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AP Physics 1 Full
AP Physics 1 Full
AP Physics 1 Full
Distance
Distance is the total length of the path traveled by an object.
It is a scalar quantity, meaning it has only magnitude and no direction.
Distance is measured in units such as meters, kilometers, or miles.
Distance is not used as much as Displacement in the AP exam, but it is
denoted by the letter s or x
Displacement
Displacement is the change in position of an object from its initial position to
its final position.
It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
Displacement is measured in units such as meters, kilometers, or miles, and is
represented by a vector with an arrow pointing from the initial position to the
final position.
Vector Quantities
Vector quantities are physical quantities that have both magnitude and
direction.
Examples of vector quantities include displacement, velocity, acceleration,
force, and momentum.
Vector quantities are represented by a vector, which is a quantity that has
both magnitude and direction.
Vectors are usually represented graphically as arrows, where the length of the
arrow represents the magnitude of the vector and the direction of the arrow
represents the direction of the vector.
Vector quantities can be added and subtracted using vector algebra, which
takes into account both the magnitude and direction of the vectors.
To determine which way an object is moving look at which way the Position vs
Time Graph is sloped
The slope of a Position vs Time Graph is equal to velocity
o When the slope is a straight line it has constant velocity
o When the slope is a curved lived there is a change in velocity
(acceleration)
o When the slope is zero the object is at rest
The y-intercept is the initial position of the object
Speed vs Velocity
Speed and velocity are both terms used to describe the motion of an object, but they
have different meanings.
Speed
Speed is a scalar quantity that refers to how fast an object is moving. It is calculated
by dividing the distance traveled by the time taken to travel that distance. The SI unit
of speed is meters per second (m/s).
Scalar quantity
SI Unit: Meters (m)/Seconds (s)
Equation: S = D/t
Velocity
Velocity is a vector quantity that refers to the rate at which an object changes its
position. It is calculated by dividing the displacement of an object by the time taken
to travel that displacement. The SI unit of velocity is meters per second (m/s).
Vector quantity
SI Unit: Meters (m)/Seconds (s)
Equation: V = x/t
A position vs time graph depicts velocity and a velocity vs time graph depicts
acceleration.
Acceleration
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It is a vector
quantity, which means it has both magnitude and direction. In AP Physics 1,
acceleration is an important concept that is used to describe the motion of objects.
Calculating Acceleration
The formula for acceleration is:
a = (v_f - v_i) / t
where a is acceleration, v_f is final velocity, v_i is initial velocity, and t is time.
Units of Acceleration
The SI unit of acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s^2). Other common
units of acceleration include feet per second squared (ft/s^2) and kilometers per
hour squared (km/h^2).
Uniform Acceleration
Uniform acceleration is when an object's acceleration is constant over time. This
means that the object's velocity changes by the same amount in each unit of time.
The formula for uniform acceleration is:
Non-Uniform Acceleration
Non-uniform acceleration is when an object's acceleration changes over time. This
means that the object's velocity changes by different amounts in each unit of time.
The formula for non-uniform acceleration is more complex and requires calculus.
Free Fall
Free fall is a special case of uniform acceleration where an object is falling under the
influence of gravity. The acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s^2 near
the surface of the Earth. The formula for free fall is:
d = (1/2)gt^2
where d is the distance fallen, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and t is time.
Uniformly Accelerated Motion and the
BIG FIVE
Uniformly Accelerated Motion
Uniformly accelerated motion is a type of motion where the acceleration of an
object remains constant.
The velocity of the object changes at a constant rate.
The acceleration can be positive or negative depending on the direction of the
motion.
Example
Suppose a car starts from rest and accelerates uniformly at 5 m/s^2 for 10
seconds. Find the final velocity and displacement of the car.
Using the BIG FIVE equations of motion, we can find:
o v = u + at = 0 + 5*10 = 50 m/s
o s = ut + 1/2at^2 = 010 + 1/25*10^2 = 250 m
Therefore, the final velocity of the car is 50 m/s and the displacement is 250
m.
Projectile Motion and Angled Motion
Projectile Motion
Projectile motion is the motion of an object that is thrown or launched into
the air and then moves under the influence of gravity.
The path of a projectile is a parabolic curve.
The horizontal and vertical components of motion are independent of each
other.
The acceleration due to gravity acts only in the vertical direction.
Angled Motion
Angled motion is the motion of an object that is thrown or launched at an
angle to the horizontal.
The path of an angled projectile is a parabolic curve.
The horizontal and vertical components of motion are dependent on each
other.
The acceleration due to gravity acts in both the horizontal and vertical
directions.
Note: v₀ is the initial velocity, θ is the angle of projection, g is the acceleration due to
gravity, and t is the time taken.
Unit 2: Dynamics
Dynamics
In AP Physics 1, dynamics is a crucial topic that deals with the study of the causes of
motion and changes in motion. It is a fundamental concept that helps us understand
the behavior of objects and systems in the physical world. Dynamics involves the
application of Newton's laws of motion, which are the backbone of classical
mechanics. These laws explain how forces affect the motion of an object and how the
motion of an object affects the forces acting upon it.
F= G*m1m2/r^2
Gravitational mass is the measure of the strength of the gravitational force
experienced by an object when it is placed in a gravitational field.
It is the mass that determines the strength of the gravitational attraction
between two objects.
Gravitational mass is measured by comparing the weight of an object to a
known standard mass under the influence of gravity.
Inertial Mass
Inertial mass is found my applying a known force to an unknown mass, and applying
a = F/M hence the formula:
a = F/m
Inertial mass is the measure of an object's resistance to a change in its state of
motion.
It is the mass that determines the force required to accelerate an object.
Inertial mass is measured by applying a known force to an object and
measuring its resulting acceleration.
a = F/M
Fnet = ma or ΣF = ma
The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net external force
acting on the object, and inversely proportional to its mass.
F = ma, where F is the net external force, m is the mass of the object, and a is
its acceleration.
Understanding the different types of forces and how they interact with each other is
crucial in many fields, including physics, engineering, and even everyday life. By
analyzing the forces at play in a given situation, we can predict how objects will move
and interact with each other, and design systems and structures that are safe and
efficient. These are some important forces to know for the AP Physics 1 exam, and it
can help you with many MCQs and FRQs.
a꜀ = v^2/r
where a꜀ is the centripetal acceleration, v is the velocity of the object, and r is the
radius of the circle.
The centripetal force required to keep an object moving in a circular path is
given by the formula:
F = ma = mv^2 / r
where F is the centripetal force, m is the mass of the object, v is the velocity of
the object, and r is the radius of the circle.
Some examples of uniform circular motion include the motion of a car around a
circular track, the motion of a satellite orbiting the Earth, and the motion of a ball on
a string being swung in a circle.
Gravitational Force
The gravitational force is the force of attraction between two masses. It is one of the
weakest forces in nature, but it dominated at large mass and distances. An example
of this is our solar system where the huge gravitational pull of the sun keep the
planets in orbit.
Attractive force between two objects with mass
Proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the
square of the distance between them
Described by Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2
G is the gravitational constant (6.674 * 10^-11 N * m^2 / kg^2)
Electric Force
Attractive or repulsive force between two charged objects
Proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the
square of the distance between them
Described by Coulomb's Law: F = k * (q1 * q2) / r^2
k is the Coulomb constant (9 * 10^9 N * m^2 / C^2)
Gravitational Acceleration
Gravitational acceleration is the acceleration experienced by an object due to the
force of gravity. It is denoted by the symbol 'g' and is measured in meters per second
squared (m/s^2). The gravitational force is always acting vertically downward
towards the center of a planet. If this is the only force that is being exerted on an
object at a specific time, then the object is considered to be in free fall.
Formula
The formula for gravitational acceleration is:
g = G * M / r^2
where:
G is the gravitational constant (6.674 * 10^-11 N * m^2 / kg^2)
M is the mass of the object causing the gravitational force
r is the distance between the object and the center of mass of the other object
a = gm/r^2
g = Gm/r^2
Unit 4: Energy
Work and Mechanical Energy
Work
When you lift a dumbbell from the floor, you exert a force on it over a distance, and
when you push a box across a floor, you also exert a force on it over a distance. The
application of force over a distance is called work. Work is a scalar quantity and is
measured in units of J (joules).
Work is the transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied over a
distance.
The formula for work is W = Fd, where W is work, F is force, and d is distance.
Work is measured in joules (J).
Work at an Angle
The previous formula only works when work is done completely parallel to the
intended distance of travel. When the force is done at an angle, the formula
becomes:
W = Fd cos θ
Mechanical Energy
Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy in a
system.
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion and is given by the formula KE =
1/2mv^2, where m is mass and v is velocity.
Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or
configuration and is given by the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is
acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.
Mechanical energy is conserved in a closed system, meaning that the total
amount of mechanical energy remains constant.
Work-Energy Theorem
The work-energy theorem states that the net work done on an object is equal
to the change in its kinetic energy.
The formula for the work-energy theorem is Wnet = ΔKE, where Wnet is the
net work done on an object and ΔKE is the change in its kinetic energy.
The work-energy theorem can be used to calculate the work done on an
object or the change in its kinetic energy.
javascript
Wtotal = deltaK
The work-energy theorem begins to answer the question by stating that a system
gains or loses Kinetic Energy by transferring it to through work between the
environments.
The sum of an object’s kinetic energy and potential energies is called its total
mechanical energy
javascript
E = K + U
javascript
Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf
Example Questions:
Power
Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. It is a scalar quantity
and is measured in watts (W). Power is the rate at which energy is transferred into, or
out of, within a system,.
Formula
The formula for power is:
P = W/t
Units
The SI unit for power is watts (W), which it was originally (Joules/s) later renamed the
watt. Other common units include horsepower (hp) and kilowatts (kW).
Calculations
To calculate power, you need to know the amount of work done and the time it took
to do it. For example, if a person lifts a 50 kg weight 2 meters in 5 seconds, the work
done is:
W = mgh
W = (50 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(2 m)
W = 980 J
P = W/t
P = 980 J / 5 s
P = 196 W
Therefore, the power output of the person lifting the weight is 196 watts.
Power and Energy
Power and energy are related, but they are not the same thing. Energy is the ability
to do work, while power is the rate at which work is done. The amount of energy
used depends on both the power and the time it is used for. For example, a 100 W
light bulb left on for 10 hours uses more energy than a 50 W light bulb left on for the
same amount of time.
Power is also related to efficiency. The higher the power output of a device, the more
energy it can convert into useful work. However, a device with a high power output
may not necessarily be more efficient than a device with a lower power output.
Unit 5: Momentum
What is momentum?
Momentum is the degree of an object's opposition to a modification in motion. It is a
vector quantity, indicating it has both size and direction. The momentum formula is p
= mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. This unit accounts for 12-
18% of the exam weight.
Impulse
Impulse is the change in momentum of an object over a given time period. It is the
product of the force applied to an object and the time over which the force is
applied.
Impulse is the change in momentum of an object over a period of time.
It is also a vector quantity.
The unit of impulse is Ns (newton-second).
The formula for impulse is: J = FΔt, where J is impulse, F is the force applied,
and Δt is the time interval over which the force is applied.
Impulse is equal to the area under a force-time graph.
Types of Collisions
There are three types of collisions:
1. Elastic Collisions: In an elastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the system is
conserved. This means that the objects bounce off each other without losing
any energy.
2. Inelastic Collisions: In an inelastic collision, the total kinetic energy of the
system is not conserved. This means that the objects stick together after the
collision and some energy is lost as heat or sound.
3. Perfectly Inelastic Collision: In an Perfectly Inelastic Collision, the objects stick
together and travel in the same direction.
Displacement: x = A cos(ωt + φ)
where A is the amplitude, ω is the angular frequency, t is the time, and φ is the phase
angle.
Energy in SHM
The total mechanical energy of a system undergoing SHM is constant and is the sum
of kinetic and potential energy.
Total energy: E = 1/2 kA^2
Kinetic energy: K = 1/2 mv^2
Potential energy: U = 1/2 kx^2
where k is the spring constant, m is the mass, v is the velocity, and x is the
displacement.
Also known as Hooke’s Law, the k is the called the spring constant and tells us how
strong the spring is. The greater the K, the stiffer the spring actually is.
Amplitude
Amplitude is a measure of the magnitude of a wave.
It is the maximum displacement of a particle from its equilibrium position in a
wave.
Amplitude is measured in meters (m) for a mechanical wave and in volts (V)
for an electromagnetic wave.
The amplitude of a wave determines its intensity and energy.
The amplitude of a wave can also affedct th eforc e.
Frequency
The frequency of a wave is the number of complete cycles of the wave that
occur in one second.
It is denoted by the symbol f and is measured in Hertz (Hz).
The frequency is directly proportional to the energy of the wave.
Mathematically, f = 1/T, where T is the period of the wave.
Pendulums
In a system, if the spring is used the period will increase with objects mass and
decrease with as a greater spring constant increases. This is because a mass will resist
acceleration and a large spring constant will make the spring exert more force.
Object's mass affects the period of the spring, not the pendulum
Mass can act as either inertial or gravitational
Gravitational mass accelerates due to the force of gravity between it and the
Earth
All objects fall at the same rate due to gravitational mass
Inertial mass is not pushed by gravity but by external forces like the spring
force
Inertial mass can accelerate at different rates depending on the force applied
Pendulums are a common topic in AP Physics Unit 7, which covers simple harmonic
motion. A pendulum is a weight suspended from a pivot point that swings back and
forth due to gravity. The period of a pendulum (the time it takes to complete one full
swing) is determined by the length of the pendulum and the acceleration due to
gravity. The equation for the period of a pendulum is T=2π√(L/g), where T is the
period, L is the length of the pendulum, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
Pendulums are used in many applications, such as clo