<p>Hi, I’m a rising senior hoping to major in engineering.
I wanted to self study AP Phsyics, since I haven’t taken Honors Physics yet at school. What is the difference between B and C? Is B easier? I’ve taken BC Calc already.</p>
<p>Bump! I’m in a similar situation. I’ve taken BC this year so I know the Calculus but our school only offers AP Physics B. Should I take B and then just take the Phy C exams or just self study for Physics C? PS- Our Physics B teacher is notoriously bad…</p>
<p>B is much easier than C,
for B you have to memorize information and equations like efficiency equations, nuclear energy equations, and so on.
However, in physics C you have to memorize less information and equations but rather memorize more ways of doing problems. In physics c they give you more complex multistage questions and there is normally only one right way of solving each problem so you must practice and memorize SOME equations but largely memorize HOW TO DO the problems.</p>
<p>hope that makes sense
(btw i got a 5 on physics B, taking C exam on the 9th)
ALSO having BC calc under you belt gives no advantage over someone with AB or even lower level calc knowledge as long as you know how to take a derivative/antiderivative of something you are fine…knowing more doesnt help.</p>
<p>^However, knowing Multi Var for C: E+M definitely gives you an advantage over kids who haven’t taken it.</p>
<p>Being comfortable with Calculus definitely helps you with Physics C and all future physics courses you may take… It’s not just about knowing certain ways to do problems, it’s about the way of thinking. Knowing Vector calculus is a big advantage, especially for E&M. The surface integrals are easy to do on the AP exam, but knowledge of Stokes’ theorem and the Divergence theorem helps you understand it much better. In physics it’s not just about being able to do the integral or derivative, it’s about being able to interpret it’s physical meaning. This can turn a problem that at first looks very time consuming into less than three steps.
Also, since you mention you want to major in engineering, you should definitely take C because they won’t accept a non calculus based course.
I received 5s on both the exams last year and</p>
<p>Physics C is a lot harder. My school only offers B. For Physics B, you can basically memorize the list of equations (which is rather long), understand how to use all of them, and pass the test. Getting a 4 or 5 usually requires more conceptual understanding and grasp of the physics rather than math…I have very little experience with C and am taking the B exam on Monday.</p>
<p>The main difference that I’m aware of is Physics B is algebra based whereas C is calculus based. C doesn’t include some big sections of B, but the math is definitely more difficult.</p>