AP Physics C Mechanics Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview: AP Physics C Mechanics

Introduction to the Course

This course is designed for students seeking a deep understanding of classical mechanics at the college level. It covers the foundational principles of physics, emphasizing problem-solving, analytical thinking, and the application of mathematical concepts to physical phenomena.

• Instructor: Mr. Bowyer

• Contact: bowyermasonschoolsboeh.com

• Classroom Phone Number: [phone] ext. 39025

• Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus (Honors Pre-Calculus Highly Recommended)

Main Topics Covered

• Math Review for Physics

• Introductory Skills Needed for Physics

• Newton's Laws/Forces

• Work, Energy, & Power

• Uniform Circular Motion & Rotational Kinematics

• Rotational Dynamics & Momentum

• Statics & Rotational Energetics

• Simple Harmonic Motion & Gravitation

Course Objectives

Learning Goals

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand and apply the concepts and properties associated with Work, Energy, and Power.

• Analyze the concepts and properties associated with Linear Momentum.

• Apply the concepts and properties associated with Uniform Circular Motion & Rotational Kinematics.

• Understand the concepts and properties associated with Statics & Rotational Energetics.

• Apply the concepts and properties associated with Rotational Dynamics.

• Understand the concepts and properties associated with Simple Harmonic Motion.

• Understand the concepts and properties associated with Gravitation.

• Prepare for the AP Test by mastering vocabulary and questions associated with the exam.

Teaching Methods

• Collaborative Problem Solving: Students work in teams and individually to solve problems and share ideas.

• Activities: Includes labs, discussions, writing, and projects.

• Communication: Emphasis on respectful and meaningful exchanges.

• Adaptability: Feedback and collaboration activities tailored to student needs.

• Empathy: Reflections on personal growth and awareness in the context of the course.

Required Materials

• Calculator (non-phone)

• Notebook or binder

• Pencil - no pens allowed

Expectations for Success

• Complete assignments on time.

• Be willing to seek help when you have problems.

• Follow all classroom procedures and routines.

• DO NOT GIVE UP! BE TENACIOUS!

Ways to Get Help in Mechanics

• Lab make-ups will be offered during Connect; contact instructor for details.

• Study with other students outside of class.

• Contact instructor if you cannot attend scheduled help sessions.

• Use online resources and tutorials as needed.

Communication Protocols

• Check school email daily for updates.

• Responses to emails will be within one business day of the time communication is sent.

Classroom Behavior and Academic Integrity

Behavioral Expectations

• Be respectful to all classmates and staff.

• No food or drinks in class unless permitted.

• Follow all school rules and procedures.

• Clean up workspace before leaving the classroom.

Academic Integrity Policy

• Dishonesty: Includes cheating, plagiarism, and misrepresentation of work.

• Technology: Use of cell phones, computers, or other devices for cheating is prohibited.

• Plagiarism: Copying or using work from print or online sources without citation.

• Forgery: Falsifying any school document or work.

Violations will result in consequences as per the Student Code of Conduct.

Grading Policy

• Homework: Online assignments via Mastering Physics. No late credit.

• Quiz: Short checks on recently covered material.

• Lab: Performed with a partner or small group; analysis and written reports required.

• Test: Formatted similar to AP Physics C exam format.

Sample Equations and Concepts

Newton's Laws of Motion

• First Law (Inertia): An object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion remains in motion unless acted upon by a net external force.

• Second Law: The net force on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration.

$F_{net} = m a$

• Third Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Work, Energy, and Power

• Work: The product of force and displacement in the direction of the force.

$W = F d \cos \theta$

• Kinetic Energy: The energy of motion.

$KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2$

• Potential Energy: Energy stored due to position.

$PE = m g h$

• Power: The rate at which work is done.

$P = \frac{W}{t}$

Momentum

• Linear Momentum: The product of mass and velocity.

$p = m v$

• Impulse: Change in momentum.

$J = F \Delta t = \Delta p$

Rotational Motion

• Angular Velocity: Rate of change of angular displacement.

$\omega = \frac{\Delta \theta}{\Delta t}$

• Rotational Kinetic Energy: Energy due to rotation.

$KE_{rot} = \frac{1}{2} I \omega^2$

• Moment of Inertia: Measure of an object's resistance to changes in rotational motion.

$I = \sum m_i r_i^2$

Gravitation

• Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation: Every mass attracts every other mass with a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

$F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$

Grade Distribution

Category	Description
Homework	Online assignments, completion and accuracy
Quiz	Short checks on recent material
Lab	Group or partner experiments, analysis, and reports
Test	AP Physics C exam format

Accommodations and Special Learning Preferences

• Accommodations provided as needed per IEP or 504 plan.

• Homework and assignments designed to build understanding and support learning goals.

• Students encouraged to communicate needs for additional support.

Tentative Schedule

Unit	Main Topics
1. Introductory Skills	Math Review, Physics Skills
2. Kinematics	1D and 2D Motion, Vectors
3. Newton's Laws/Forces	Dynamics, Friction, Inclines
4. Work, Energy, Power	Conservation of Energy
5. Uniform Circular Motion & Rotational Kinematics	Centripetal Forces, Rotational Motion
6. Rotational Dynamics & Momentum	Torque, Angular Momentum
7. Statics & Rotational Energetics	Equilibrium, Rotational Energy
8. Simple Harmonic Motion & Gravitation	Oscillations, Gravity

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of AP Physics C Mechanics, including expectations, grading, and a tentative schedule aligned with college-level physics topics.