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.

Can you take AP physics without physics?

Physics 1: Unlike AP Physics B, which recommended a prior high school physics course, no prior course work in physics is necessary for students to enroll in AP Physics 1. Students should have completed geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course.

Do you need to take physics before taking AP Physics C?

Technically, AP Physics C does not have prerequisites, meaning students don't have to take AP Physics 1 or 2 first. However, it is recommended that students take some form of introductory physics class prior to AP Physics C.

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

Handling AP Physics C without any prior background in physics can be quite challenging. AP Physics C is designed to be equivalent to a college-level physics course, and it typically assumes that students have already completed a high school physics course.

What do you need for AP Physics C?

Students should have taken or be concurrently taking calculus. AP Physics C: Mechanics should include a hands-on laboratory component comparable to a semester-long introductory college-level physics laboratory. Students should spend a minimum of 25% of instructional time engaged in hands-on laboratory work.

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

Is AP Physics C really hard?

AP Physics C Mechanics is one of the most challenging AP classes due to its rigorous curriculum. The course covers fundamental topics such as kinematics, dynamics, and energy, with focus on calculus. The average pass rate for AP Physics C Mechanics exams is approximately 74%.

Can I teach myself AP Physics C?

Studying AP Physics C (Mechanics) on your own can be challenging, but it's definitely doable with the right resources and study plan. Here are some steps to help you self-study for AP Physics C (Mechanics):

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 or 1 harder?

We all know that AP® Physics 1 is easier than AP® Physics C. We note that many of the AP® Physics C courses self-select for those motivated students or those with higher grades in Math. That is the reason for the ridiculously high rates for AP® Physics C as compared to AP® Physics 1.

Is AP Physics C hard without calculus?

Unfortunately, AP Physics C is designed to be taken after the completion of a calculus course. The course heavily relies on calculus concepts, and it would be challenging to fully understand and succeed in AP Physics C without prior knowledge of calculus.

Should I take AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C?

Many college programs only require one semester of algebra-based physics for a science requirement, and AP Physics 1 may cover that requirement. However, if you want to pursue a degree in engineering or physics, then you should expect to take at least one AP Physics C class, if not both.

What is AP Physics C equivalent to?

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

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

However, getting a 5 is not easy. About one third of the students taking the AP® Physics C Mechanics exam will get a 5. Make sure you are part of that exemplary class of students by following these instructions on how to study for the AP® Physics C Mechanics exam.

Is AP Physics C worth it?

This class is also well worth taking for those of you who plan to go into medicine 👨‍⚕️ This is because AP Physics C: E&M will fulfill the medical school requirement of taking calculus-based physics. You might also want to take this class if you look forward to going into engineering or higher-level physics!

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.

Which AP Physics is the hardest?

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 chemistry harder?

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).

Is a 3 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.

Should I take AP Physics as a junior?

Most students take AP Physics 1 during their junior or senior years, enrolling after the completion of standard prerequisites like geometry and algebra II. As a result, students in their first two years of high school may not have the necessary skills for success in this college-level class.

Should I take AP Physics C without AP Physics 1?

This means that the AP Physics C courses will be much more difficult than AP Physics 1 and 2 for most students. Taking AP Physics 1 or 2 (or both!) prior to taking either AP Physics C course will give you the introduction you need to succeed in AP Physics C.

Is AP Physics C like college physics?

AP Physics C is a calculus-based physics course, intended to be comparable to introductory college physics courses for science, engineering and math majors. Calculus really is integral to the development and use of physics to solve problems. And it's required for any higher level physics courses.

Is AP Physics C hard 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.

Which book is best for AP Physics C?

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.

Why does physics C have such a high 5 rate?

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.