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. This is the main difference from the old AP Physics B course, which was designed to be a second-year physics class. While there technically aren't prerequisites for AP Physics 1, the AP program recommends that students have at least taken geometry and are concurrently enrolled in Algebra II while taking this course.
If you're not that far along in math yet, consider taking a different science class until you're caught up, as math is very important in physics. AP Physics 2 is also an algebra-based, college-level physics course. However, it delves into some more advanced topics than Physics 1. Physics 2 explores fluid statics and dynamics, thermodynamics with kinetic theory, PV diagrams and probability, electrostatics, electrical circuits with capacitors, magnetic fields, electromagnetism, physical and geometric optics, and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.
AP Physics 2 was designed to be a second-year physics course. This means it should come after AP Physics 1 or any first-year physics course. Much of its content is similar to the old AP Physics B course. This class will focus on more advanced physics skills and knowledge, including fluid dynamics, electric currents, magnetism, and quantum physics.
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 calculus. Mechanics covers kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, power, linear momentum, circular motion and rotation, oscillations and gravitation.
As you can see, these are many of the same concepts explored in Physics 1. However, this course goes into more depth than Physics 1 and uses calculus, making it much more challenging.
Electricity and Magnetism covers electrostatics, conductors, capacitors, dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism. Notice there is some overlap with the Physics 2 curriculum, though again, Physics C will be more difficult since it incorporates 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.
When taught as a single class, Mechanics is usually taught first, and Electricity and Magnetism comes second. If schools only teach one topic, it tends to be Mechanics, since it builds on material most commonly taught in beginning physics classes Newton's laws, work, energy, power, etc. Each topic is supposed to be equivalent to one semester of college calculus-based physics.
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! You can read a full description of Physics C at the AP website. Our one-on-one online AP tutoring services can help you prepare for your AP exams.
Get matched with a top tutor who got a high score on the exam you're studying for! Now that you know a little bit about the different AP Physics classes, you're probably wondering which class you should take. Or, if you want to take more than one, you're probably wondering the best order to take the classes in. We will present a few possible sequences, but we will also give you some steps to follow up with your school so you can choose the class that's best for you!
If your school doesn't offer AP Physics 1 or you don't want the first physics class you take to be an AP class, then one option is to start with a regular or honors physics class, where you learn the basic concepts of physics. Then, you can take AP Physics 2 as your second physics class. This option is ideal for students whose schools don't offer multiple AP Physics classes as well as students who don't have the time or desire to take multiple AP Physics classes.
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. The College Board says taking Physics 1 and 2 provide a solid physics background for future pre-med, geology, and life sciences students. They also say it's a good option for students attending colleges where they will have to fulfill a science requirement but will not be studying science as their major. Don't jump straight into AP Physics 2 —it's meant to be a second-year physics course!
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While multivariable calculus is not necessary for AP Physics C, a strong mathematical background is definitely helpful. The second key difference is the depth of knowledge. It is recommended, however, that AP Physics C be the second Physics course high school students take. Some schools might even require a physics course before letting students take AP Physics C, so be sure to plan ahead!
Taking and succeeding in AP courses helps with college admissions and good exam scores can allow students to test out of physics requirements in college.
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