<p>I was wondering how hard it would be to take Physics C (just the Mechanics portion) without taking Physics B. The reason I ask is because I'm taking A-Level Mathematics, and there is a relatively easy Mechanics section, and I figured I could kill two birds with one stone and just do that with Physics C mechanics. Calculus is not a problem for me. </p>
<p>With this knowledge, should I try self-studying it? If so, should I get a textbook or a review book? Any recommendations?</p>
<p>I don't know what A-Level mathematics is, but if calculus isn't a problem for you, then you can probably do mechanics without physics b. It would probably be in your best interest to not try E&M without some sort of basic introduction. It's a lot harder relative to physics b than mechanics is relative to physics b.</p>
<p>At our school you take either or</p>
<p>Unleashed Fury: Yeah, I heard the E&M was pretty hard. I'll probably glance at it, and see if it's hard and whatnot. So should I get textbook or will a review book do?</p>
<p>whats the difference between a review book and text book? cant i study with ONLY PR for my APs?</p>
<p>^
I wouldn't recommend it. AP Physics is more than just learning equations and applying them to a situation. The prep books may be pretty thick, but they probably won't prepare you for the exam---especially if you haven't had a physics course before. They're called review books for a reason.</p>
<p>Have you ever taken an AP before? (Exam or test)</p>
<p>Yeah I've taken three APs before. I AM taking a physics course, albeit it's not at the AP-level. The only college-level textbook I have currently is College Physics by Serway/Faughn, but it holds no Calculus, so I think it's almost inapplicable for Physics C. So, a review book won't cut it? I have some experience (albeit minimal) with Mechanics, and I'm well-experienced with Calculus. Not enough to count as enough knowledge for the review book to help me go by?</p>
<p>You could consider only taking the Mechanics part of the AP C test. Personally, I think the typical AP B course covers way too much material, and if you have already had exposure to calculus, then AP C is a reasonable choice especially if you plan on taking more physics in college. The E&M will require some vector calculus that you may not have seen yet but decent math people have little trouble with it.</p>
<p>I would choose to concentrate on mechanics, but try to expose yourself to E&M and take that exam as well. The reason being is that, yeah, you won't do so hot (unless you are science oriented and great work ethic), but you will at least get some exposure to it. Then in college if you go to engineering you will at least know what's coming and get a second try at it.</p>