’s third law, and kinetic energy.

In this unit, students will extend their understanding of force and linear motion to rotational systems by examining torque and rotational motion. They will apply familiar analytical tools to new contexts and compare the principles governing linear and rotational dynamics.

In this unit, students will apply their understanding of energy and momentum to rotating systems. They will analyze how external torques affect rotational energy and angular momentum, identify conditions under which these quantities are conserved, and apply these concepts to orbiting satellites and rolling motion.

In this unit, students will apply force, energy, and momentum models to simple harmonic motion. They will use energy bar charts, free-body diagrams, and momentum representations to analyze oscillating systems, evaluate the limits of different models, and justify evidence-based claims.

Students will connect ideas from earlier units by applying forces and conservation laws to ideal fluids and examining interactions between systems.