

However, there are two exams, one for each topic. Unlike AP Physics 1 and 2, which are designed as separate classes, one may take the two Physics C topics as one course, with Mechanics being taught one semester, and Electricity & Magnetism the second. Prerequisites usually include at least an introductory physics course, and you should be taking AP Calculus AB or BC if you haven’t completed calculus already. This means that they go more in depth than the algebra-based classes and use calculus to solve more complex physics questions.The Physics C courses, Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism, make up the calculus-based physics courses. Like Physics 1, a good score on the AP Physics 2 exam can count as college credit for introductory college-level physics courses.Īgain, make sure that your target colleges will take AP Physics 2, as those with strong physical science and engineering programs, like MIT, will not provide college credit for any score on the exam. These topics tend to be more complex and advanced than the mechanical physics covered in Physics 1. Thermodynamics with Kinetic Theory, PV Diagrams, and Probability.The topics covered in Physics 2 are the following: This course most closely follows the old AP Physics B curriculum. AP Physics 2ĪP Physics 2 works as a follow-up to AP Physics 1, and consequently is designed to be a second-year physics course, so you will need to complete another physics course, such as Physics 1, as a prerequisite.

Some high-ranking schools, such as MIT, Reed College, and Yale University, do not offer any credit or placement for AP Physics 1, while others like Notre Dame will only take the highest possible score of 5 to provide college credit. However, be sure to look at your target colleges’ websites to see whether these universities will take AP Physics 1 as college credit. Getting a satisfactory score on this AP exam can be used as credit for an introductory college-level physics course. Oscillations, Mechanical Waves, and Sound.The College Board and AP program recommend that students have completed at least geometry and are concurrently taking Algebra II during this course.Īccording to the College Board, AP Physics 1 covers basic fundamental physics concepts, such as:.AP Physics 1ĪP Physics 1 is a first-year, introductory, college-level physics course, and it was designed so that you do not need any prior experience in physics. These are also two one-year classes, as opposed to AP Physics B, which was a one-year class.Īs a result, these together are more expansive and cover more topics than Physics B.This means that they don’t require a background in math beyond Algebra II. So, what are the differences between the classes?ĪP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 are algebra-based courses. While it is possible to take all four classes within your high school career, it may be best to choose one or two based on your goals for college.

These two courses, along with AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism, make up the various Advanced Placement courses in physics that students can choose from.
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