AP Physics C: Mechanics ›  Unit 1

Unit 1 Kinematics

Everything that moves can be described. This unit rebuilds the vocabulary, the graphs, and the equations of motion — this time with derivatives and integrals instead of shortcuts.

📋 10–15% AP Exam Weighting🕐 ~14–19 Class Periods📺 5 Episodes✅ Progress Check 1
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Episode Guide — Season 1

EP.1.1

Scalars and Vectors

Not all quantities are created equal. Learn unit vector notation and how to build a resultant from components — the language every later unit depends on.

Scalars vs. vectorsî, ĵ, k̂ notationResultant vectors
🕐 2–3 class daysOpen lesson →
EP.1.2

Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration

The object model strips a body down to a point. From there, velocity and acceleration become derivatives — not just slopes.

Object modelΔx = x − x₀v = dx/dta = dv/dt
🕐 2–3 class daysOpen lesson →
EP.1.3

Representing Motion

Position, velocity, and acceleration are linked by derivatives going one way and integrals going the other. Every graph's slope and area under the curve now means something exact.

Kinematic equationsx-t, v-t, a-t graphs∫v(t)dt = Δxg ≈ 10 m/s²
🕐 3–4 class daysOpen lesson →
EP.1.4

Reference Frames and Relative Motion

Two observers can watch the same event and measure completely different velocities — and both be right. Acceleration, though, agrees in every inertial frame.

Inertial reference framesRelative velocityVector addition
🕐 2–3 class daysOpen lesson →
EP.1.5

Motion in Two or Three Dimensions

Split motion into independent components and 2D collapses into two 1D problems running side by side. Projectiles are just gravity plus coasting.

Vector componentsIndependence of axesProjectile motion
🕐 3–4 class daysOpen lesson →
🎓 AP Classroom — Progress Check 1
~18 multiple-choice · 4 free-response · Covers all 5 episodes
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