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Text-Based Cheatsheets
The whole AP Physics C: Mechanics course on one page, plus one page per unit, reviewed every year. Made and checked by the Fiveable Content Team.
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AP Physics C: Mechanics Cheatsheets
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AP Physics C: Mechanics, unit by unit
What each unit's one-page cheatsheet covers. Open a unit to read the start of its sheet.
Scalars vs. Vectors · Displacement & Average Velocity/Acceleration · Instantaneous Velocity & Acceleration · Graphs: Slope & Area Relationships · Constant Acceleration Kinematics (1D) · Reference Frames & Relative Motion · D & 3D Motion & Projectiles
Unit 2: Force and Translational Dynamics
Systems & Center of Mass · Forces & Free-Body Diagrams · Springs & Hooke's Law · Tension & Ideal Strings · Shell Theorem & Gravity Inside Spheres · Resistive Forces & Circular Motion · Orbital Motion & Kepler's Third Law · Newton's Laws & Equilibrium · Gravitational Force & Weight · Friction: Kinetic & Static
Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power
Kinetic Energy & Work Basics · Power: Rate of Energy Transfer · Quick Reference: Equations & Relationships · Work-Energy Theorem · Equilibrium from Potential Energy Graphs · Mechanical Energy Conservation · Variable Force & Integration · Potential Energy & Conservative Forces · Problem-Solving Strategy
Linear Momentum: Definition & Properties · Conservation of Momentum: When & Why · Elastic vs. Inelastic Collisions · Impulse & Impulse-Momentum Theorem · Problem-Solving Checklist · Change in Momentum & System Selection · Collision & Explosion Models · Force, Momentum & Time Relationships · Elastic Collision Equations (1D)
Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Rotational Kinematics Equations · Rotational Inertia: Concept & Calculation · Newton's Second Law (Rotational Form) · Linear–Rotational Connections · Torque: Definition & Calculation · Rotational Equilibrium (ΣτNet = 0) · Rigid Systems vs. Objects · Cross Product & Right-Hand Rule · Problem-Solving Strategy
Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Rotational Kinetic Energy · Orbiting Satellites · Torque and Work · Angular Momentum & Impulse · Conservation of Angular Momentum · Rolling Motion
SHM Definition & Restoring Force · Period & Frequency Formulas · Displacement, Velocity & Acceleration · Energy in SHM · Resonance · Physical & Torsion Pendulums · Solving SHM Problems: Strategy · Common Confusions & Checks · Graphical Analysis
