AP Physics 1 Formula Sheet Cheat Sheet

Key Facts

• For constant acceleration in one dimension, use $v = v_0 + at$, $x = x_0 + v_0t + \frac{1}{2}at^2$, and $v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a\Delta x$.
• Newton's second law is $\sum F = ma$, and the net force must be found from all forces acting on the object.
• Common force models include weight $F_g = mg$, kinetic friction $F_k = \mu_k F_N$, static friction $F_s \le \mu_s F_N$, and spring force $F_s = -kx$.
• Work and energy are related by $W_{net} = \Delta K$, where $K = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$, $U_g = mgh$, and $U_s = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$.
• Linear momentum is $p = mv$, impulse is $J = F\Delta t = \Delta p$, and total momentum is conserved when the net external force is zero.
• Rotational motion uses $\tau = rF\sin\theta$, $\sum \tau = I\alpha$, $K_{rot} = \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2$, and $L = I\omega$.
• Circular and gravitational motion use $a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}$, $F_g = G\frac{m_1m_2}{r^2}$, and $U_g = -G\frac{m_1m_2}{r}$.
• Waves and circuits use $v = f\lambda$, $T = \frac{1}{f}$, $V = IR$, $P = IV$, and $P = I^2R = \frac{V^2}{R}$.

Vocabulary

Net force

Net force is the vector sum of all forces on an object, and it determines acceleration through $\sum F = ma$.

Work

Work is energy transferred by a force over a displacement, calculated by $W = Fd\cos\theta$.

Momentum

Momentum is the product of mass and velocity, given by $p = mv$.

Torque

Torque is the rotational effect of a force, calculated by $\tau = rF\sin\theta$.

Angular velocity

Angular velocity is the rate of change of angular position, represented by $\omega = \frac{\Delta \theta}{\Delta t}$.

Ohm's law

Ohm's law relates voltage, current, and resistance using $V = IR$.