AP Physics C_ Mechanics Cheatsheet (2023)
AP Physics C_ Mechanics Cheatsheet (2023)
🚗 Unit 1
Kinematics
🍎Unit 2
Newton’s Laws of Motion
🎢 Unit 3
Work, Energy, & Power
🎳Unit 4
Systems of Particles & Linear Momentum
○ 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.)