📘

Comprehensive AP Physics 1 Exam Review

Apr 29, 2025

AP Physics 1 Exam Review

Overview

This review covers all the topics on the AP Physics 1 exam, including kinematic formulas, dynamics, work and energy, momentum, rotational motion, and fluid mechanics.

Kinematic Formulas

  • Variables: Time, Initial/Final Position, Initial/Final Velocity, Acceleration
  • Kinematic Equations:
    • Equations relate displacement, initial and final velocities, acceleration, and time.
    • You can choose the final position and velocity for convenience in solving problems.
  • Acceleration:
    • Constant in free fall (use -10 m/s² for AP exams)
    • Determines whether displacement, velocity, and acceleration are positive or negative.
  • Special Cases:
    • Use specific equations when variables like acceleration or time are missing.
    • Symmetry in motion: time to rise = time to fall.

2D Kinematics

  • Independence: Motion in x and y directions is independent.
  • Vertical Motion: Acceleration is -10 m/s².
  • Horizontal Motion: Acceleration is 0; velocity remains constant.

Dynamics (Newton's Laws)

  • Newton's Second Law: F=ma; net force causes acceleration.
  • Types of Forces:
    • Gravity: F=mg
    • Normal Force: Balances other forces, calculated based on net force.
    • Tension: Force exerted by ropes.
    • Friction: Dynamic (slipping) and static (gripping) friction,
      • Formulas involve coefficients of friction.

Circular Motion

  • Centripetal Acceleration: a = v²/r; changes direction, not speed.
  • Centripetal Force: Any force directed towards the center, causing circular motion.

Universal Gravitation

  • Force of Gravity: F = G(m₁m₂)/r²
  • Gravitational Potential Energy: U = -G(m₁m₂)/r
  • Escape Velocity: Derived using energy conservation.

Work and Energy

  • Work: Force applied over a distance, changes energy.
  • Kinetic Energy: KE = 1/2 mv²
  • Potential Energy: Gravitational (mgh) and Elastic (1/2 kx²)
  • Conservation of Energy: Total initial energy = Total final energy.

Momentum

  • Momentum: p = mv; vector quantity.
  • Impulse: Change in momentum, J = FΔt.
  • Conservation of Momentum: In isolated systems, total momentum is conserved.

Rotational Motion

  • Angular Kinematics: Similar to linear kinematics, using angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
  • Torque: τ = rFsinθ, causes angular acceleration.
  • Rotational Inertia: Resistance to change in rotation, depends on mass distribution.
  • Angular Momentum: L = Iω; conserved in closed systems.

Oscillations

  • Hooke's Law: F = -kx for springs.
  • Simple Harmonic Motion: Motion of masses on springs or pendulums.
  • Periodic Motion: Described by period T and frequency f.

Fluid Mechanics

  • Pressure: P = F/A; forces exerted by fluids.
  • Buoyant Force: Upward force on submerged objects, equal to the weight of displaced fluid.
  • Continuity Equation: A₁v₁ = A₂v₂ for incompressible fluids.
  • Bernoulli's Equation: Conservation of energy principle applied to flowing fluids.

This review aims to solidify your understanding of key physics concepts and problem-solving techniques necessary for the AP Physics 1 exam.