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AP Course

AP Physics 1

Updated for the AP Physics 1 framework effective fall 2024, including mechanics, rotation, oscillations, and fluids.

Study every current unit through original concept lessons, formula derivations, experiments, quizzes, and practice sets.

Lessons
Scalars and Vectors in One DimensionDisplacement, Velocity, and AccelerationRepresenting MotionReference Frames and Relative MotionVectors and Motion in Two DimensionsSystems and Center of MassForces and Free-Body DiagramsNewton's Third LawNewton's First LawNewton's Second LawGravitational ForceKinetic and Static FrictionSpring ForcesCircular MotionTranslational Kinetic EnergyWorkPotential EnergyConservation of EnergyPowerLinear MomentumChange in Momentum and ImpulseConservation of Linear MomentumElastic and Inelastic CollisionsRotational KinematicsConnecting Linear and Rotational MotionTorqueRotational InertiaRotational Equilibrium and Newton’s First Law in Rotational FormNewton’s Second Law in Rotational FormRotational Kinetic EnergyTorque and WorkAngular Momentum and Angular ImpulseConservation of Angular MomentumRollingMotion of Orbiting SatellitesDefining Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)Frequency and Period of SHMRepresenting and Analyzing SHMEnergy of Simple Harmonic OscillatorsInternal Structure and DensityPressureFluids and Newton’s LawsFluids and Conservation Laws
Quizzes
Practice Problems Formula notes, diagrams, and practice sets will be added here.

AP Physics 1 · Unit 3 · Topic 3.3

Potential Energy

Energy transfers and transformations provide a scalar alternative to tracking every force through motion.

1. Topic Lens

Potential Energy is studied through work, energy, and power. Connect the system boundary, interacting parts, and measurable evidence before applying a formula.

\[W_{\text{net}}=\Delta K\]

2. Why the Formula Works

The relationship is built from definitions and conservation reasoning:

  1. For a small displacement, work is the force component along motion times displacement.
  2. Newton's second law and vdv=a dx convert the accumulated work into an integral of mv dv.
  3. Evaluating the integral yields the change in ½mv².
\[W_{\text{net}}=\frac12mv_f^2-\frac12mv_i^2\]

3. Detailed Visual Model

Pixel diagram for Potential EnergyOriginal schematic connecting Potential Energy to Work, Energy, and Power.+
Potential Energy: an original pixel-style model. Use it as a schematic, not a literal scale drawing.

4. Worked Example and Lab Link

A 2 kg object speeds up from 1 m/s to 3 m/s. Find the net work.

Answer: Wnet=½(2)(3²-1²)=8 J.

Investigation idea: Use a force sensor and motion detector to compare area under F-x with change in kinetic energy.

Common trap: Energy can cross the system boundary; conservation does not mean every named energy stays constant.

Checkpoint · Topic 3.3

Explain how potential energy supports or limits this conclusion: Wnet=½(2)(3²-1²)=8 J.

Official curriculum reference: College Board AP Physics 1 course page. The explanation and worked example are independently written for this study site.