AP Physics C - Mechanics

What Is on the AP Physics C - Mechanics?

On the AP Physics exam test-takers have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 38 questions total, 35 of which are multiple-choice while the remaining 3 are free-response. There are 4 Big Ideas that are considered the foundation of the physics content assessed throughout all 7 units. These Big Ideas are Change, Force Interactions, Fields, and Conservation.

Kinematics

This unit of the AP Physics C Mechanics covers the laws that dictate motion in both one- and two-dimensional space. Test-takers need to show an understanding of how vector quantities interact with each other when a particle is moving in a straight line, as well as when it is moving in more than one dimension.

Newton's Laws of Motion

Students sitting for the AP Physics Mechanics need to understand all three of Newton's laws as well as the laws that govern circular motion. This unit challenges test-takers to show knowledge of what forces impact the motion of an object as well as what forces are at play between any two objects. Students need to describe what could limit the motion of an object which has obtained circular motion.

Work, Energy, and Power

This unit of AP Physics C Mechanics Exam covers topics related to work and energy. Students sitting for the exam need to understand the concept of work and how to determine if work was done to an object. Test-takers need to show knowledge of what forces within a system can affect the potential energy of said system. This unit also covers how energy can transform within a system, but cannot be lost, and that the rate of change of the energy of a system can be different.

Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum

Test-takers of the AP Physics C Mechanics Test need to know about mass and its relationship with momentum. Students need to demonstrate an understanding of the role the center of mass plays in movement. Also, this unit details what can alter the linear momentum of a given object and how momentum is transferred between objects.

Rotation

This unit of the AP Physics Mechanics C focuses on the rotation of objects and the forces that influence it. Students must show that they understand what affects the equilibrium of an extended rigid body as well as the various relationships that exist between angular velocity, position, and acceleration. Students need to know how torque can be used to produce the rotation of an object.

Oscillations

The AP Physics C AP exam focuses on the various types of oscillation in this unit. Students need to demonstrate a mastery of what forces can act on an object that results in an oscillation. Students also need to know about the different types of oscillations that can be obtained by an object.

Gravitation

This unit of the Physics C AP test covers the forces of gravity and how they drive the orbits of bodies in space. Students need to be able to describe how the mass of an object is related to its gravitational force and its effect on other objects nearby. Additionally, students should show an understanding of how an object in orbit maintains constant angular momentum and mechanical energy.