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AP® Physics 1: Algebra-Based · Unit 3 · Topic 3.3

Potential Energy: Topic Checklist (Physics 1 3.3)

Specific “I can…” statements for potential energy in the algebra-based course, each linked to the guide section and practice question that tests it.

Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.

Understanding

  • I can explain why a single object has no potential energy, and name the system that does (ball–Earth, block–spring). (Guide: “Potential energy belongs to a system”; Practice Q1)
  • I can explain what makes a force conservative and why friction has no potential energy. (Guide: “Potential energy belongs to a system”; Practice Q1, Q7)
  • I can explain that potential energy is a scalar set by the positions of the objects in a system. (Guide: “Scalar, and set by position”)
  • I can explain why the zero of potential energy is a free choice and why ΔU does not depend on it. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q3, Q7)

Skills

  • I can calculate spring energy with U_s = ½kΔx², converting Δx to metres. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q5)
  • I can find the stretch or compression that stores a given energy. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q5)
  • I can calculate near-surface changes with ΔU_g = mgΔy, with signs that match my axis. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q3, Q7)
  • I can calculate U_g = −Gm₁m₂/r with r measured centre to centre. (Guide: Worked example 3; Practice Q6)
  • I can add pair energies for a system of three or more objects. (Guide: “Systems with more than two objects”; Practice Q6)
  • I can sketch U_s against Δx and U_g against r, and say what each shape means. (Guide: Figure 1)

Reasoning

  • I can predict how U_s changes when Δx changes, and how U_g changes when r changes, without substituting numbers. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q2, Q4, Q6)
  • I can explain why a less negative U_g is a larger potential energy. (Guide: “The general form”; Practice Q4)
  • I can justify when ΔU_g = mgΔy is a good approximation and when the general form is needed. (Guide: Worked example 3)
  • I can argue that ΔU_g does not depend on the path taken, because gravity is conservative. (Practice Q7)

All ticked? Move on to Topic 3.4, Conservation of Energy, or return to the course roadmap.

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