⚙️ 2023 AP Physics C: Mechanics Study Plan
Welcome to this plethora of resources that cover everything! This toolkit is constantly being updated with more resources! AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based, college-level course where you will continue to develop an understanding of important physics concepts like change, force interactions, fields, and conservation through inquiry-driven study and lab experiences.
The AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam
A breakdown of the exam content by percentage.
| Unit | Exam Weighting (MCQ) |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Kinematics | 14%–20% |
| Unit 2: Newton’s Laws of Motion | 17%–23% |
| Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power | 14%–17% |
| Unit 4: Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum | 14%–17% |
| Unit 5: Rotation | 14%–20% |
| Unit 6: Oscillations | 6%–14% |
| Unit 7: Gravitation | 6%–14% |
Science Practices
By taking AP Physics C: Mechanics, you’ll gain a variety of skills that will help you think and practice like a physicist.
| Skill | Description | Exam Weighting (MCQ) | Exam Weighting (FRQ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Visual Representations | Analyze and/or use representations of physical situations, excluding graphs. | 14–17% | 4–7% |
| 2. Question and Method | Determine scientific questions and methods. | 3–6% | 6–11% |
| 3. Representing Data and Phenomena | Create visual representations or models of physical situations. | Not assessed in the multiple-choice section | 13–20% |
| 4. Data Analysis | Analyze quantitative data represented in graphs. | 14–17% | 8–13% |
| 5. Theoretical Relationships | Determine the effects on a quantity when another quantity or the physical situation changes. | 25–34% | 20–24% |
| 6. Mathematical Routines | Solve problems of physical situations using mathematical relationships. | 14–20% | 20–24% |
| 7. Argumentation | Develop an explanation or scientific argument. | 14–20% | 11–18% |
Study Guides for Every Unit
🚗 Unit 1 - Kinematics
- 1.1 Kinematics Overview and Motion in One Dimension
- 1.2 Motion in Two Dimensions
- 1.3 Multiple Choice Questions
- 1.4 MC Answers and Review
🚀 Unit 2 - Newton's Laws of Motion
- 2.1 Newton's Laws of Motion: First and Second Law
- 2.2 Circular Motion
- 2.3 Newton's Laws of Motion: Third Law
- 2.4 Multiple Choice Questions
- 2.5 MC Answers and Review
🎢 Unit 3 - Work, Energy, and Power
- 3.1 Work-Energy Theorem
- 3.2 Forces and Potential Energy
- 3.3 Conservation of Energy
- 3.4 Power
- 3.5 Multiple Choice Questions
- 3.6 MC Answers and Review
🎳 Unit 4 - Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum
- 4.0 Unit 4 Overview
- 4.1 Center of Mass
- 4.2 Impulse and Momentum
- 4.3 Conservation of Linear Momentum and Collisions
- 4.4 Multiple Choice Questions
- 4.5 MC Answers and Review
🚲 Unit 5 - Rotation
- 5.0 Unit 5 Overview
- 5.1 Torque and Rotational Statics
- 5.2 Rotational Kinematics
- 5.3 Rotational Dynamics and Energy
- 5.4 Angular Momentum and Its Conservation
- 5.5 Multiple Choice Questions
- 5.6 MC Answers and Review
🌊 Unit 6 - Oscillations
- 6.0 Unit 6 Overview
- 6.1 Simple Harmonic Motion, Springs, and Pendulums
- 6.2 Multiple Choice Questions
- 6.3 MC Answers and Review
🪐 Unit 7 - Gravitation
- 7.1 Gravitational Forces
- 7.2 Orbits of Planets and Satellites
- 7.3 Multiple Choice Questions
- 7.4 MC Answers and Review
Quicklinks
- 📕 Best AP Physics C Textbooks and Prep Books: A breakdown of the top prep books and textbooks for AP Physics C!
- 🤯 How to Get a 5 in AP Physics C: Mechanics: Tips and tricks to acing the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam!
Check out all of our AP Physics C: Mech Resources!
Related Questions
- Where can I find Fiveable's AP Physics C: Mechanics resources?
- Do you provide support for AP Physics C: Mechanics?
- Does Fiveable help students pass the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam?