⚙️AP Physics C: Mechanics
Key Terms

250 essential vocabulary terms and definitions to know for your AP Physics C: Mechanics exam

⚙️AP Physics C: Mechanics
Key Terms by Unit

Unit 1 – Kinematics

1.1 Scalars and Vectors

1.2 Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration

1.3 Representing Motion

1.4 Reference Frames and Relative Motion

1.5 Motion in Two or Three Dimensions

Unit 2 – Force and Motion Dynamics

2.1 Properties and Interactions of a System

2.10 Circular Motion

2.2 Forces and Free-Body Diagrams

2.3 Newton's Third Law

2.4 Newton's First Law

2.5 Newton's Second Law

2.6 Gravitational Force

2.7 Kinetic and Static Friction

2.8 Spring Forces

2.9 Resistive Forces

Unit 3 – Work, Energy, and Power

3.1 Translational Kinetic Energy

3.2 Work

3.3 Potential Energy

3.4 Conservation of Energy

3.5 Power

Unit 4 – Linear Momentum

4.1 Linear Momentum

4.2 Change in Momentum and Impulse

4.4 Elastic and Inelastic Collisions

Unit 5 – Torque and Rotational Motion

5.1 Rotation

5.2 Connecting Linear and Rotational Motion

5.3 Torque

5.4 Rotational Inertia

5.5 Rotational Equilibrium and Newton's First Law in Rotational Form

5.6 Newton's Second Law in Rotational Form

Unit 6 – Rotating Systems: Energy & Momentum

6.1 Rotational Kinetic Energy

6.2 Torque and Work

6.3 Angular Momentum and Angular Impulse

6.4 Conservation of Angular Momentum

6.5 Kinetic Energy of a System with Translational and Rotational Motion

6.6 Motion of Orbiting Satellites

Unit 7 – Oscillations

7.1 Defining Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

7.2 Frequency and Period of SHM

7.3 Representing and Analyzing SHM

7.4 Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators

7.5 Simple and Physical Pendulums

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