AP Physics 1 Master Review Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the AP Physics 1 curriculum, including exam format, kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations, and fluids.

Mathematical Routines (MR)

An AP Physics 1 exam question type that assesses the ability to use mathematics to analyze a scenario, derive relationships symbolically, and calculate numerical values.

Translation Between Representations (TBR)

An AP Physics 1 exam question type that assesses the ability to connect different representations of a scenario, such as visual representations, equations, and graphs.

Experimental Design and Analysis (LAB)

An AP Physics 1 exam question type that assesses the ability to create scientific procedures, vary single parameters, and use data analysis techniques to answer physical questions.

Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (QQT)

An AP Physics 1 exam question type that assesses the ability to connect the nature of a scenario, physical laws, and mathematical representations to justify claims.

Calculate

Perform mathematical steps to arrive at a final answer, including algebraic expressions, properly substituted numbers, and correct labeling of units and significant figures.

Derive

Starting with a fundamental law or relationship, perform a series of mathematical steps to arrive at a final answer.

Justify

Provide qualitative reasoning beyond mathematical derivations or expressions to support, qualify, or defend a claim.

Verify

Confirm that the conditions of a scientific definition, law, theorem, or test are met to explain why it applies, or use empirical data to prove a hypothesis.

Scalar

Quantities described by magnitude only, such as distance ($10\,\text{feet}$) and speed ($55\,\text{mph}$).

Vector

Quantities containing both magnitude and direction, where directions are often denoted as positive ($+$) or negative ($-$-).

Displacement

A vector quantity defined as the change in an object's position, calculated as $\Delta x = x_f - x_0$.

Velocity ($v$)

A vector quantity describing the rate of change of position with respect to time; it changes if either speed or direction changes.

Acceleration ($a$)

The rate of change of velocity with respect to time, encompassing speeding up, slowing down, or turning.

$$-10\,\text{m/s}^2$$

The approximate value for vertical acceleration due to gravity ($g$) on Earth, assuming up is the positive direction.

Velocity vs. Time Graph Slope

The gradient of the line on a velocity-time graph represents the acceleration.

Velocity vs. Time Graph Area

The area under the curve on a velocity-time graph represents the displacement ($\Delta x$).

Inertia

A property of an object that determines how much its motion resists changes, directly related to its mass.

Newton

The unit of force; $5\,\text{Newtons}$ is approximately equal to $1\,\text{pound}$.

Newton's Second Law

An unbalanced force causes acceleration, mathematically represented as $\sum F = m_{sys} a_{sys}$.

Normal Force ($F_N$)

The force that acts perpendicular to (away from) a surface; it provides the sensation of apparent weight.

Universal Law of Gravitation

The force of attraction between two masses, calculated as $|F_g| = \frac{G m_1 m_2}{r^2}$, where $r$ is the distance between centers of mass.

Kinetic Friction ($F_{f,k}$)

The friction force between moving surfaces, calculated as $F_{f,k} = \mu_k F_n$; it does not depend on contact surface area.

Static Friction ($F_{f,s}$)

A friction force that adapts its value to prevent slipping, typically having a maximum value ($F_{f,s,max} = \mu_s F_n$) that is greater than kinetic friction.

Hooke's Law

The linear relationship between spring force and displacement, defined as $F_s = k \Delta x$, where $k$ is the spring constant.

Centripetal Acceleration ($a_c$)

A center-seeking force directed towards the center of a circular path, modeled as $a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}$.

Critical Threshold Formula for Vertical Loops

The minimum speed required at the top of a loop to maintain circular motion, derived as $v = \sqrt{gr}$.

Tangential Acceleration

The rate at which the scalar speed of an object changes along its circular path.

Frequency ($f$)

The rate at which an object completes revolutions, measured in hertz ($\text{Hz}$); it is the reciprocal of the period ($f = 1/T$).

Kinetic Energy ($K$)

Energy of motion, directly proportional to mass and proportional to the square of velocity: $K = \frac{1}{2} m v^2$.

Work ($W$)

The product of the component of force parallel to displacement and the distance traveled; also represented as the area under a force-displacement graph.

Elastic Potential Energy ($U_s$)

Potential energy stored in a stretched or compressed spring, calculated as $U_s = \frac{1}{2} k \Delta x^2$.

Gravitational Potential Energy (Universal Scale)

The potential energy between two objects at a distance, defined as $U_g = - \frac{G m_1 m_2}{r}$, where zero is set at infinity.

Power ($P$)

The rate at which energy changes or work is done, often calculated as $P = \frac{\Delta E}{\Delta t}$ or $P = F v \cos(\theta)$.

Momentum ($p$)

A measure of how difficult it is to stop a moving object, equal to the product of mass and velocity ($p = m v$).

Impulse ($J$)

The change in momentum resulting from a force applied over time ($J = F \Delta t = \Delta p$); represented by the area under a force vs. time graph.

Elastic Collision

A collision where momentum is conserved and kinetic energy is also conserved.

Inelastic Collision

A collision where momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is lost (converted to other forms).

Torque ($\tau$)

A force that causes rotation, calculated as $\tau = r F \sin(\theta)$ where $r \sin(\theta)$ is the lever arm.

Rotational Inertia ($I$)

A value representing a system's resistance to angular acceleration, such as $I = m r^2$ for a single particle.

Parallel Axis Theorem

Formula used to find the moment of inertia about an axis parallel to the center of mass axis: $I = I_{cm} + M d^2$.

Angular Momentum ($L$)

The rotational equivalent of linear momentum, calculated as $L = I \omega$ or $L = m v r \sin(\theta)$.

Conservation of Angular Momentum

In a closed system, total angular momentum remains constant; for example, an ice skater's angular velocity ($\omega$) increases as their rotational inertia ($I$) decreases.

Escape Velocity ($v_e$)

The velocity at which mechanical energy is zero, allowing an object to reach infinite distance from a mass, calculated as $v_e = \sqrt{\frac{2 G M}{R}}$.

Period of a Mass-Spring System ($T_s$)

The time for one oscillation cycle, modeled as $T_s = 2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}$; it is independent of amplitude.

Period of a Simple Pendulum ($T_p$)

The time for one oscillation cycle, modeled as $T_p = 2 \pi \sqrt{\frac{l}{g}}$; it is independent of mass and amplitude.

Ideal Fluids

Fluids that are completely incompressible and have no viscosity (zero resistance to flow).

Density ($\rho$)

Fluid characteristic representing mass per unit volume, defined as $\rho = \frac{m}{V}$.

Absolute Pressure

The total pressure at a point, calculated as the sum of gauge pressure and atmospheric pressure ($P = P_0 + \rho g h$).

Archimedes’ Principle

The principle stating that the buoyant force ($F_b$) is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by an object: $F_b = \rho_{fluid} V_{displaced} g$.

Equation of Continuity

For incompressible fluids in a closed system, the volumetric flow rate is constant ($A_1 v_1 = A_2 v_2$).