<p>How do you self-study for Physics C both tests? I want to take them, but my school only offers a Physics B class. I know math up to Calc BC and Linear Algebra, and I'll be taking Multivariable Calculus in Fall 2007 (Sep-Dec 2007). Any suggestions for textbook/review books?</p>
<p>Use the Halliday, Resnick and Walker book; you should be able to understand it, and it is one of the most widely used in the system. (MV Calc may come in handy for E&M).
I used Barron's, which was not exactly the best, as PR is simpler but covers the required material.</p>
<p>I can help, as I was in your situation 2 months ago, and got 5s on both parts</p>
<p>I self-studied both in one week having only taken Physics B. One of the Physics teachers suggested to use Serway's Physics For Scientist and Engineers for it. I checked out that book, flipped through it, and it ended up just sitting in my room unopened for the rest of the year. What I did was hunt down for all possible past multiple choice questions and FRQs. Needless to say, my search has gotten me the 1993 multiple choice, 2004 (or 2003?) MC, which i couldn't take home, and all FRQs with solutions from 1960s to 1990s. I've heard that Halliday and Resnick is the best text for the course, as even universities use it. I also checked out every possible review book I could find (Princeton's, Barron's, etc.) and I can say that the ones that I ended up using the most were 5 Steps to a 5 and AP Advantage (I think that's the name, it's orange) simply because they were easy to follow, and I only had a week to go over the material. Barron's just looked too messy and hard to follow and Princeton Review seemed too wordy.</p>
<p>Math-wise, you have way more than needed for the course. When I took the test, the only calc-related stuff I ran across was differentiating and integrating SIMPLE POLYNOMIALS, such as 8x^3 + 4x^2, and setting up a differential equation and then proving that the solution to it was what was given (I didn't even do it)</p>
<p>For mechanics, if you are good with the stuff they teach you in Physics B, you're fine. You probably need to review any rotational stuff that isn't covered in Physics B. I only spent TWO HOURS in my one-week study period on this. That's how easy the mech part is.</p>
<p>E&M is another story though, this one requires the most studying. Make sure you know circuits really well, as there's almost always a FRQ on this (I think you are guaranteed at least a 2 if you can get full credit on only one of the FRQs completely) Go to the College Board website and check out the breakdown of topics for this. Your goal is around 50% points to get that 5.</p>
<p>Feel free to ask me for any adivce. As I said above, I've got some resources.</p>