Can I handle AP Physics C with no background in physics?

While it is not required that you take Physics 1 or 2 before starting AP Physics C, it is highly recommended that at least one introductory Physics course be taken before jumping into AP Physics C. AP Physics 1 introduces fundamental concepts critical to understanding AP Physics C content.

Can I take AP Physics C without physics?

According to the College Board, you do not need to have taken AP Physics 1 in order to take AP Physics C: Mechanics. The two courses are very different from each other, especially since AP Physics 1 is algebra-based while AP Physics C: Mechanics is calculus-based, so they will involve very different math skills.

Should I take physics before AP Physics C?

However, it is recommended that students take some form of introductory physics class prior to AP Physics C. Doing so will ensure they have the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to successfully complete the class.

What is the difficulty level of AP Physics C?

Yes, the AP Physics C: Mechanics course is considered one of the hardest AP courses by students due to its curriculum. Based on a reddit survey, former students rated the course a 3.7 out of 5 in terms of overall difficulty, placing it as the third most difficult AP course.

Is AP Physics C easy to self study?

How Hard is self-studying AP Physics C: E&M? Self-studying E&M is not a decision to be taken lightly. From my experience, it will take around 80-120 hours of focused studying time, so make sure you are able to fit that into your current schedule before the AP exam.

Episode 27 - Should You Take AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C?

Is AP Physics C harder than AP Physics?

While it's impossible to offer universal guidance on which exam is more difficult, as that depends on your particular background, strengths, and preferences, most students find AP Physics C more challenging, as it's both calculus-based and covers more sophisticated topics like electricity and magnetism.

Is AP Physics C impressive to colleges?

The advantage of taking AP® Physics C exam is that many colleges grant credit and placement depending on their cut-off score. Most colleges will require a student to have a minimum score of 3. If you already have a target university, go to the CollegeBoard AP® Credit Policy Search.

Is AP Physics C hard without calculus?

It's a calculus-based course. You need to understand integrals and derivatives to solve the problems that you'll be given. They are designed to make sure that you are not just memorizing things, so you will have a very rough time and not learn much if you haven't learned calculus.

Why is AP Physics C pass rate so high?

The Pass Rate

AP classes like AP Physics C: E&M have stricter prerequisites than other AP classes. This means that the more difficult exams tend to have better-prepared students taking them, which can lead to higher pass rates.

Which is harder AP Chem or AP Physics C?

According to a survey done, class alumnae gave AP Chemistry a rating of 7.3/10 for overall difficulty, making it the 4th most difficult AP course (while AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism, AP English Literature, and AP Physics C Mechanics being the top three).

What is AP Physics C equivalent to?

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a half-year course equivalent to a semester-long, introductory calculus-based college course. AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, a half-year course following Physics C: Mechanics, is equivalent to a semester-long, introductory calculus-based college course.

Is AP Physics C the hardest class?

Consequently, both Physics C courses (Mechanics as well as Electricity & Magnetism) are regarded as two of the hardest AP classes that you can take in high school. You'll cover topics like electrostatics, conductors, and electromagnetism over the course of five units.

Is AP Physics C or 2 harder?

Notice there is some overlap with the Physics 2 curriculum, though again, Physics C will be more difficult since it incorporates calculus. The two topics are sometimes taught as the same course even though there are two different exams, with each topic being taught over one semester.

Is AP Physics C college level?

The AP Physics C Exams are college-level exams administered every year in May upon the completion of an Advanced Placement Physics C course taken at your high school. There are two different exams offered, AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. You can take one or both of these exams.

Do you need AP Physics C for computer science?

If you're looking for getting credit from AP exams, AP Physics C would be a better choice than AP Physics 1 because some colleges don't accept credit for AP Physics 1, and at most colleges, your Computer Science degree plan will include the equivalent of Physics C, not of Physics 1.

How many people fail AP Physics?

AP Physics 1

Physics 1 has the lowest pass rate of any AP exam (43.3%) along with one of the lowest percentages of students scoring a 5 (just 7.9%). Physics 1 is an algebra-based physics class that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics, simple circuits, and mechanical waves.

Who should take AP Physics C?

If you plan on majoring in any of the other sciences: Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, and maybe Math, then you should take AP Physics C. Physics 1 is algebra based whereas Physics C is calculus based.

Do you need calculus BC for AP Physics C?

AP Physics C requires calculus, with topics in AP Physics C: Mechanics using derivatives and integrals from single variable calculus (such as AP Calculus AB or BC). AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism uses many concepts that are taught in a multivariable calculus course.

Does AP Physics C use calculus?

The course explores topics such as electrostatics; conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism. Introductory differential and integral calculus are used throughout the course. Students should have taken or be concurrently taking calculus.

Is AP Physics C math based?

Course Overview

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a one-semester, calculus-based, college-level physics course, especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering.

Is it easy to get a 5 on AP Physics C?

But AP Physics C is a difficult class. You could earn a 4 or 5 on the AP Physics C exam, but you have to have a strong foundation in algebra and physics to do well on the exam.

Is a 4 on AP Physics C good?

As I mentioned, 73% of AP Physics C exam test-takers received a passing score of 3 or above. Of that 73%, 23% received a 5, 28% received a 4, and 22% received a 3. Of the non-passing cohort, 15% received a 2, and 12% received a 1. The average score in 2022 was a 3.41.