Hello!
I am currently a high school freshman in Biology and Algebra 2. Our school is allowing us to have the option of taking Chemistry or AP Physics 1 next year. I ended the first semester of Algebra 2 with a high A and currently have 100 percent in the class right now.
Should I take AP Physics or Chemistry next year? Also, what is usually taught in Physics 1 versus Chemistry?
Thank you!
I would recommend Chemistry. That is the typical order at our school. AP Physics is an extremely difficult class and requires a strong math foundation.
Thank you!
Actually, there are 2 ap physics sequences: one meant for students in precalculus, Algebra-based Physics 1 and 2, which can be taken by sophomores or juniors; and a 2nd level physics sequence, calculus based, called ap physics C EM and M meant for students who already took calculus (officially concurrent calc is ok but since it’s calculus based if you dont know calculus you’re missing some basic tools first semester), typically taken by mathematically advanced seniors.
So, you can take Ap physics 1 next year.
However it means youd have to schedule Chemistry honors junior year before you choose between AP chem (level 2 chem course) and Ap physics C(for future engineering majors).
having taken both, i would say that either would be fine as a followup to algebra 2 and biology. i took physics 1, chemistry, and apes at the same time my junior year and didn’t have a problem managing the coursework with only algebra 2 math knowledge. chemistry is quite heavy on the math as well with some heavy conceptual knowledge in equilibrium and titrations, while physics 1 is heavily conceptual and heavy on the math throughout. physics 1 exam was easier than ap chem for me (5 on both for reference), but that was during covid so take that with a grain of salt!
i would definitely recommend calculus prior to physics c e&m for what it’s worth rather than concurrent enrollment. i’m a current senior in e&m and i’m quite strong in math including calculus (taking bc calc concurrent to physics c) and it is still a huge undertaking. amazing and fun class but very, very math heavy!
OP, I don’t think there’s a significant difference. My suggestion would be to take the two in either order, then you can choose one of the three main AP sciences for Senior year, after being exposed to all three. For what it’s worth, Chem then Physics seems to be a more common path. It might be better to be with students in your own grade, so try to find which sequence is more prevalent in your school.
Ignore the Calculus/Physics C side conversation - it has nothing to do with your situation.
I also disagree tha AP Physics 1 “is an extremely difficult class and requires a strong math foundation.” It’s comparable to a standard Honors Physics course at schools that don’t offer AP 1 and 2. The AP C courses are challenging but, again, irrelevant to your situation.
Chemistry before physics is more common here in the US (probably because physics is perceived to be more challenging – same reason that biology precedes both of them in these same HSs). However, there’s a good case to be made that physics should precede chemistry, as a solid foundation in physics will make comprehension of chemistry much easier.
Don’t take physics 1 without any calculus knowledge. While calculus isn’t required for physics 1, it will greatly help you understand physics better. Wait to take physics with calculus
i disagree. i had no calculus knowledge when i took physics 1 and my conceptual understanding did not seem lacking even looking back with calculus knowledge now. everything in physics 1 can be evaluated algebraically without calculus (for example linearizing graphs instead of evaluating with an integral or derivative). in my opinion, physics 1 should not be an issue without calculus, but that is just my experience.
Physics 1 can be taken without calc knowledge. Look I took it having taken AB Calc the year before, but most students in my class who took just precalc or algebra were able to excel in the class and get a 3+ score on the AP Exam. As emi788 said, you can approach problems through a noncalculus lense.
Great, will keep that in mind!
Our school does the typical bio, chemistry, then physics junior or senior year - the only concern if you let it be one is your junior year you could be taking chemistry honors that many of your friends took sophomore year. That doesn’t bother all students but some want to stay with their friends.
Our district allows people to take AP Bio, AP Chem, and AP Physics without having taken the high school level classes. It’s too bad that they don’t allow the kids to take high school level science in middle school, since they want up going from very low level science classes in middle school right into college sciences.
Anyway, if you school district offered AP Chemistry, that would be what I recommend for you. Otherwise, I would recommend that you take the highest level of Chem they offer, and leave the AP Physics for junior year.