Is physics 1 harder than C?

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 Physics C or Physics 1 harder?

This course closely follows the curriculum covered in AP Physics 1. However, because Physics C introduces calculus with the equations and formulas you need to know, it is much more challenging. Again, Physics C delves much deeper into these concepts than Physics 1.

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.

Is Physics 1 the hardest?

Considering that AP Physics 1 consistently ranks as the most difficult among AP classes, tackling additional AP coursework simultaneously could prove too much for some students. Students should evaluate their workload and build a schedule that is challenging while avoiding burnout.

Should I take Physics 1 before 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.

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

Is physics C 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 physics C easier?

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 Physics 1 or Physics 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.

Why is physics 1 so hard?

5 key factors. The level of difficulty of AP Physics 1 can be attributed to five key factors: conceptual understanding, mathematical aptitude, problem-solving skills, student's background and knowledge, and quality of instruction.

Is physics 1 harder than calc 1?

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.

What is Physics C equivalent to?

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 and covers electrostatics; conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism.

Is physics C harder than Chem?

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 physics C the hardest AP class?

United States History, Biology, English Literature, Calculus BC, Physics C, and Chemistry are often named as the hardest AP classes and tests.

Is physics C worth it?

The AP Physics C courses are both challenging and rewarding. 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!

Is Physics 1 or 2 harder?

For Physics 1, 39.8% of test-takers passed, and 4.6% earned a 5. The scores were significantly better in Physics 2, where 61.4% of test-takers passed and 9.5% earned a 5.

Which physics is the hardest?

Quantum mechanics is deemed the hardest part of physics. Systems with quantum behavior don't follow the rules that we are used to, they are hard to see and hard to “feel”, can have controversial features, exist in several different states at the same time - and even change depending on whether they are observed or not.

Why do so many people fail AP Physics 1?

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.

How to pass Physics 1 in college?

Test-taking strategies

Think about the concepts and basic principles that are behind the question, and write down relevant equations and provided constants. Simply writing down relevant equations and constants can get you significant partial credit even if you are unsure how to solve the problem.

What is the pass rate for Physics 1?

AP Physics 1

Despite a reputation as one of the most difficult AP classes, Physics 1 is also one of the most popular—144,526 students took it in 2022. 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%).

Is Physics 2 or C harder?

AP Physics 1 is an introductory physics class that requires students be proficient in geometry and Algebra II. In comparison, AP Physics 2 builds upon pre-calculus concepts. Both AP Physics C courses are more advanced and, fittingly, require students to have a more specialized background in calculus.

Can you take physics C without Physics 1 or 2?

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.

How hard is AP Physics C?

AP Physics C – Mechanics is considered very hard, with class alumnae rating it 7.4/10 for overall difficulty (the 2nd-most-difficult out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed). The pass rate is higher than other AP classes, with 73% graduating with a 3 or higher.

Is taking AP Physics 1 worth it?

If you're considering a career in the STEM fields, taking AP Physics would be a good idea. AP Physics will prepare you for college-level science courses and give you the foundational understanding that you need to move on to advanced scientific and mathematical courses.

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 AP Physics C changing?

Updates to the AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C: Mechanics, and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism course and exam descriptions (CEDs) will take effect with the 2024-25 school year (spring 2025 AP Exams).