Calculus-based mechanics for students aiming at engineering and physics majors.
AP Physics C: Mechanics is the calculus-based analogue of Physics 1's mechanics half — same conceptual vocabulary, but with derivatives and integrals replacing kinematic equations. The exam is short (35 MCQs and 3 FRQs in 90 minutes) but dense, and FRQs frequently chain together kinematics, energy, momentum, and rotation in a single multi-part scenario.
We treat the rotational mechanics and angular momentum unit as the make-or-break section: it accounts for ~25% of points and trips up students who never built strong intuition for moment of inertia integrals. Every rotation lesson includes a parallel translational analogue so you can see the symmetry directly.
Master AP Physics C: Mechanics
Calculus-based mechanics — from kinematics and Newton's laws to rotation, oscillations, and gravitation. Diagnostics, FRQ practice, daily questions, and competitive mode.
Start here
Take the free AP Physics C: Mechanics diagnostic
It finds what you already know and builds your study plan: the topics to clear first, each a short lesson plus an exit quiz.
Take the free diagnosticEverything You Need to Score a 5
Interactive Lessons
Step-by-step lessons covering kinematics, Newton's laws, work & energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations, and gravitation — with calculus-based practice problems.
12+ lessons · All unitsDiagnostic Test
Quick assessment across all AP Physics C: Mechanics units to identify your strengths and weak areas with a personalized study plan.
~35 questions · 30 minFRQ Practice
Practice free-response questions with auto-grading, rubrics, and timed exam simulation. 50% of the AP exam.
14 FRQs · Auto-graded · TimedFull-Length Practice Exam
Complete AP Physics C: Mechanics exam simulation: 40 MCQ (80 min) + 4 FRQ (100 min) with timed sections and self-graded rubrics.
40 MCQ + 4 FRQ · 3 hours · TimedCompetitive Mode
Challenge other students in real-time physics question battles. Climb the leaderboard.
Real-time · LeaderboardDaily question
A fresh AP Physics C: Mechanics question every day covering different units. Build consistency.
New daily · All unitsScore Predictor
Estimate your AP Physics C: Mechanics exam score from your quiz performance and mastery data.
Live estimate · AP 1-5Practice Test
Full-length timed multiple-choice practice exam covering all AP Physics C: Mechanics topics.
30 questions · 45 minStudy schedules
Pre-built 4, 8, or 12-week study schedules tailored to your timeline and AP Physics C: Mechanics goals.
4 / 8 / 12 weeksFlashcards
Review key formulas, laws, and concepts for every AP Physics C: Mechanics unit.
Formulas · Laws · ConceptsWhat You'll Master
Unit 1: Kinematics
- Vectors & Scalars
- Motion in 1D & 2D
- Projectile Motion
- Relative Motion
Unit 2: Newton's Laws of Motion
- Newton's Three Laws
- Free-Body Diagrams
- Friction & Drag
- Circular Motion
Unit 3: Work, Energy & Power
- Work-Energy Theorem
- Potential & Kinetic Energy
- Conservation of Energy
- Power
Unit 4: Systems of Particles & Linear Momentum
- Center of Mass
- Impulse & Momentum
- Collisions (1D & 2D)
- Conservation of Momentum
Unit 5: Rotation
- Rotational Kinematics
- Torque & Moment of Inertia
- Angular Momentum
- Rolling Motion
Unit 6: Oscillations
- Simple Harmonic Motion
- Springs & Pendulums
- Energy in Oscillations
Unit 7: Gravitation
- Newton's Law of Gravitation
- Gravitational Potential Energy
- Orbits & Kepler's Laws
About the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam
Format
- • Section I: 40 MCQs in 80 minutes
- • Section II: 4 FRQs in 100 minutes
- • Calculus-based
- • Total exam time: 3 hours
- • Graphing calculator allowed
Scoring
- • Score range: 1–5
- • 5 = Extremely well qualified
- • One of the highest 5-rates of any AP
- • No penalty for guessing
- • Most colleges accept 4+