<p>AP Physics B isn't like college level physics for engineers at all. If anything it is more like the algebra-physics premeds or non-majors take, since it doesn't use any calculus at all.</p>
<p>Even AP Physics C is light on the math/calc. For example my college physics E&M course used calculus 3 heavily whereas the AP physics C E&M doesn't use calc 3.</p>
<p>I would say that someone who "rocks" at calc would be in good shape to possibly go and at least get through an engineering physics requirement. Afterward, it's usually possible to specialize in areas that are more mathematical in nature in most engineering majors.</p>
<p>For my Phys C class, we used Calc III very sparingly (cross products and surface integrals for Gaussian surfaces some to mind). However, I do believe that physics is a more intuitive subject, but that doesn't mean that you can't do well in it. Often times, it just requires a lot of practice, to see where everything is.</p>
<p>If you daughter is really good at calculus, I can't see how physics would be a huge problem. But, Physics C is definitley tougher than B, make no mistake about it. Phys B seemed more like memorizing 3 or 4 algebraic equations per chapter, and then applying them, whereas in Phys C, more of the class was figuring out how to solve the problem. The algebra was secondary.</p>
<p>"more of the class was figuring out how to solve the problem. The algebra was secondary."</p>
<p>Exactly^^ That is exactly how intro college physics classes will be. They want you to think, understand the concept. Knowing calc is a plus, but someone with just a basic knowledge of calc can do just FINE. </p>
<p>Someone mentioned E and M and calc three. You do use vector calculus, but you really don't....they explain the material, showing how calculus derived it, but you really don't use it. The cross product is linear algebra and the surface integrals are defined in the problems; one won't actually have to do the integral. Having a decent knowledge in vectors will be more of a plus than memorizing integrals.</p>