Is AP Physics C easier 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 harder than AP Physics 1?

Both AP Physics C courses are more advanced and, fittingly, require students to have a more specialized background in calculus. In deciding which AP Physics classes to take, students should weigh their school's course offerings in conjunction with their interests and prospective major.

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.

Should you take AP Physics 1 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.

Is AP Physics C easier?

AP Physics C courses are generally harder than the other AP Physics courses. AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is generally considered the hardest AP Physics course. It covers advanced topics such as electromagnetism, circuits, and Maxwell's equations, and requires strong math skills, including calculus.

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

Is AP Physics C or AP Chem easier?

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).

Does AP Physics C look good for college?

If you choose to take either AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism or AP Physics C: Mechanics (or both!), you'll get the chance to learn college-level material and potentially earn college credit!

Why is AP Physics C hard?

The AP Physics C: Mechanics course covers seven distinct units. Because it is only a half-year course, that means some students may find that each topic moves fairly quickly, which can be challenging.

Can I take AP Physics C without calculus?

Conversely, AP Physics C incorporates calculus into the subject, so you may be required to have taken or already be enrolled in Calculus 1. If not, working knowledge of calculus will be helpful.

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.

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.

Should I take AP Physics C in high school?

If you plan on going to a technological university just passing the AP Physics 1 exam won't get you any sort of college credit because they have no course equivalent for AP Physics 1, you would need to pass the AP Physics C exam in order to earn college credit at a technology university.

Is AP Physics C worth it?

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.

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 a 3 on AP Physics C good?

According to the latest 2020 AP® Physics C: Mechanics score distribution report, 84.3% of students received a passing score of 3 or higher. This is one of the higher AP® pass rates, but don't let that trick you! AP® Physics C: Mechanics is one of the most difficult AP® exams.

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.

Is AP Physics 1 2 or C harder?

Likewise, if you're just looking to fill a few credits in science and physics doesn't relate closely to your major or career, you may prefer to choose AP Physics 1 or 2 over the more difficult AP Physics C courses. Your math placement is equally important in deciding.

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.

Should I take AP Bio and AP Physics C together?

If you are taking the classes for AP credit, then it might not be such a great idea. At most schools, AP Bio and AP Physics are rather difficult classes, and thus, I would definitely prepare for a heavy workload and struggle if you do choose to take these two classes in the same year.

Is AP Physics the hardest AP?

If you're looking at pass rates, Physics 1 is the toughest AP exam. And less than 8% of test-takers received a perfect score. Of course, the hardest AP exam depends on your strengths.

Why is AP Physics 1 the hardest?

The AP® Physics 1 exam is considered one of the more difficult exams in the AP® collection of exams. Physics is considered an advanced science, and the AP® version of it is meant to escalate the complexity to the college level. This exam requires an understanding of trigonometry as well as algebra and geometry.

Is physics or calculus harder?

Hands down, physics is harder than calculus. The reason is simple, for physics, you need to have rigorous understanding in both physics concepts and calculus itself. Meanwhile, if you learn calculus, you might (only) need to master the concept of calculus.

How much harder is AP Physics C?

How Difficult Is AP Physics C – As Rated By Class Alumnae. AP Physics C – E/M is considered very hard, with class alumnae rating it 8.1/10 for overall difficulty, making it the most difficult out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed.