AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Learning objectives

• Draw and analyze free-body diagrams for single and multi-object systems
• Apply Newton's second law to determine net force, mass, or acceleration in linear systems
• Distinguish between static and kinetic friction and calculate frictional forces on flat and inclined surfaces
• Analyze systems of objects connected by strings, pulleys, or contact forces using Newton's third law
• Identify action-reaction force pairs and explain why they act on different objects

Learning objectives

• Calculate work done by constant and variable forces and apply the work-energy theorem
• Apply conservation of mechanical energy to systems with and without non-conservative forces
• Distinguish between kinetic, gravitational potential, and elastic potential energy
• Define and calculate power as the rate of energy transfer
• Use energy bar charts to track energy transformations in multi-step problems

Learning objectives

• Define momentum and apply the impulse-momentum theorem to calculate force and time of impact
• Apply conservation of momentum to analyze collisions and explosions in one and two dimensions
• Distinguish between elastic and perfectly inelastic collisions based on kinetic energy conservation
• Locate and track the center of mass of a system of particles
• Explain how impulse relates to force-time graphs and why crumple zones reduce injury

Learning objectives

• Calculate torque using force, lever arm, and angle, and determine net torque on an object
• Apply Newton's second law for rotation to solve rotational dynamics problems
• Compare moment of inertia for different mass distributions and geometric shapes
• Analyze static equilibrium by setting both net force and net torque to zero
• Relate angular position, velocity, and acceleration using rotational kinematics equations

Learning objectives

• Calculate rotational kinetic energy and apply energy conservation to rolling systems
• Define angular momentum and apply conservation of angular momentum to isolated systems
• Analyze rolling-without-slipping scenarios combining translational and rotational motion
• Predict changes in angular velocity when moment of inertia changes in an isolated system
• Compare total kinetic energy for sliding vs rolling objects on inclines

Learning objectives

• Describe simple harmonic motion and identify restoring force, amplitude, period, and frequency
• Derive and apply the period formulas for mass-spring systems and simple pendulums
• Analyze energy transformations between kinetic and potential energy during oscillation
• Use position, velocity, and acceleration graphs to describe oscillatory motion at any point in the cycle
• Explain how changing mass, spring constant, or length affects the period of an oscillator

Learning objectives

• Define pressure and calculate hydrostatic pressure at various depths in a fluid
• Apply Pascal's law to hydraulic systems and Archimedes' principle to buoyancy problems
• Use the continuity equation to relate fluid speed and cross-sectional area in a pipe
• Apply Bernoulli's equation to explain lift, venturi effects, and fluid flow phenomena
• Determine whether an object floats or sinks by comparing object and fluid densities