I’m in an AP Physics class. My teacher is letting us decide whether we want to take AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C Mechanics; she said we covered the topics on both tests and that they’re actually very similar. What are the major differences between the exams? I looked at the topics/curriculum for both and they seem similar except C Mechanics has calculus involved.
So, are you taking Calculus now? If not, you should take AP Physics 1.
AP Physics 1 covers more topics, including waves and sound. AP Physics C Mechanics covers mechanics in more depth and uses calculus.
@4kidsdad yes, I’m taking ap calc ab currently, so that’s why I’m thinking physics c mechanics might work out
@skieurope thanks for the clarification; that makes sense. I wasn’t sure about the exact curriculum for physics 1 since it’s a brand new test. I mean I looked at it on collegeboard but I would like to see a full exam by collegeboard to see what it’s really like. Not sure how accurate the new review books are for physics 1 either since it’s a new exam…
Neither does anybody except those involved from the College Board. The author of 5 Steps to a 5 acknowledges that in his updated edition. One can only go with what The CB has released for the time being.
@iwannagotocoll
unless if you’ve actually done calculus based physics you are not prepared for C. You need to know how to derive all of the fundamental equations and you need to know how to relate differential and integral equations in physical situations.
Calculus AB will only teach you about derivatives and integrals and the relationship between velocity, acceleration and position. That’s about 5% of the C exam.
They seem very very similar to me! Calculus isn’t much of a huge jump when it comes to Mechanics. If you have the fundamentals down in Physics 1 and are an adept mathematician/problem solver it’s easy to apply Calculus to the basic concepts. I feel the only difference is the topic of rotational motion which you can pick up quickly.