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Model Terms
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TermMeaning
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ObjectAny physical entity treated as a single unit for analysis because its internal structure is not relevant to the problem being studied.
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ParticleAn object whose size and shape are ignored
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Point MassAn object whose mass is treated as concentrated at one point
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Point ParticleA particle with negligible size; often interchangeable with point mass in mechanics. It may have a charge.
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Point ChargeA charge treated as concentrated at a single point in space.
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System
A collection of one or more objects considered together
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Rigid SystemA system that does not change shape, but different points with the system may move in different directions and with different speeds.
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What's g?
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g = 10 m/s²g = 9.80 m/s² or 9.81 m/s²
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Unit Free Response TestQUEST
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AP Examtextbook/online materials
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When notedWhen noted
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FBDs (Free-Body Diagrams)
FBD Infographic
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What are the rules?
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Only depict the forces exerted on the object.
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Forces are drawn as arrows originating on the dot and pointing in the direction of the force.
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DO NOT resolve forces into components on your FBD. If component analysis is required, redraw the relevant force(s) in a separate work diagram and perform the calculations there.
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Individual forces that are in the same direction must be drawn side by side, not overlapping
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Constant vs Conserved
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Constant Conserved
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Value does not change.Total amount does not change.
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Usually applies to a single quantity.Applies to a system.
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May or may not involve interactions.Usually involves interactions and transfers.
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A pendulum illustrates the difference well:
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Kinetic and potential energy are not constant (they change during the swing).Total mechanical energy is conserved (KE + PE remains constant).
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Assumptions
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The following assumptions are used in this exam.
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The frame of reference of any problem is assumed to be inertial unless otherwise stated.
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Air resistance is assumed to be negligible unless otherwise stated.
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Springs and strings are assumed to be ideal unless otherwise stated.
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The electric potential is zero at an infinite distance from an isolated point charge.
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The direction of current is the direction in which positive charges would drift.
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All batteries, wires, and meters are assumed to be ideal unless otherwise stated.
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Information above was synthesized from CollegeBoard Course and Exam Description - https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses
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