Been trying to find out the difficulty of AP Physics C: Mechanics. I’m planning to take this senior year without any prior physics knowledge, but I plan to study a bit over the summer. Note that it’s only Mechanics for the whole school year and there’s no Electricity and Magnetism. I’ve taken AP Calculus BC if that helps. I’ve seen other AP Physics threads, but not many just on Mechanics. My friends say it’s easy, but my parents say it’s hard.
AP Physics C is pretty much calculus-based physics. Knowing calculus beforehand will definitely help you with the class, and studying a bit of physics over the summer will make up for any physics-related knowledge gaps that you may have prior to beginning the class. It’s a harder AP class, but completely manageable if you are willing to put time and effort into mastering the material. Good luck!
AP Physics C is often regarded as the most difficult AP course but also the most lenient. Since you have taken AP Calculus BC and understand applications of Calculus in the real world, (e.g, rates, optimization, area, etc.) the math shouldn’t be hard to understand. It should be even easier since you are giving yourself a whole year on Mechanics alone, which means you’ll have even longer to study and no time to worry on the E&M exam!
I think this says it all. Personally, I felt that AP Physics C was my hardest AP, but I also did both in a year, and I found Mechanics to be a walk in the park compared to E&M.
thanks for the feedback guys