AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based – Part 1: Kinematics, Dynamics & Circular Motion

Complete Course Material | 30 Lectures (50 Minutes Each) | GyanAcademy

📋 Course Overview

📚 Detailed Lecture Breakdown

MODULE 1: Kinematics (Motion in 1D & 2D) (Lectures 1-10)

Lecture 1: Course Overview & Physics Math Skills

• Introduction to AP Physics 1 exam structure and 9 Units
• Scientific notation, significant figures, and unit conversions
• Trigonometry review (SOH CAH TOA, Pythagorean theorem)
• Vector vs. Scalar quantities introduction
• Takeaway: Building the mathematical toolkit required for physics success.

Lecture 2: Vectors & Vector Operations

• Graphical representation of vectors
• Vector addition and subtraction (Tip-to-Tail method)
• Resolving vectors into components (x and y)
• Finding magnitude and direction from components
• Takeaway: Manipulating vector quantities accurately.

Lecture 3: Position, Velocity, & Speed

• Displacement vs. Distance
• Average velocity vs. Average speed
• Instantaneous velocity concept
• Position-time graphs interpretation
• Takeaway: Distinguishing between vector and scalar motion quantities.

Lecture 4: Acceleration & Motion Graphs

• Definition of acceleration (change in velocity)
• Velocity-time graphs interpretation
• Relationship between slope and area on motion graphs
• Analyzing changing acceleration
• Takeaway: Interpreting graphical representations of motion.

Lecture 5: Kinematic Equations (Constant Acceleration)

• Derivation and presentation of the 4 kinematic equations
• Choosing the correct equation for a problem
• Problem-solving strategy (GUESS method)
• Practice with horizontal motion
• Takeaway: Solving 1D motion problems algebraically.

Lecture 6: Free Fall & Vertical Motion

• Acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.8 m/s²)
• Symmetry of free fall (up vs. down)
• Solving vertical motion problems
• Air resistance considerations (conceptual)
• Takeaway: Applying kinematics to objects under gravity alone.

Lecture 7: Projectile Motion Introduction

• Independence of horizontal and vertical motion
• Initial velocity components (v₀x and v₀y)
• Trajectory shape and properties
• Solving for range and height
• Takeaway: Understanding the 2D nature of projectile motion.

Lecture 8: Projectile Motion Problems

• Horizontally launched projectiles
• Angled launches from ground level
• Angled launches from elevated positions
• Practice problems with varying complexity
• Takeaway: Calculating trajectory parameters for various launch conditions.

Lecture 9: Relative Motion

• Frames of reference
• Relative velocity in 1D and 2D
• Riverboat and airplane problems
• Vector addition in relative motion contexts
• Takeaway: Analyzing motion from different observer perspectives.

Lecture 10: Module 1 Review & Quiz

• Comprehensive review of Kinematics (Unit 1)
• 15-question quiz (MCQs + Free Response) with detailed solutions
• Self-assessment guide and weak area identification
• Transition to Dynamics
• Takeaway: Solidifying motion concepts before studying causes of motion.

MODULE 2: Dynamics (Forces & Newton’s Laws) (Lectures 11-20)

Lecture 11: Introduction to Forces & Newton’s 1st Law

• Definition of Force (push or pull)
• Contact vs. Field forces
• Newton’s First Law (Law of Inertia)
• Equilibrium and net force concept
• Takeaway: Understanding the relationship between force and motion state.

Lecture 12: Newton’s 2nd Law (F = ma)

• Relationship between Force, Mass, and Acceleration
• Solving for acceleration, force, or mass
• Systems of objects introduction
• Unit analysis (Newtons)
• Takeaway: Quantifying the effect of net force on motion.

Lecture 13: Newton’s 3rd Law & Action-Reaction Pairs

• Action-Reaction pairs identification
• Common misconceptions (why they don’t cancel)
• Applications in walking, swimming, rockets
• System definition and internal vs. external forces
• Takeaway: Correctly identifying force pairs in interactions.

Lecture 14: Free Body Diagrams (FBDs)

• Rules for drawing accurate FBDs
• Representing magnitude and direction
• Common forces: Gravity, Normal, Tension, Applied
• Practice drawing FBDs for various scenarios
• Takeaway: Visualizing forces acting on an object correctly.

Lecture 15: Forces of Gravity & Normal Force

• Weight vs. Mass distinction
• Gravitational force near Earth’s surface (Fg = mg)
• Normal force direction and magnitude
• Apparent weight in elevators
• Takeaway: Analyzing vertical forces and weight perceptions.

Lecture 16: Tension & Pulleys (Atwood Machines)

• Tension forces in ropes and strings
• Ideal pulleys (massless, frictionless)
• Solving Atwood machine problems (two masses)
• Systems of equations application
• Takeaway: Solving connected object problems using Newton’s Laws.

Lecture 17: Friction Forces

• Static vs. Kinetic friction
• Coefficients of friction (μs and μk)
• Friction equation (Ff = μFN)
• Direction of friction force
• Takeaway: Calculating resistive forces in motion.

Lecture 18: Inclined Planes

• Resolving gravity on an incline (parallel and perpendicular components)
• Normal force on inclines
• Including friction on inclines
• Problem-solving strategy for ramps
• Takeaway: Analyzing forces on tilted surfaces.

Lecture 19: Dynamics of Systems

• Treating multiple objects as a single system
• Internal vs. External forces in systems
• Solving for acceleration of the system
• Finding internal tension forces
• Takeaway: Simplifying complex problems using system analysis.

Lecture 20: Module 2 Review & Quiz

• Comprehensive review of Dynamics (Unit 2)
• 15-question quiz (MCQs + Free Response) with detailed solutions
• Self-assessment guide and focus areas for continued study
• Transition to Circular Motion & Gravitation
• Takeaway: Ensuring mastery of force analysis before studying curved motion.

MODULE 3: Circular Motion & Gravitation (Lectures 21-28)

Lecture 21: Introduction to Uniform Circular Motion (UCM)

• Definition of UCM (constant speed, changing velocity)
• Centripetal acceleration direction and magnitude (ac = v²/r)
• Period and Frequency relationships
• Common misconceptions (centrifugal force)
• Takeaway: Understanding the kinematics of circular paths.

Lecture 22: Centripetal Force

• Newton’s 2nd Law applied to circular motion (Fnet = mac)
• Identifying the source of centripetal force (Tension, Friction, Gravity)
• Drawing FBDs for circular motion
• Solving for velocity or radius
• Takeaway: Connecting forces to circular motion dynamics.

Lecture 23: Vertical Circular Motion

• Forces at the top and bottom of a loop
• Minimum speed for completing a loop
• Normal force variations in vertical circles
• Roller coaster and bucket problems
• Takeaway: Analyzing circular motion affected by gravity.

Lecture 24: Universal Law of Gravitation

• Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation (Fg = Gm₁m₂/r²)
• Gravitational constant (G) vs. acceleration (g)
• Inverse square law relationships
• Calculating gravitational force between masses
• Takeaway: Calculating gravitational attraction between any two masses.

Lecture 25: Gravitational Fields

• Concept of a field (action at a distance)
• Gravitational field strength (g = GM/r²)
• Field lines representation
• Variation of g with altitude
• Takeaway: Understanding gravity as a field property.

Lecture 26: Orbits & Satellites

• Circular orbits as projectile motion
• Deriving orbital velocity (v = √(GM/r))
• Deriving orbital period (Kepler’s 3rd Law concept)
• Geostationary orbits
• Takeaway: Applying gravity and circular motion to celestial bodies.

Lecture 27: Inverse Square Laws & Proportional Reasoning

• Analyzing changes in force when mass or distance changes
• Graphing inverse square relationships
• Proportional reasoning strategies for MCQs
• Practice with scaling problems
• Takeaway: Mastering qualitative analysis of gravitational relationships.

Lecture 28: Module 3 Review & Quiz

• Comprehensive review of Circular Motion & Gravitation (Unit 3)
• 15-question quiz (MCQs + Free Response) with detailed solutions
• Self-assessment guide and weak area identification
• Transition to Part 1 Comprehensive Review
• Takeaway: Solidifying circular motion and gravity concepts.

MODULE 4: Lab Skills & Part 1 Comprehensive Review (Lectures 29-30)

Lecture 29: AP Physics 1 Lab Skills & Data Analysis

• Designing experiments to test relationships
• Linearizing graphs (making straight lines from curves)
• Calculating slope and physical meaning
• Percent error and uncertainty analysis
• Takeaway: Mastering experimental design and data interpretation for FRQs.

Lecture 30: Part 1 Comprehensive Test & Review

• Summary of All Part 1 Topics (Units 1-3)
• 30-question Mixed Test (MCQs + Free Response)
• Exam conditions simulation and solution review
• Preview of Part 2: Energy, Momentum, Rotation & SHM
• Takeaway: Final assessment before advancing to energy and momentum.

📝 Part 1 Learning Outcomes

📦 What’s Included in Part 1

• 🎥 30 HD Video Lectures (50 Minutes Each)
• 📄 Lecture Notes PDF (Downloadable, formulas and diagrams)
• ✍️ Practice Problem Sets (200+ calculations with solutions)
• 📊 Module Quizzes (4 quizzes with instant feedback)
• 📝 1 Part-Wise Test (Kinematics through Gravitation)
• 🎯 Formula Sheet (AP Physics 1 Equations)
• 📚 Vocabulary Lists (Key terms for each module)
• 💬 Priority Doubt Support (Email/WhatsApp within 24 hours)
• 📜 Certificate of Completion (Part 1)