Hello! I am currently taking AP PhysicsC because I want to challenge myself with my school’s most rigorous class. It’s combined Mechanics and E&M in one year. I have minimal physics knowledge going in because I had a bad honors physics teacher. I’m not even planning to be an engineer or even do anything STEM related, so this is purely for learning. I’ve tried to switch out because it seemed hard the first few weeks, but my counselor wouldn’t let me, so I have to accept it. Please give any tips, resources, prep book suggestions, anything to help me pass this class this year! Anything would help. Thank you!!
Please help! Perhaps @skieurope could offer some insight? I saw you posting a lot of helpful advice about Physics C in other threads.
Hi @writingwords. I did a self-study for the course over the summer and am also taking the class at my HS (it covers both Mech and E&M as well). Thus, I can give you a few tips.
One important piece of advice that I can give is to practice, practice, practice. Whether it is homework or worksheets or textbook problems, find whatever you can and keep practicing until you fully understand. Physics in general is about problem-solving, so practice is obviously a great way to become more familiar with the concepts.
The other thing you should have is motivation. This allows you to become so interested in the subject that everything will make more sense. I was in the same position as you were in by having a honors physics teacher who was unable to convey concepts in a clear way. As a result, every topic I studied became forgettable, so initially, I considered myself to have no prior physics knowledge. However, at the beginning of last summer, I had a lot of determination to pass the class by opening my Princeton Review book, taking notes, and solving a bunch of practice questions. So overall, even if you don’t have enough knowledge, that’s okay. It’s all about the motivation.
Finally, for an AP review book, I 100% recommend Princeton Review. It’s an excellent guide that effectively conveys every concept on the AP test as well as containing great practice questions.
Please feel free to visit this year’s official AP Physics C thread. I posted a lot of resources there. Here is the link: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sciences/1778144-official-ap-physics-c-mechanics-and-e-m-thread-2015-2016.html#latest
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know and I’ll be happy to help.
I wish you the best of luck! Enjoy your school year!