AP® Physics C: Mechanics
For Educators
Teachers can use the complete Plus course curriculum for flexible instruction.
Course Summary
Find out why the universe works the way it does. In this calculus-based course, students examine key physics concepts including kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, systems of particles and linear momentum, circular motion and rotation, oscillations and gravitation, and more. Learn the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to identify and analyze physics problems that model both real and ideal situations.
This course prepares students for the AP® Physics C: Mechanics exam.
Curriculum
This is a 1-semester course.
UC Scout courses (except language courses) are conducted entirely in English, including all lessons, assignments, and exams. Students are expected to complete all coursework — including proctored midterm and final exams — in English. Translation tools and browser extensions (such as Google Translate) are not permitted during proctored exams. Students who rely on translation tools to complete coursework should be aware that these tools will not be available during proctored assessments.
Unit 1: Kinematics
- Motion in One Dimension
- Motion in Two Dimensions
Unit 2: Newton's Laws of Motion
- Newton's First Law
- Newton's Second Law
- Newton's Third Law
- Applications of Newton's Laws
Unit 3: Work, Energy, Power
- Work and Work-Energy Theorem
- Conservative Forces and Potential Energy
- Conservation of Energy
- Power
Unit 4: Linear Momentum
- Center of Mass
- Impulse and Momentum
- Conservation of Linear Momentum, Collisions
Unit 5: Circular and Rotational Motion
- Uniform Circular Motion
- Angular Momentum
- Torque and Rotational Statics
- Rotational Kinematics and Dynamics
Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion
- Simple Harmonic Motion
- Mass on a Spring
- Pendulum and Other Oscillations
- Newton's Law of Gravity
- Orbits of Planets and Satellites