AP PHYSICS 1 · CORE MECHANICS

Physics tutoring.
Motion, forces & energy.

I focus on mechanics: kinematics, Newton’s laws, work and energy, and momentum. I help students turn the physical situation into a diagram, a model, and equations.

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I ask what the object is doing first.

Before choosing an equation, I ask the student to describe the motion, define the system, and draw any relevant forces. That often reveals a misconception before the algebra begins.

I then work through the signs, units, and assumptions in the calculation.

The mechanics topics I teach.

Kinematics

I work on displacement, velocity, acceleration, motion graphs, and constant-acceleration equations. I ask students to distinguish the sign of velocity from the sign of acceleration.

Forces & Newton’s laws

I teach free-body diagrams, net force, friction, and choosing axes. I ask which forces act on the object and how their sum relates to its acceleration.

Work & energy

I help students define the system, identify work and energy changes, and decide whether an energy method simplifies the problem.

Momentum

I explain impulse, momentum change, and collisions. I ask when momentum is conserved and how the choice of system affects that decision.

Mathematical setup

I check the equation against the diagram, keep units attached to quantities, and use an estimate or limiting case to check the result.

A DISTINCTION I ASK STUDENTS TO EXPLAIN

Moving forward can mean slowing down.

If velocity is positive and acceleration is negative, the object is slowing down while it continues to move in the positive direction. The minus sign describes a direction, not an instruction to call all motion negative.

At a particular instant

v = +10 m/s · a = −2 m/s²

I ask the student to explain the signs and sketch what the velocity–time graph is doing. Then we connect the graph to the equation.

GETTING STARTED

Tell me what
you’re working on.

Send me the course name, current mechanics topic, and a problem you found difficult. I’ll use it to plan our first lesson.

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Confidence in physics

All testimonials

I wanted to let you know that I currently feel pretty confident with the physics material so I don't think I will need additional tutoring at the moment. I wanted to thank you for tutoring me. It helped me a lot!

Laura K. · Physics student