Course Content
Unit 5: Rotation
In this unit, students will investigate torque and rotational statics, kinematics, and dynamics, in addition to angular momentum and its conservation, to gain an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of rotation. Students are provided with opportunities to make connections between the content and models explored in the first four units, as well as with opportunities to demonstrate the analogy between translational and rotational kinematics. Unfortunately, when dealing with rotational motion, all the conceptual difficulties found in translational motion also have direct analogs. For example, if the angular velocity is zero, students often believe that the angular acceleration must also be zero. Astronomical phenomena (such as satellites in orbit) are explored in Unit 7 to build students’ knowledge of angular momentum and its conservation.
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Unit 6: Oscillations
While earlier units focused on linear motion, Unit 6 pays close attention to the type of motion we experience when we talk or listen to music. Through the concept of oscillations, students are introduced to the model of simple harmonic motion (SHM), springs, and pendulums. Students will discover why some objects repeat their motions with a regular pattern. They will also apply the model of SHM, define the three kinematic characteristics (displacement, velocity, and acceleration), and practice representing them graphically and mathematically. During their study of oscillations, students will gain a more in-depth understanding of motion, making them better equipped to apply their knowledge of forces and motion to waves. Students will continue to expand on circular motion in Unit 7 as they explore celestial bodies and objects.
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Unit 7: Gravitation
Unit 7 investigates Newton’s laws of gravity and the relationships shared between planets, satellites, and their orbits. Students will become familiar with the law of universal gravitation and how it can be applied to any pair of masses and will consider the motion of an object in orbit under the influence of gravitational forces. Additionally, students will be given opportunities to relate connected knowledge across units by applying and deriving Kepler’s laws of planetary motion to circular or general orbits. Drawing such relationships will help elevate students’ understanding of motion and force in various circumstances.
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AP Physics C (Mechanics)
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