Can you do AP Physics C without Physics 1?

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.

Is physics C easier than Physics 1?

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.

Should I take both AP Physics 1 and 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.

Do you need to take AP Physics 1?

Is AP Physics 1 worth taking? For students with an aptitude for math and science, and for those who see college-level physics in their future, tackling the especially rigorous AP Physics 1 is definitely worth the challenge.

Do you need to take AP Physics 2 before AP Physics C?

Because of this, AP Physics C is highly recommended to be at least a second-year physics course. So while you don't have to take Physics 1 or Physics 2 before you take Physics C, taking one (or both!) introductory physics courses is recommended. You can read a full description of Physics C at the AP website.

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

Is Physics 1 a prerequisite for 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.

Is AP Physics 1 or 2 easier?

Students who are skilled in math and physics, such as those who enjoyed AP Physics 1, may find AP Physics 2 one of their easier AP courses. However, students who are not particularly interested in physics or learners who struggled to pass AP Physics 1 may encounter difficulties in AP Physics 2.

Can I skip AP Physics 1?

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.

Do colleges care about AP Physics 1?

Colleges do offer credits for AP Physics 1. But it is important to keep in mind that AP Physics 1 does not cover the same depth of material as a college-level Physics course which is why many highly selective colleges do not offer credits for AP Physics 1.

Why is the AP Physics 1 pass rate so low?

The relatively low passing rate on AP® Physics 1 is partly due to the large group of students taking the exam – some of the students in the course might be taking an advanced physics course for the first time or may not have deep expertise in the subject area.

Is AP Physics C the hardest AP?

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.

Why is AP Physics C hard?

Yes, AP Physics C Mechanics is generally considered more difficult than AP Physics 1 with a difficulty rating of 7.4 out of 10. Physics C Mechanics is calculus-based, covers more advanced topics, and requires a deeper understanding of physics principles.

Is AP Physics C or 2 harder?

No, AP Physics C is more difficult than AP Physics 2, as it covers a more advanced and in-depth curriculum that requires a strong understanding of calculus-based physics concepts. It has a difficulty rating of 8.1 out of 10 compared to AP Physics 2 which is 6.5 out of 10, based on class alumnae survey.

Is physics c similar to Physics 1?

Compared to AP Physics 1, however, the C course incorporates a higher level of technical complexity, such as dealing with situations of a non-constant acceleration, incorporation of drag forces (such as air resistance), and calculations of rotational inertia.

Why is Physics 1 harder than physics c?

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is generally rated as the hardest AP course with a difficulty rating of 8.1 out of 10. Also, their difficulty depends on what you are good at. AP Physics 1 deals a lot with concepts rather than maths but AP Physics C deals a lot with math as it is calculus-based.

Does AP Physics C have a prerequisite?

The College Board strongly recommends that AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism be taken as a second year physics course. Students should be prepared for college-level calculus-based work and must at minimum have taken or be concurrently taking calculus.

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 a 2 on AP Physics 1 bad?

First, it is important to analyze the scoring criteria to understand your score and where you went wrong. According to Collegeboard, a 2 on the AP® Physics 1 exam suggests to colleges that you are “possibly qualified” but that there are some gaps in your knowledge of the curriculum.

Is AP Physics C worth it?

Whether or not AP Physics C: Mechanics is worth it to take is something only you can decide. For students who are interested in math and science, and who have already taken and enjoyed a physics and/or calculus-based course, it is highly likely that they will find AP Physics C: Mechanics worth it.

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.

Should a sophomore take AP Physics 1?

Physics and Chemistry are both year-long, college preparatory science courses. Sophomores meeting the math prerequisites – and who have an interest in science – can take these courses. Our advanced introductory physics course is AP Physics 1, and some advanced sophomores enroll in and have success in this course.

Is the AP Physics 1 exam curved?

AP Physics 1 scores are curved for two main reasons: To maintain scoring consistency across the years. To correlate the final exam score to an equivalent college grade with accuracy and uniformity.

Why is AP Physics 1 so hard?

Part of the problem is that a lot of students take AP Physics 1 as an intro physics class and don't have the proper science and math background to succeed. Another problem is finding physics teachers that are willing and capable of teaching physics at a high school level.

Which is harder AP Chem or AP Physics 1?

AP Physics 1 is probably the hardest AP class you can take that has the lowest passing rate of 51.6%. This means that about half the students who take up the course tend to fail the 3 hour exam. However, AP Chemistry is also hard as it falls under the top 3 hardest AP classes there is.

Is AP Physics C calculus based?

However, both AP Physics C courses are calculus-based. At the time you start taking either AP Physics C course, you should be taking (or have completed) a calculus course.