<p>Is it a bad idea to go into AP Physics C without any prior knowledge of Physics? Because I'm moving to a new school and the only prerequisite for that class is an A- or higher in Honors or Regular Algebra 2.</p>
<p>why not take ap physics B ? because ive had background in physics all my life and i still found difficulties in ap physics b and recently in c !</p>
<p>In our school, taking ap physics c (both the mechanics and e&m varieties) requires calculus as a prerequisite. I am currently taking physics c mechanics and it does require calculus for some calculations; ie moment of inertia, gravitation, etc. Which math classes are you currently taking? Most of the people in my physics c class have not taken any physics prior to the class, but in order to catch up with the speed of the course, you must be prepared to work hard. </p>
<p>AP Physics B is a two semester physics course that covers both mechanics and e&m in one year but with less depth and no calculus requirements. If you havent taken calculus yet, this would perhaps be a more suitable course to take.</p>
<p>I think you’ll be okay. In my school, no one has prior knowledge of physics beforehand because only seniors are allowed to take physics. AP Physics C: Mechanics is offered (not B) but you MUST be taking AP Calculus concurrently (also only open to seniors). Previously taking some form of calculus would help.</p>
<p>I’m taking Physics C with only 8th grade earth science as previous knowledge…</p>
<p>AP Physics C without physics seems perfectly fine. But without at least concurrent Calculus, it might not be such a great idea. You might manage, but I think you’d get a fuller understanding with at least some knowledge of calculus.</p>
<p>not gonna lie, it’ll be a challenge</p>
<p>I’m guessing your new school doesn’t have a very high passing rate for the C exam?</p>
<p>Calc is a requisite, no exceptions. You need to understand how derivatives and integrals work if you’ll ever want to even understand what the equation is saying. An introduction to Physics is ideal, but if you’re a good student, you don’t really need it.</p>
<p>Of course, if you’re expecting a 5, you better know what the hell you’re doing.</p>
<p>You actually don’t really need calculus for Physics C, since they give you a table of integrals on the exam.</p>
<p>A kid in my calculus (BC) class is taking Physics C and at the beginning of the year he was doing horribly because the calculus in there started off at a much higher level than in BC, so he was doing stuff with integrals before he really knew what they were.
Now by the time the exam comes around, you’ll probably be fine, but you might want to try to learn a bit of calculus for the first quarter or so.
Also, I hope you’re taking Calc concurrently at the very least. If you aren’t in a high enough math level, I think you should wait.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the replies.</p>
<p>I guess i"ll take AP Chem at my new school then AP Physics C as a Senior because i’m taking AP Stats during my Junior year (which will be the first year at my new school). My senior year math class will most likely be AP Calc so it might be a better idea.</p>
<p>AP Physics C without calc or previous physics should be very doable. AP calc isn’t analysis, so there’s really no emphasis on proofs; it’s just computational. You can get a good idea of how to use derivatives and integrals in a few hours or less with the right textbook. (for a physics C level) As for previous physics, physics C should be a starting course in physics. Courses below physics C have a tendency to be very watered down and many of the same ideas are repeated throughout the mechanics portion of the C curriculum. (possibly some of the e&m portion too depending on the introductory class) Besides, the math in physics C is usually algebra. Mechanics uses integrals for kinematics and some parts of e&m use the idea of integrals, like Gauss’ Law, but usually just simplify to something that can be evaluated algebraically on the exam. You’ll never really need to know what a line or surface integral is for that reason.</p>
<p>If your school offers both AP Physics C and B, take B. But if your school only offers B, I wouldn’t recommend it without a prior physics course. And I never recommend an online AP physics course without a prior physics course.</p>