Hey, sorry if I seem like I’m ranting, but I have something I want to get off my chest. Just some background about me. I am currently a sophomore in a relatively prestigious public high school. I consider myself decent at math(I have decent grades in Calculus so far). I’m also not bad at chemistry, biology, and most other sciences. But for some reason, I have the toughest time in physics. I know that it’s just applied math with some observation, but I just HATE it so much. Physics doesn’t click the same way math and chemistry do. I don’t have to take AP Physics this semester, but I will have to next semester and Physics is the most annoying STEM subject for me. I was wondering if any of you had insights/resources/recommendations so I don’t fail the class/AP test/subject in general. Seriously, any advice is fine. Physics really just isn’t my cup of tea. Sorry if it seemed like a rant.
Are you referring to AP Physics 1, 2, or C? Physics 1 and 2 are very different experiences from AP Physics C. You are a sophomore, so I would assume AP Physics 1, but then again you mention Calculus which is only used in AP Physics C. If you are having trouble with applied mathematics like me, then yes, you will have a hard time with AP Physics 1. AP Physics 1 has relatively little math, and any math found in the course will be algebra-based. I sympathize with you because the course requires critical thinking to understand what’s going on in the scenario given and how objects in the systems interact with each other. This means that having a teacher is definitely a must to get a 5 on the exam. I had to self-study for the course and managed to get a 3.
AP Physics C is a far different experience. I’m self-studying both exams now. Although the scenarios are less complex, the problems can be mathematically rigorous. However, AP Physics C helped strengthen my Calculus skills, especially when I got to center of mass and rotational inertia where I began to rethink how I viewed Calculus. Do not stress yourself out. The AP Physics exams (formerly just Physics C but not Physics 1 and 2) are often regarded to be the hardest AP exams.
Dan Fullerton’s videos would be your best resource for AP Physics 1 / 2 / C. Dan Fullerton even wrote excellent review books called “AP Physics 1 Essentials” and “AP Physics 2 Essentials”. I recommend that you check them out. The framework is always great source material to know what you should be studying, and do not forget to check out the practice exams. There are tons of resources for AP Physics C. Any Calculus-based Physics textbook should do the trick. The Princeton and Barron review books are great, and MIT Open CourseWare is a great resource toward understanding the concepts in AP Physics C: Mechanics and E&M. Good luck!
Sorry, I was referring to AP Physics1/2. Our school combines the courses, then separates the two AP Physics C for some reason. I will definitely check out the videos you recommended. Hopefully I will do better in the class after watching the videos(cause right now I really suck at physics). Once again, thank you.
Lol I don’t like physics either because I don’t understand the conceptual aspect of it…
Hey you should definitely be more worried about failing the Physics 1 AP test because 4.1% of people got a 5 (I got 4 haha).
At our school, we also combine physics 1 and 2. And the teacher doesn’t really teach difficult concept so most of us ended up failing the AP test. Sounds like your school’s class is harder. If so, that’s good for you, because the AP test is hard. Physics has more math than chem and bio. I hate physics too, but it’s the only science left at my school so I have to keep on doing it.
But honestly physics 1 is mostly concepts about momentum, harmonic motion, voltage. Not as much math as physics c. If your school’s physics is hard, that might be a blessing in disguise for AP preparation.