#AP Physics C: Mechanics - Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power 🚀

Hey there, future physicist! Let's get you prepped for the AP exam with a supercharged review of Unit 3. We're diving into work, energy, and power – the core concepts that tie everything together. Remember, energy is your friend; it's the secret weapon for tackling those tricky FRQs!

#Overview

Energy is everywhere in physics. It's the common thread that links all the units. A wise physics teacher once said, "Almost every FRQ can be at least partially solved using energy principles!" Keep that in mind as we go through this.

#Big Ideas

• Force Interactions: Why is no work done when you push against a wall, but work is done when you coast down a hill? 🤔
• Conservation: Why does a stretched rubber band return to its original length? Why is it easier to walk up a flight of stairs, rather than run, when the gravitational potential energy of the system is the same?

#Exam Impact

Unit 3 is a big deal, making up about 14-17% of your exam. You'll want to spend roughly 10-20 class periods (45 minutes each) mastering this material.

Don't forget to hit up the AP Classroom for practice! There are 20 MCQs and 1 FRQ waiting for you.

#Work-Energy Theorem 💪

This theorem is your go-to for relating work and energy. Here’s the breakdown:

• Work: The result of a force causing displacement. Mathematically, $W = Fd\cos\theta$, where $F$ is force, $d$ is displacement, and $\theta$ is the angle between them.
• Kinetic Energy (KE): The energy of motion. It's calculated ...