AP Physics 1

Advanced Placement Physics 1 covers the fundamentals of mechanics, waves, and electricity in preparation for college-level physics.

KinematicsNewton's Laws of MotionWaves and Sound
Rotational MotionElectric CircuitsConservation Laws
Physics of SportsEveryday CircuitsSound in Technology
Mastering Multiple-ChoiceSolving Free-Response Problems
KinematicsNewton's Laws of Mot...Waves and SoundRotational MotionElectric CircuitsConservation LawsPhysics of SportsEveryday CircuitsSound in TechnologyMastering Multiple-C...Solving Free-Respons...
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

  1. First Law (Inertia): Objects remain at rest or move at a constant speed unless acted on by a net force.
  2. Second Law (F=ma): The acceleration of an object depends on its mass and the net force applied.
  3. 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.

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Waves and Sound
Newton's Laws of Motion - AP Physics 1 Content | Practice Hub