AP Physics 1
Advanced Placement Physics 1 covers the fundamentals of mechanics, waves, and electricity in preparation for college-level physics.
Basic Concepts
Newton's Laws of Motion
The Rules That Govern Motion
Newton's three laws describe the relationship between forces and motion, forming the foundation of classical mechanics.
The Laws
- First Law (Inertia): Objects remain at rest or move at a constant speed unless acted on by a net force.
- Second Law (F=ma): The acceleration of an object depends on its mass and the net force applied.
- Third Law (Action-Reaction): Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Applications
These laws explain everything from why you lurch forward in a stopping car to how rockets launch into space.
Everyday Physics
Whether you're pushing a friend on a swing or watching a skateboarder perform tricks, Newton's laws are at work.
Examples
A skateboarder pushes off the ground and accelerates forward.
When you jump off a boat, the boat moves backward.
In a Nutshell
Newton’s Laws explain how forces affect the motion of objects.