<p>I'm taking IB Physics, and by the time of AP exam, I'm not going to learn all the concepts covered, as we only learned about mechanics in the first semester..</p>
<p>So I wasn't sure if I should take AP Physics B by self-studying or if I should prepare for Physics C because I'm good at math. (I know that being good at math is very different from being good at physics) - anyone can comment on the difficulty of AP C Mechanics?</p>
<p>Please give me your sincere advice.
Just as a helpful note, I plan on taking SAT II Physics, so I am now thinking taking AP Physics B is a wiser decision.. (I'm a math-major hopeful of top universities such as Stanford (probably EA for Stanford))</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Probably EA for Stanford? Does that mean you're in? Anyway, Physics C is a walk in the park if you know what you're doing. I took Physics B last year, Physics C Mechanics is like a review of most of the Physics B course, just with some calculus added in. If you haven't taken a Physics B course or the equivalent, don't take the exam--you won't do very well. Physics B isn't just mechanics, it also covers electricity, magnetism, optics... Physics C mechanics is solely based on mechanics, so if you can learn the calculus techniques and applications you'll do much better on that exam.</p>
<p>No, I'm a junior.. sorry for the confusion.
It looks like you are into Stanford - immense congratulations!</p>
<p>I just wonder if taking Physics C, without learning such other topics covered in Physics B, is a wise decision, given that I am familiar with calculus? I'm just raising a doubt of myself as I'm not sure a student who hasn't covered such topics will be as good as required in AP Physics C - a high level of mechancis..</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>No matter how familiar you are with calculus, you will still need to be able to apply it to physics concepts. However, nearly 95% of it can be done without any actual calculus (there is almost always an alternate method) except for some of the free-response and MC where you may have to set up (rarely solve) a differential equation, or churn out an integral/derivative. I would suggest getting a Physics C review book and just leafing through one of the practice tests to really get a good feel for it.</p>
<p>sorry to hi jack, but do you know if physics C will be easy after taking Calc BC?</p>
<p>No, it's okay, but I'm in a similar situation as yours.
I'm taking BC this year, so that's what I meant by familiarity with Calculus.
But looking at the sample questions on Physics C puzzles me,, making me think the huge understanding required of the physics concepts...</p>
<p>yea... I'm a junior and am taking BC right now... The only problem is, I took regular physics during summer school in a month and I forgot all the basic physics concepts.</p>
<p>Well if I were not taking any sorts of physics class, I wouldn't take AP Physics...just my opinion...</p>
<p>Powerbomb, Physics C will most definitely be easier after taking BC. Half of my class have taken calculus the year before (except me, I took BC three years ago), half are taking calculus now. Those without calculus preparation did struggle with it at first, because there are some points where you need to apply calculus and really know the methods. You will probably find Physics C easier than you would Physics B. Take it.</p>
<p>Cyh, to the question of is it wise to take Physics C without taking B, it really depends. If you're still only considering Physics C Mechanics, I would take that over B. B is a lot more than mechanics, its a lot more to learn. You need to learn a lot though... without B it won't be too easy. C Mechanics is like the easy part of B, with calculus. If you're looking to take C Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism, you have most of B, plus a bit more, plus calculus. That would be harder, and in that case I'd advise you to take B.</p>
<p>Thank you for your advice! It's amazing that you took BC 3 years ago... Anyways, thanks!</p>