AP Physics 1 Review Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Purpose: Quick review of AP Physics 1 curriculum in 30 mins.
• More in-depth resources available (Ultimate Exam Slayer, Ultimate Review Packet, full review videos playlist).
• No questions during the session.

Unit 1: Kinematics

• Vectors vs Scalars:
  • Vectors: Magnitude and direction (e.g., velocity, displacement)
  • Scalars: Magnitude only (e.g., distance)
• Distance vs Displacement:
  • Distance: Length of path (scalar)
  • Displacement: Straight-line distance between points (vector)
• Equations of Motion:
  • Average velocity = Displacement / Time
  • Average acceleration = Change in velocity / Time
  • Uniformly Accelerated Motion (UAM) equations for constant acceleration
• Graph Interpretations:
  • Slope of position vs. time = Velocity
  • Slope of velocity vs. time = Acceleration
  • Area under velocity vs. time = Change in position
  • Area under acceleration vs. time = Change in velocity
• Projectile Motion:
  • Acceleration in y-direction = 10 m/s² (use for exams)
  • Analyze using UAM equations

Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics

• Forces:
  • All forces are vectors due to interactions
  • Free Body Diagrams (FBD) only show force vectors
  • Normal force: Perpendicular to surface
  • Friction: Opposes motion
  • Newton’s Laws of Motion
    • 1st Law: Inertia
    • 2nd Law: F = ma
    • 3rd Law: Action-reaction pairs

Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power

• Energy Types:
  • Kinetic Energy: ½ mv²
  • Potential Energy: Due to positions (gravitational, elastic)
• Work:
  • Work = Force × Displacement × cos(θ)
  • Conservative vs Non-conservative forces
• Power:
  • Power = Work / Time
  • Instantaneous Power involves velocity and force

Unit 4: Linear Momentum

• Momentum (p):
  • p = mv
  • Impulse = Change in momentum
• Types of Collisions:
  • Elastic: Kinetic energy conserved
  • Inelastic: Kinetic energy not conserved, may stick together

Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics

• Angular Concepts:
  • Angular displacement, velocity, acceleration
  • Graph interpretations for angular motion
• Torque (τ):
  • τ = r × F × sin(θ)
  • Moment of inertia
• Rotational Equilibrium:
  • Net torque = 0
  • Static equilibrium: Object at rest, no net torque

Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems

• Rotational Kinetic Energy:
  • ½ Iω²
• Angular Momentum:
  • Conserved if net external torque = 0

Unit 7: Oscillations

• Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM):
  • Period (T) and Frequency (f)
  • Amplitude (A)
  • Equations for position, velocity in SHM

Unit 8: Fluids

• Density and Pressure:
  • ρ = Mass/Volume
  • Pressure = Force/Area
• Buoyant Force:
  • Equal to weight of fluid displaced
• Bernoulli’s and Torricelli’s Principles:
  • Describe fluid flow and pressure

Conclusion

• Encouragement and resources for further study.
• Confidence in student's ability to succeed.