Do I need to know calculus before starting this course?

Yes, this course assumes familiarity with basic differentiation and integration, since those tools are used throughout the mechanics topics covered.

How does this course differ from AP Physics 1?

AP Physics C: Mechanics covers similar mechanics topics to AP Physics 1 but uses calculus rather than algebra and moves through the material with greater mathematical rigor. They are offered as separate courses on this site.

Can a student take this course alongside AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism?

AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism are separate exams covering different topic areas, and this course focuses specifically on the mechanics content.

AP Exam Preparation

AP Physics C: Mechanics

High school students preparing for the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam.

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based course that covers motion, forces, energy, momentum, and rotational dynamics with more mathematical depth than the algebra-based AP Physics 1 course. This course organizes those topics so students can apply calculus tools, such as derivatives and integrals, directly to physical situations like variable force or changing momentum. Lessons connect the underlying calculus reasoning to physical intuition, since the exam expects students to move fluidly between equations and conceptual understanding. Students progress through modules at their own pace, with webinars available for topics that benefit from additional walkthroughs.

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Suitability: Typically taken in grades 11 through 12, for students age 13 and older.
Delivery format: 100% online, self-paced with scheduled live webinars
Modules: 7
Practice activities: Included
Mock examinations: Included
Instructor webinars: Included

Course modules

Lessons combine calculus-based derivations with worked physics problems, helping students see how integration and differentiation apply directly to mechanics topics like variable acceleration or rotational systems.

Kinematics

Describing motion using calculus-based relationships between position, velocity, and acceleration.

Newton's Laws of Motion

Applying force analysis, including situations involving variable forces.

Work, Energy, and Power

Using integration to calculate work and analyze energy transformations.

Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum

Covering momentum, impulse, and collisions using calculus-based methods.

Rotation

Understanding rotational kinematics, torque, and moment of inertia.

Oscillations

Analyzing simple harmonic motion using differential equations.

Gravitation

Covering gravitational force, fields, and orbital motion.

Practice format

Practice problems are organized by topic and consistently incorporate calculus-based reasoning, reflecting the mathematical depth expected on the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam.

Mock exam format

Full-length mock exams are structured to reflect the general format and pacing of the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam, including multiple-choice questions and free-response questions that require calculus-based problem solving.

Webinar format

Live webinars led by an AP Physics C: Mechanics instructor focus on applying calculus to mechanics topics such as rotational dynamics and variable-force problems, with time available for student questions.

Written questions

Students can submit a written question through the platform whenever they need help working through a problem, and responses are returned through private platform messages, without needing to appear on camera.