What would the benefits of taking H Physics before AP Physics be? AP Physics at my school is Physics I first semester and Physics II second semester… would there be an advantage to taking Honors before AP or is it easier to jump into AP Physics I without any prior knowledge?
Physics 1 is intended to be a first course.
If you would like to take other AP science courses like Bio or Chem, then take Physics 1 and 2 this year. These courses do not need a very good physics background. Also, talk to your GC or people currently take AP Physics about this issue!
If you’re taking physics 1 or 2, then you shouldn’t need to take honors first, they’re practically the same.
At my school, AP Physics 1 is treated as a first year course for Juniors. Sophomores in the STEM program had the option of taking it if they did well enough in Honors Physics freshman year and took Algebra 2 concurrently. If you want a lighter course load, go with Honors. I think you would do fine in AP though. How does your school handle this?
@Hamlon 1 would be first semester Physics 2 in second semester
How comfortable do you usually feel in a math class? A physics class is just an applied math class. Physics 1 only requires completion of Geometry and concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2, while Physics 2 wants Pre-Calc. You’re planning on taking Pre-Calc next year, so you’ll be fine. If you want a head start, Physics Classroom is an amazing resource.
@Hamlon I feel comfortable in Algebra 2, I have a 96 in the class. Thanks for the help! Is Khan Academy any good for pre-calc?
Yeah, for certain topics like Trig and Vectors. There is a lot of overlap between the skills you’ll get in pre-calc next year and the skills you’ll learn in Physics. It won’t hurt to get a head start on the math so that you can just focus on the physics concepts. If math already makes sense to you, then Physics will click automatically. Good luck! 