<p>I am a sophomore this year and my freshman year I took physics I passed with an A. I though it was so simple, maybe because I'm pretty good at math. Anyways this year I'm taking bio 1-2 and I seriously don't get it barley passing with about a high C. Next year I would have to take bio 3-4 because of this program I'm in but I think I'm getting out since bio 3-4 next year could hurt me in the future. So I'm thinking about taking AP physics next year, I'm sure it's harder then regular physics but anyone who's taken it have any advice how much harder is it? Anything will help, thanks.</p>
<p>AP Physics B or AP Physics C (M, E&M, or both)? Definitely makes a difference.</p>
<p>I took AP Physics C - Mechanics in 11th grade…it was pretty hard, but enjoyable (got a 5 on the exam). Make sure you know your calculus.</p>
<p>I never took regular physics and I have an A in the class. It’s really not too difficult, and I’m not even in calculus. My teacher showed us shortcuts for taking derivatives and he’s going to do the same thing when it comes time for us to start using integrals. If you’re good at math then it should be pretty easy. A solid foundation in trig and geometry would help too.</p>
<p>^That’s interesting. Some (but not too many) questions on the AP exam require some calculus. You should at least know the derivatives of some elementary functions (polynomials, trig, log) as well as chain rule, product/quotient rule, etc. before taking the AP exam.</p>
<p>Physics B doesn’t require any calculus. </p>
<p>Physics C on the other hand.</p>
<p>I have taken AP Physics B last year.
It is not difficult, but it covers a lot of stuff especially when you school finishes this course in one year. If you didn’t take any physics before but want to go in AP physics next year, maybe take a honor physics class in summer school would be a good idea. It can give you the basic knowledge you need to know about physics. Otherwise, when the course actually starts, you will find it goes too fast.
For AP physics C, I think it is not really difficult if you are pretty good in basic mechanics.
E&M is usually more difficult.
Generally speaking, AP physics B is broader but C goes deeper but only focus on one area.
I have friends who got 5 in AP biology have trouble with AP Physics, but there are also people I know get 5 in AP Physics B struggle with CP Biology. It really depends on what kind of person you are. If you are better at social science, like reading, then stick with bio. But if you are a science and math person, like problem solving, then take physics instead.</p>
<p>Rspence raised a good point, so I just want to clarify for OP that I do have this book called Quick Calculus: A Self Teaching Guide that helps you understand what a derivative is and the technical method of doing them before learning the shortcut. So if you’re not yet in calculus, I would definitely recommend buying that book. Once you understand what a derivative is, it’s pretty simple to do them with the shortcut. On a test earlier in the year, we were given a position/time graph that was a sine curve and told to take the derivative in order to find velocity/time, and then the derivative of that to find acceleration/time, and I was one of only a handful in the class who got it right. I think maybe the kids in Calc BC were overthinking it because of all the calc they know, and they thought the answer had to be more difficult than it really was.</p>
<p>I still don’t know why you would need a book to understand what a derivative is, especially when it’s about position/time, acceleration/time, and acceleration/time. People taking that class should know the relationship between those three terms. In terms of calculus, velocity is the first derivative of position, acceleration is the first derivative of velocity and the second derivative of velocity. In terms of algebra (I guess I could call it), velocity is the rate at which the position is changing AKA slope. So on for acceleration. </p>
<p>You can learn derivatives and integrals to make problems easier, like robert stated above, but it’s not necessary. Learn the relationship. You’re set. Although, my view may be biased because I learned derivatives is precalc, and integrals in Calc BC, prior Calc knowledge isn’t a must.</p>
<p>Physics is just so much easier if you know calc. I’m in physics I right now lol and it’s seriously a joke with calc knowledge. No need to memorize anything because you can just easily derive things!</p>
<p>If you’re not becoming an engineer, you don’t really need physics C. Take it only if you really like physics or plan on becoming an engineer. 
Check the requirements for you school as well. In my school, you can’t take physics C unless you’ve taken calc and received a B or higher.</p>
<p>Be honest, how much of it requires Calc? Not any if it (of the topics that my class has covered).</p>