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.

How much harder is physics C than 1?

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 1 or Physics C better?

Bear in mind that both AP Physics C courses are equivalent to a semester of college-level, calculus-based physics. In other words, they are more advanced than AP Physics 1 and 2. Technically, AP Physics C does not have prerequisites, meaning students don't have to take AP Physics 1 or 2 first.

Is physics C easy after Physics 1?

Both AP Physics C courses are calculus-based, meaning you should have already taken calculus or concurrently be taking calculus while you take either AP Physics C course. This is the main factor that makes Physics C more challenging than Physics 1 and Physics 2.

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 1 harder or AP Physics 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 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.

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 worth it?

Whether or not AP Physics C: E&M is worth it depends a lot on your personal circumstances. For students with a strong physics background and an interest in math, particularly calculus, AP Physics C: E&M is likely worth it. This is especially true for those who want to study physics in college.

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.

Is Physics 1 similar to Physics C?

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 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.

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.

Why is Physics 1 so hard?

Conceptual understanding : AP Physics 1 requires a deep conceptual understanding of physics and must understand the relationships between various physical quantities, such as force, mass, and acceleration, and be able to apply these concepts to real-world situations.

Can you skip to physics C?

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.

Is physics 2 harder than Physics 1?

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 C pass rate so high?

Some AP exams, like AP Physics C: Mechanics, have higher pass-rates because the students who take it have prior experience and preparation in the sciences and are willing to challenge themselves.

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.

Can I self study physics C?

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.

Is physics 2 harder than C?

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.

Do you need calculus for AP Physics C?

AP Physics 1+2 are algebra based, requiring only knowledge in Algebra II or Precalculus . 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).

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 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.

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.