what course to take after ap physics c

The AP Physics C curriculum is divided into two separate courses and exams. AP Physics C: Mechanics is most often taken first, while AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is usually taken afterwards, since a significant amount of its content builds on the material from the Mechanics course.

Full Answer

What year should I take AP Physics C?

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.

What are the different types of AP physics classes?

The AP Program used to offer three physics classes: AP Physics B, AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. However, the AP program recently replaced AP Physics B, a one-year course, with two one-year courses: AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2.

Do you need math for AP Physics?

These are both algebra-based physics courses, which means they don't require a math background beyond Algebra II. The AP program still offers AP Physics C, which is broken into two courses and exams: Physics C: Mechanics and Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism.

Is AP Physics 2 a second year physics course?

AP Physics 2 was designed to be a second-year physics course. This means it could come after AP Physics 1 or any first-year physics course. Much of its content is similar to the old AP Physics B course. You can read the full descriptions of AP Physics 1 and Physics 2 at the Advanced Placement website.

What do you take after AP Physics C?

If PhysicsA is fundamental mechanics, and PhysicsB is E & M, and PhysicsC is "Modern Physics"; then AFTER Physics C, in many colleges and universities could be Thermodynamics. One of the university sites is indicating after "Modern Physics", that Mathematical Methods and Computational Physics come next.

What is AP Physics C equivalent to in college?

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 worth it to take AP Physics C?

Advanced Placement recommends that students who plan to major in engineering or physics in college should study AP Physics C (along with Calculus AB or BC). However, it is not necessary to take all AP physics courses, because you will not have enough time in school to study biology and chemistry as well.

Is Physics C harder than AP Chem?

In terms of content, Physics C is definitely harder than Chemistry.

Does AP Physics C look good for college?

AP recommends Physics C (along with AP Calculus AB or Calculus BC) for students aiming for engineering or physical science majors in college. However, taking AP Physics 1, Physics 2, and Physics C might be overkill—you would lose time taking other science courses, like biology and chemistry.

Is Physics 1 harder than physics C?

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 Physics C the hardest AP class?

The Hardest AP Classes In High School – Ranked AP Physics C – Electricity & Magnetism (E&M) is rated as the hardest AP test by real AP class alumnae, with an average difficulty rating of 7.9 / 10 (10 = hardest). Those who stay the course often score well, though, with a 2021 pass rate of 70%.

Should I take AP Physics C: Mechanics or electricity and magnetism?

It is strongly recommended that AP Physics C: Mechanics & AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism be taught as a second-year physics course. 3. Through each of these courses, you can major in Aerospace engineering, Astronomy, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, and other courses.

How hard is it to get a 5 on AP Physics C?

More than one-third of the students who took the exam in 2019 scored a 5 AND it's only half as long as the Physics 1 and Physics 2 exams. Don't be fooled! This is one tough AP exam. If you want to get a 5 on the AP Physics C Mechanics exam, you're going to need our tips…and some high-quality calculus.

What is the hardest AP course?

The Three Hardest AP ClassesAP Physics 1. Despite a reputation as one of the most difficult AP classes, Physics 1 is also one of the most popular—137,229 students took it in 2021. ... AP U.S. History. AP U.S. history is one of the hardest AP classes in the humanities and in general. ... AP Chemistry.

What percent is a 5 on AP Physics C: Mechanics?

The score distribution tables on this page show the percentages of 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s for each AP subject....AP Score Distributions.ExamAP Physics C: Mechanics523.5%428.6%321.3%214.9%6 more columns

Which AP course is easiest?

Easiest AP Classes and Tests: Psychology. Human Geography. Environmental Science. US Government.

What is the best AP physics class?

Physics 2 is the best AP Physics class to take after a regular or honors physics class (Physics 1 would pretty much just repeat what you already learned). AP Physics C is also an option if you're taking/have already taken calculus and have either Physics 1 or Physics 2 under your belt.

How many AP Physics exams are there?

Both of these courses are calculus-based. This means that there are now four AP Physics exams: AP Physics 1. AP Physics 2. AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. AP Physics C: Mechanics. The fact that there are now four AP Physics exams can be confusing.

What is AP Physics 1?

AP Physics 1. AP Physics 1 is an introductory, algebra-based, college-level physics course. It explores fundamental physics concepts like motion, force, Newtonian mechanics, gravity, energy, and momentum . AP Physics 1 was designed to be a first-year physics course which you can take without prior physics experience.

What if your school doesn't offer physics?

If your school doesn't offer Physics C, take AP Physics 2 or honors physics if you can. Taking AP Physics 1 and Physics 2 is plenty if you aren't going to study natural sciences or engineering since you want to make room for other AP classes in your schedule.

Is AP Physics C calculus?

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. Additionally, AP Physics C requires that students are enrolled or have already taken ...

Do you have to take physics before AP Physics C?

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 Physics C harder than Physics 2?

Notice there is some overlap with the Physics 2 curriculum, though again, Physics C will be more difficult since it incorpora tes 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.

How many years of advanced physics study replaces Physics B?

This study formally recommended that “a two-year sequence of advanced physics study replace Physics B, enabling students to delve deeper into key physics concepts as they develop the reasoning and inquiry skills necessary to think like scientists.”.

What is AP Physics 1?

AP Physics 1. The AP Physics 1 course is the equivalent of a first-semester, algebra-based college physics course. It is the most introductory of the AP Physics options and it covers Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion), work, energy, power, mechanical waves and sound, and introductory, simple circuits.

How long is the Physics C mechanics test?

Length: 1.5 hrs, offered directly after the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam, though students are not required to take both. Section 1: 35 multiple choice questions, 45 minutes, 50% of your total score. Section 2: 3 short-answer questions, 45 minutes, 50% of your total score.

How many AP classes are there?

Currently, there are 38 AP class options, and counting. This means that there are plenty of choices for every interest, ranging from studio arts to foreign languages to science and engineering. Sometimes, though, the course options can seem a little confusing to someone who’s just beginning to explore them.

Do I need to take algebra 2 to get into AP Physics 1?

There are no formal prerequisites for AP Physics 1, but if you want to take it, you will need to have completed geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course to grasp the calculations required for the coursework.

Is AP Physics C a second year?

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.

Key Differences

One key difference between the AP Physics 1+2 sequence and AP Physics C is the mathematical background. AP Physics 1+2 are algebra based, requiring only knowledge in Algebra II or Precalculus .

Which course and exam should you take?

Students who are planning on pursuing physics, math, or engineering in college should try to take the AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism AP exams in high school. These courses are equivalent to the first and/or second physics courses offered in college to STEM majors.

How to Prepare

Students preparing for an AP exam should take an accompanying AP course to prepare for the exam.

Comparing AP Physics 1 and 2 With AP Physics C

AP Physics 1, 2, and AP Physics C cover many of the same concepts but at varying levels of complexity. They can all be seen as introductory Physics courses, but since physics is an all-encompassing topic, they each cover slightly different aspects of the same subject.

Choosing the Right AP Physics Course

As with enrolling in any course, there is no “right” choice, as the selection will depend on students and their ultimate goals.

Conclusion

The College Board offers high school students three AP Physics courses: