<p>I am a sophomore and am interested in taking AP Physics at school. However, I was wondering if one would be able to cope with Physics C without having taken B. Over the summer I will betaking Trig/Calc A so I will have the "introductory" calculus ready. If you could let me know whether C can be taken without taking B, that would be great. Thanks!</p>
<p>it will be extremely difficult.</p>
<p>There have a been a few CCers who have taking Physics C before B. Sometimes, some take both concurrently.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. How would it be difficult though? Are there topics covered in B that I need to know for C?</p>
<p>Physics B and C cover basically the same material; C actually covers less. The problem is that physics C covers the material both very in-depth and with calculus. So if you don’t have a strong grasp of either calculus or basic physics going in, you’re going to have a hard time.</p>
<p>There is absolutely no reason why you can’t this. You don’t even really need to take B at all. Physics C is a higher-level, more valuable course, and no one will care if you’ve taken B if you do well on the C exam. That said, you may still be interested in taking a look at the physics B topics, because it does include a few extra things that C doesn’t, but that in no way makes up for the lack of calculus. </p>
<p>If you take Physics B, then Physics C, you will essentially be learning the same material twice, only with calculus the second time (which can actually make some areas easier if you have a firm grasp on the math). In terms of AP testing, if you’re concerned about the difficulty, remember that Physics C is split into two parts: Mechanics and E&M, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed at the end of the year, you can elect to just focus on one half and ignore the other.</p>
<p>Isn’t Physics C simple differential and integral calculus?</p>
<p>I don’t think you should even bother with B; just taking physics C is fine. At my school, we don’t even bother with physics B.</p>
<p>At my school there is no C, just B.</p>
<p>I’ve decided to just study Physics B on my own time, take the SAT subject and the AP test, and show the scores to my counselor. Then he will have no excuse to deny me Physics C.</p>
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<p>As what the first reply said, it will be hard. You need to be familiar with the concepts in calculus before you dive into the topics.</p>
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That’s what I’m doing now. I think I would have finished studying C by the time the AP comes around but I’ll only be taking it in 2011 because I would have too many APs to take next year!</p>
<p>im taking physics c without having any background physics knowledge. I have to say, unless you are a mathy+logical person, starting with physics c may be rather difficult for most students. as for physics b, most colleges dont even grant credit for it, so i wouldnt bother with b if you have completed c.</p>