AP Physics C: Mechanics

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based physics course designed to be the equivalent of a first-semester physics course for engineering majors. The course covers kinematics, dynamics, force, circular motion, work, energy, momentum, rotation, gravitation, and simple harmonic oscillation. Students have a weekly 7:00 AM lab as well as virtual labs. Communication skills are developed throughout the year as students write formal lab reports every quarter.

Prerequisite

Final year average of an A in Honors Precalculus AND an A in Honors Chemistry

Special Purchases

TI-84+ graphing calculator

Homework Estimate

45 – 90 minutes per night

Students will have a weekly lab at 7:00 AM

Major Concepts Covered

Mechanics- which includes vectors, displacement, velocity, acceleration, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion-is the major component

Insider Information

This is a very difficult course which requires a student to use critical thinking skills to connect different ideas in the course. Students solve word problems all year long. The tests require students to analyze new situations that they have not been exposed to in advance. The students also have online homework assignments weekly. This course may be the first time a student has earned a B in a math/science course, but it will prepare them to do well in college.