<p>My son is planning to take AP physics next May. He (now junior) just got 800 in sat ii physics and wonders how AP physics 'B' differs from sat ii physics: </p>
<p>Do they both cover same areas? </p>
<p>If so, he would rather start studying AP Physics C, which many CCers seem to recommend to future physics/science majors. Fyi, as for math, he got 800 in sat ii math c and is currently studying AP calculus, and finds it very manageable.</p>
<p>Thanks..</p>
<p>Pretty impressive to get an 800 on SAT II Physics without having taken AP Physics B. </p>
<p>AP Physics B is algebra based and covers a broad range of areas in more depth than SAT II Physics, but not as deep as AP Physics C. It is typical of the physics required for a premed curriculum.</p>
<p>AP Physics C covers Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism using basic calculus where necessary. It is typical of the physics required for physics/engineering majors who will study the missing topics (optics, heat, quantum) in more depth in later courses. Typically it’s taken simultaneously with calculus.</p>
<p>Thanks. Do you think my son can skip physics B and go to C(Mechanics)? Asking because he had better choose one of the two, for the next May’s AP exams. If physics B is just slightly deeper than sat ii physics. shouldn’t it be rerasonable?</p>
<p>Most colleges offer both the equivalent of Physics B and Physics C (Mechanics and E+M) over one year. Most colleges prohibit getting credit for both sequences and they serve different constituents. A lot of the better ones don’t even give credit for Physics B. Medical students may benefit from more breadth in what is usually the only physics sequence these students will take, so the Physics B equivalent fills that role. Scientists and Engineers need to use Calculus and use Physics C equivalent. They will end up covering most of the topics in Physics B, but will take longer to do it. </p>
<p>I think it’s certainly reasonable to follow an 800 on the Physics SAT II with Physics C. However, it’s November already. Depending on what he’s up to, it may not be that hard to switch. Most of the Mechanics problems are the same, there are just a few extra topics and they are harder and use calculus. </p>
<p>Is it better to take just Physics C (Mechanics) over Physics B? It’s hard to say. Physics C (Mechanics) and Physics C (E+M) each represent a half year college course. Physics B represents a whole year. Most people who take Physics C take both and just skip Physics B. </p>
<p>One option might be to take both Physics C (Mechanics) and Physics B in the same year. They are usually offered in the same time slot, so one has to be taken on the overflow day. </p>
<p>You are right though, he needs to decide before he finishes Mechanics whether to go deeper into the Calculus or whether to go on to fluids and thermo, as I don’t think that these are covered in Physics C. He should also be able to tell you by now if he’s learning new material in Physics B and enjoying himself, or whether it’s just a rehash of what he already learned. It is substantially deeper that SAT II Physics, just not at the level of Physics C. </p>
<p>You should read the College Board publication in detail
<a href=“Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day – AP Central | College Board”>Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day – AP Central | College Board;
<p>You could also compare this to the SAT II publication
<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools;
(scroll down for physics)</p>
<p>There is also the AP Physics Teachers Guide freely available
<a href=“Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day – AP Central | College Board”>Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day – AP Central | College Board;
<p>Many thanks.</p>