Physics B versus Physics C

Pre-College Issues High School Life
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<p>I posted this question in response to another thread in the AP forum, but I figured posting it here would generate more replies, so here goes. I am currently not enrolled in a science course due to the fact that my current school is tiny and doesn't offer anything higher than honors biology, chemistry, or physics, so I decided to self-study for one of the AP physics exams. I was originally thinking of doing Physics C Mechanics, but I just looked at the AP credit value tables for my match/safety schools and saw that in all cases, I would actually be awarded more credits for Physics B than I would for just one portion of C. On top of everything, I intend to be a humanities major in college, so I most likely won't see physics again after maybe one semester of it. I'm also studying for the SAT II physics subject test and am aware that there is a lot of overlap between that and the Physics B exam. With all this in mind, should I just go for B instead of C? </p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p>Go for Physics B. Physics C really helps for those applying to top schools and who are trying to pursue science. If you were taking the second part of Physics C, that would be a different story. On the other hand, if you have a strong background in Calculus, Physics C is way easier than Physics B.</p>

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<p>Yeah I’ve heard lots of horror stories about E & M… but apparently lots of people think Mechanics is manageable too. So I’m not sure what I should do. I’m currently enrolled in Calculus BC after having taken AB last year…</p>

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<p>Ha, I’m in E&M and I’m only in AB…haha ■■■ </p>

<p>but most of the frustration lies on my teacher. even the kids that took bc calc junior year are having a hell of a time with the class.</p>

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<p>You could probably do well on Mechanics. Any chance of doing both?</p>

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<p>Hmmm… but I’ve looked at the AP calendar and it seems like Physics B and Physics C: Mechanics are taken at the same time. Unless I do late testing for one of them…</p>

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<p>You could do that. I thought they were on the same day but different times.</p>

<p>Actually, that may be biology.</p>

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<p>I wouldn’t take Physics C Mech and Physics B. Too much overlap</p>

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<p>^ So you’d just choose one?</p>

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<p>AP Physics is so hard. My class is only Mechanics, and I’m dying. </p>

<p>SELF-STUDY AT YOUR OWN RISK.</p>

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<p>Alrighty then… I gather from the last two responses (plus a discussion with another friend via FB) that Physics B would probably be the better choice, especially when I’m not planning to go into the sciences or engineering. :p</p>

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<p>It is hard… extremely hard.</p>

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<p>^ Which one are you referring to, Physics B or C?</p>

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<p>Currently taking Phys. B, I have never taken any physics course in my school career.
It is definitely manageable.</p>

<p>Phys C. requires heavy calculus- I recommend not taking it, didn’t you receive a 4 in Calc AB?</p>

<p>Best,
footskineater</p>

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<p>Physics C is easily the hardest AP to score a 5 on</p>

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<p>Physics B is hard, if you know calc, C is easier.</p>

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<p>I got a 5 in AB Calc last year and I’m doing fine in Physics C this year.</p>

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<p>Okay, I’m getting mixed responses now lol. And to footskineater, yes I did get a 4 on the Calc AB exam, but I didn’t think the calculus involved in Physics C would be THAT extensive. At least it doesn’t involve multivariable calc… </p>

<p>Is there a definite answer to this question?</p>

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<p>NewAccount: Are you taking Physics C as a class? If so, that would be totally different from my situation because I’m currently not enrolled in a science course and essentially have to self-teach.</p>

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<p>What do you want to major in, and what tier schools are you aiming for?</p>