APhigh school
Physics Kinematics
A mechanics-focused physics course covering projectile motion, conservation of momentum, Newton's laws, and friction forces. Builds quantitative problem-solving skills through vector analysis and free-body diagrams.
4units
4topics
60questions
~2hours
Course Units
Learning objectives
- Decompose a projectile initial velocity into independent horizontal and vertical components using trigonometry
- Apply kinematic equations to calculate range, time of flight, and maximum height for level-ground launches
- Explain why complementary launch angles produce identical ranges and why 45 degrees maximizes range without air resistance
- Solve multi-step projectile problems including horizontal launches from elevated positions
Topics in this unit
Learning objectives
- Define momentum as the product of mass and velocity and calculate it for moving objects
- Apply conservation of momentum to solve collision and explosion problems in one dimension
- Distinguish between elastic, inelastic, and perfectly inelastic collisions based on kinetic energy conservation
- Use the impulse-momentum theorem to relate force, time, and momentum change in real-world safety scenarios
Topics in this unit
Learning objectives
- State and distinguish Newton's three laws of motion and identify which law applies in a given physical scenario
- Draw accurate free-body diagrams and use them to calculate net force, acceleration, and individual force magnitudes
- Solve quantitative problems involving F = ma for single objects, inclined planes, and connected multi-object systems
- Identify and correct common misconceptions such as force-implies-motion, heavier-falls-faster, and action-reaction cancellation
- Analyze the motion of objects in elevators and rotating systems to identify apparent weight changes caused by non-inertial reference frames
Topics in this unit
Learning objectives
- Distinguish between static and kinetic friction and explain why static friction is typically greater
- Calculate friction force using f = μ N on flat surfaces, inclined planes, and with angled applied forces
- Determine the critical angle at which an object begins to slide on an incline using tan(θ) = μ_s
- Solve multi-object friction problems including stacked blocks and objects connected by strings
- Explain why friction is necessary for walking, driving, and braking and analyze what happens when friction is suddenly removed
Topics in this unit