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AP Physics C_ Mechanics Cheatsheet (2023)

This cheat sheet covers key concepts in AP Physics C: Mechanics, including kinematics, Newton's laws, work, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations, and gravitation. It outlines essential formulas and principles such as the conservation of energy, torque, and simple harmonic motion. Additionally, it provides tips for solving free-response questions and emphasizes the importance of understanding relationships between variables.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
44 views1 page

AP Physics C_ Mechanics Cheatsheet (2023)

This cheat sheet covers key concepts in AP Physics C: Mechanics, including kinematics, Newton's laws, work, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations, and gravitation. It outlines essential formulas and principles such as the conservation of energy, torque, and simple harmonic motion. Additionally, it provides tips for solving free-response questions and emphasizes the importance of understanding relationships between variables.

Uploaded by

bclench
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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⚙️ AP Physics C: Mechanics – 2023 Cheat Sheet | 👉🏽 See all AP Physics study guides | @thinkfiveable

🚗 Unit 1
Kinematics
🍎Unit 2
Newton’s Laws of Motion
🎢 Unit 3
Work, Energy, & Power
🎳Unit 4
Systems of Particles & Linear Momentum

● Newton’s 1st law: inertia


● Scalar vs. vector ● Newton’s 2nd law: Fnet = ma 𝑥𝑓
● 1-D motion ● W = F△r cosθ and W = ∫ 𝐹𝑥 𝑑𝑥 ● Center of mass
● Newton’s 3rd law: Action and reaction force ● Conservation of linear momentum
○ Four kinematic equations pair
𝑥𝑖

○ Free-fall motion (gravity is ● Conservative vs. nonconservative forces ○ Conserved when Fnet = 0
○ Equal in magnitude, opposite ● Stable vs. unstable equilibrium ● Momentum is a vector
only force) in direction
● Cross product and vector addition ● Wconservative = − △U ○ ΣF = dt/dp
● Free-body diagrams ○ Gravity = conservative 𝑡𝑓
● x(t), v(t), a(t) graphs ● Equilibrium (Fnet = 0) when at rest OR ● PE includes both gravitational and elastic ● Impulse 𝐼 = ∫ Σ𝐹𝑑𝑡
○ Derivatives and integrals constant velocity 𝑡𝑖
● 2-D motion ● Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem
● Friction is fun! f = μN ● Elastic collisions → KE and momentum
○ x and y components (like 2 ○ ΣW = △KE
○ Static > kinetic friction conserved
1-D motions) ● Hooke’s Law (force law for springs)
● Centripetal = points to center ○ Objects bounce off each
● Special projectile motion formulas ○ Fs = − kx
○ Fc = (mv²)/r other
(symmetric) ● Conservation of energy
○ ac = v²/r ● Inelastic collisions → KE is NOT conserved,
○ t = (vₓsinθ)/g to reach max ○ Emech = △K + △U
● Uniform circular motion means speed is momentum conserved
height ● Conservation of energy (including work
constant but direction changes ○ Perfectly inelastic = stick
○ H = (v²ₓsin²θ)/2g to reach ● and heat)
○ 𝑎 = 𝑎𝑟² + 𝑎𝑡² where ar is together
max height ○ △K + △U = W + Q
towards center and at is ● Special elastic collision formulas
○ R = (v²ₓsin2θ)/g range ● Average power P =w/△t
tangential

🚲Unit 5
Rotation
🌊Unit 6
Oscillations
🪐 Unit 7
Gravitation
💯 FRQ Tips
● Always list your givens at the start of the
● Same kinematic equations as Unit 1 but with problem (m, v, a, F, etc.)
θ, α, ω
● Angular and translational ● If you are given a graph, use it!
○ v = rω tangential speed ● Hooke’s Law ● Orbital speed v = (𝐺𝑀)/𝑅
○ a = rα tangential acceleration ○ Fs = restoring force ○ M is mass of thing being ● Make sure you know how to integrate and
● Torque τ = rFsinθ is a vector ○ Negative when Fs and x in orbited differentiate (i.e. u-sub)
● Net torque Στ = Iα opposite directions ● Gravity g = GM/R²
○ Clockwise - ● Simple Harmonic Motion (sin/cos functions) ○ Add h to R if there is an ● Relationships between variables (i.e. Fnet =
○ Counterclockwise + ○ x(t) = Acos(ωt + θi) altitude ma, and a = dv/dt)
● Moment of inertia ○ v(t) = − ωAsin(ωt + θi)
● Minimum escape velocity v = 2𝐺𝑀/𝑅
○ Single particle I = mr² ○ a(t) = − ω²Acos(ωt + θi) 4𝝅² ● Find keywords (constant speed means a=0,
○ Hoop, cylinder, rod, sphere ● vmax = ωA and amax = ω²A ● Orbital period T²= 𝐺𝑀
𝑟³ terminal speed means t=infinity)
● KE includes both translational and rotational ○ A is max displacement from ○ Kepler’s 3rd law
○ Rotational KE = (½)Iω² equilibrium ○ Time it takes for a revolution ● Visualize, draw a picture or FBD!
● Angular momentum L = rmvsinθ ● Energy conservation around something
○ And L = Iω ○ (½)kA² = (½)mv² = (½)kx² ● Circular vs. elliptical orbits ● Use conservation of energy, especially when
○ Conserved when τ net = 0 heights and movement are involved
● Parallel-axis theorem
○ Io = Icm + MD² ● Fundamental concepts in units reappear in
other units! (FBDs, kinematic equations, etc.)

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