I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my coauthor, Joshua Farkas, an exceptionally gifted former
student of mine. Josh contributed the lion’s share of work to the first edition, developing most of the
examples and problems (especially the novel and creative ones), and offering numerous ideas and
suggestions as to the best way to present difficult concepts and useful problem-solving strategies. I am
very grateful for all he has done in making our book a success.
—RAP
I would first of all like to thank Robert Pelcovits for coauthoring this book with me and for his valiant
efforts in its revision. To work with a man of his stature, both as a physicist and as a person, is indeed a
privilege. This book never could have been possible without him. I would also like to thank Esta Farkas
for heroically reviewing the initial drafts of this book for both content and English.
—JDF
,Table of Contents
How to Use This Book
Barron’s Essential 5
Introduction
How to Review for the AP Physics Exam
Guide to This Review Book
Graphical Analysis of Data
Description of the AP Physics C Exam
Other Uses of This Book
What Do You Think?
Diagnostic Test
Answer Key: Mechanics
Answer Explanations: Mechanics
Answer Key: Electricity and Magnetism
Answer Explanations: Electricity and Magnetism
1 Background
Vectors
Unit Analysis
Problem-Solving Techniques
2 Kinematics
Definitions: One Dimension
Summary of Equations: One Dimension
Problem Solving: One Dimension
Definitions: Two Dimensions
Problem Solving: Two Dimensions
, Projectile Motion
Relative Position, Velocity, and Acceleration
Uniform Circular Motion
Acceleration In Nonuniform Circular Motion
Practice Exercises
Answer Key
Answer Explanations
3 Newton’s Laws
Mass vs Weight
General Approach to Solving Newton’s Law Problems
Practice Exercises
Answer Key
Answer Explanations
4 Work, Energy, and Power
Work
Conservative and Nonconservative Forces
Gravitational Potential Energy
Spring Force (Hooke’s Law)
Elastic Potential Energy
Unification of Gravitational and Elastic Potential Energy
Power
Solving Conservation of Energy Problems (Equation Summary)
Practice Exercises
Answer Key
Answer Explanations
5 Linear Momentum and Center of Mass
Momentum
Center of Mass
Practice Exercises
Answer Key
Answer Explanations