Could I take the AP Physics C test with Calc and Physics background only?

Test Preparation AP Sciences
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1

I had a question about the AP Physics C test. I’ve already taken Calculus BC and done well in it (and also gone on to take a few other math classes after it), and I’m taking AP Physics 1 now. Would it be possible to self-prepare myself for the AP Physics C test along with AP Physics 1, by combining my knowledge of the two subjects? Is the only thing missing the application of calculus to physics, or would I be missing major content by not taking AP Physics C?

Thanks!

2

Physics C courses go in depth into Newtonian Mechanics or Electromagnetism (EM). I do not know what Phys 1 course covers, however. I am guessing it does not cover EM, so probably you want to try Physics C Mechanics if you want to try it out. To answer your last question, you will not miss the most important contents, but minor things that you would cover in C will be missing in Phys 1 course.
Well, I would conclude that it is not a bad idea to take those AP Physics C exams for you if you have a strong mathematics background.

3

Physics 1 does not cover EM. Perhaps if you study the textbook and do enough practice you could get a decent score on a CM poriton of the C test

4

I self-studied AP Physics C: Mechanics after taking calculus but no prior physics (my school doesn’t offer AP Physics C as a class, so I was taking AP Physics 1 while I self-studied). I had very little calculus on my test - just some integration to find the moment of inertia. In any case, while I can’t speak for E&M, mechanics is relatively simple and there should be some overlap with AP Physics 1. I would get a prep book for Physics C, just so that you’re sure you’re covering all of the content, and start taking AP practice tests in January/February to see if you’re in good shape for the actual test. The curve for Physics C is pretty great - you only need 55-60ish percent for a five, so the main problem is not running out of time.

I’d say it’s definitely possible to self-study and do very well (especially if you already know calculus and some physics), just be prepared to cover some topics on your own; a good prep book (Princeton Review), used textbook (Fundamentals of Physics), or some decent websites should be enough for you to be sufficiently prepared.