I heard that AP Physics 1 and 2 were more conceptual than math oriented. I was just wondering if Physics C is the same, or more Math oriented.
As a physics TA, I have noticed that AP Physics C is much more math-based than AP Physics 1. The FRQs on the AP Exam are almost all math based to a wide extent and require you to show all work (no paragraph FRQs). Of course, strong conceptual knowledge of Physics is needed to succeed in physics C, but be prepared to do A LOT of math.
As the name implies, AP Physics C is very much calculus-based. The FRQs require you to have knowledge of basic calculus (especially derivatives and integrals) and to understand how to apply the various equations you are given. The multiple choice questions are where you’re going to see some more conceptual questions, but many of the answers can also be found if you understand the equations and the math. However, I would argue an even stronger conceptual knowledge of the topics is required for AP Physics C since you’re going to need to understand the topics to use the right equations.
I took both AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C in high school. I actually didn’t like either of the classes (probably because of how they were taught) but I enjoy college physics now. I would advise you to focus on understanding the concepts instead of just learning when to apply which equation.