Key Takeaways
Lesson Description
Key Takeaways
• Motion is described using displacement, velocity, acceleration, and graphical analysis.
• Newton's Three Laws explain how forces affect motion.
• Circular motion requires centripetal acceleration and force directed toward the center.
• Mechanical energy is conserved in systems without non-conservative forces.
• Momentum is conserved in isolated systems during collisions.
• Springs and pendulums undergo simple harmonic motion with predictable periods.
• Rotational motion follows torque and angular momentum principles.
• Fluid behavior depends on pressure, density, buoyancy, and fluid flow.
• Physics emphasizes conceptual reasoning, mathematical modeling, and graphical interpretation rather than memorization alone.
Must Know Equations
v = Δx / Δt
a = Δv / Δt
v = v₀ + at
Δx = v₀t + ½at²
v² = v₀² + 2aΔx
ΣF = ma
Fg = mg
Fk = μkN
Fs = −kx
Fc = mv²/r
Fg = Gm₁m₂/r²
KE = ½mv²
PE = mgh
W = Fd cosθ
P = W/t
p = mv
J = FΔt = Δp
Σpi = Σpf
T = 2π√(m/k)
T = 2π√(L/g)
τ = rF sinθ
P = F/A
ρ = m/V
Fb = ρVg
Must Know Vocabulary
Displacement
Velocity
Acceleration
Force
Newton's Laws
Free-Body Diagram
Friction
Energy
Work
Power
Momentum
Impulse
Collision
Simple Harmonic Motion
Torque
Angular Momentum
Pressure
Density
Buoyant Force
Bernoulli's Principle
AP Exam Focus
• Draw and interpret free-body diagrams accurately.
• Explain physical situations using concepts before selecting equations.
• Interpret graphs, diagrams, and experimental data.
• Justify answers with physical reasoning rather than memorized formulas.
• Connect concepts across mechanics, energy, momentum, rotation, and fluids to solve unfamiliar problems.