AP®︎ Physics 1 Unit 7: Notes & Study Guide

Prepare for your quiz, test, or the AP exam with a comprehensive review on Unit 7 of AP Physics 1 – Oscillations.

Exam weight: 5%–8%
4 Topics

Unit 7: Oscillations

The physics of things that repeat, from springs to pendulums, described through simple harmonic motion.

Begin with Topic 7.1: Defining Simple Harmonic...

To review Unit 7, go through each of the 4 topics below.

Everything you actually need to know for your Unit 7 test, pulled directly from the AP® Physics 1 curriculum.

Topic 7.1
~6 min
Review
Defining Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
Defining Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
  • What Simple Harmonic Motion Is
  • Equilibrium Position and Restoring Force
  • The Mathematical Model of SHM
Review
Topic 7.2
~6 min
Review
Frequency and Period of SHM
Frequency and Period of SHM
  • Period and Frequency in Simple Harmonic Motion
  • Period of a Mass–Spring Oscillator
  • Period of a Simple Pendulum (Small Angle Only)
Review
Topic 7.3
~6 min
Review
Representing and Analyzing SHM
Representing and Analyzing SHM
  • What Simple Harmonic Motion Is
  • Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration in SHM
  • Amplitude and Period Relationships
Review
Topic 7.4
~5 min
Review
Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators
Energy of Simple Harmonic Oscillators
  • Mechanical Energy in Simple Harmonic Motion
  • Where the Energy Is During the Motion
  • How Amplitude Affects Total Energy
Review

Notes

1 credit used · 5/5 remaining