<p>Hey guys. I'm starting to make final decisions about which AP physics I should take next year. I would like to take C more than B. However, the main factor in my decision is the difficulty of the calculations for C. I will be taking AP calculus AB with a possibility of a tutor for Ap calculus Bc next year though. As of now, I'm in algebra 2 honors. If I may say so myself, I'm a very decent student in math and I learn quite fast. What do you guys think is the best option? Thanks in advanced.</p>
<p>If you stick to Mechanics, you should be able to handle Physics C without Calculus. Very little calculus in there beyond a few very simple derivitives. E&M is a different story though, I don’t think it would be possible without knowing how to solve an integral.</p>
<p>Hmm… Well, at my school, ap physics c is 1 semester of mech an 1 semester of e/m. Would the calculus learned from one semester of ap calc ab be sufficient to do calculus related calculaions for e/m?</p>
<p>Yes, it would be (unless your Calculus class moves at a very slow pace).</p>
<p>have you learned trig?</p>
<p>I’m taking both Calc AB and Physics C this year, we were well ahead of where we needed to be in Calc by the point we needed that math in Physics. You should be fine.</p>
<p>I am learning trig right now and a little over summer.
Quandry, you’re saying that AB knowledge is enough fo physics C?</p>
<p>I’m taking AB along with physics C, and so do most people at my school. It’s not that big of a problem. You’ll find the derivations slightly difficult in the beginning but catch up soon enough.</p>
<p>besides, taking physics will help you with math.</p>
<p>i had taken Physics C mechanics. Calculus is a joke there. Yes, both derivatives and integrals. Even differential equations are jokes. You can do it easily without a year of calculus in high school. In fact, don’t worry about calculus at all, but worry about how the things work, especially the force vector diagram, and which formula should you use to solve certain problems. Be it for energy, or momentum. That’s the hardest part of AP physics. Along with that, of course you need to set things up correctly too. Just practice, nothing more. I’ve beat everyone in my class, who had taken AP calculus, by practicing everyday, and think about those problems in my freetime. In fact, physics is my major at UC Santa Barbara this coming fall quarter.</p>