<p>Ok, so this thread is also applicable for those studying for AP Physics B or C right now. I was just looking at the 2 Physics classes that HSSP (Harvard Summer School Program) offered, because I want to take one of them before I take the AP Physics C exam.</p>
<p>Here's the link: <a href="http://www.summer.harvard.edu/2007/courses/phys.jsp%5B/url%5D">http://www.summer.harvard.edu/2007/courses/phys.jsp</a></p>
<p>Now, WHICH ONE of these courses would be beneficial for someone taking the AP Physics C exam? My school, unfortunately, doesn't offer the AP Physics C class, only Physics B. So I'm taking Physics B then taking the C exam. Is this a reasonable thing to do? Or are the B and C classes completely different that learning B won't help on the C exam? I'll self study if necessary and get help from my dad, who's a Professor that teachers Electrical Engineering ...</p>
<p>Thank you so much in advance!!</p>
<p>NOTE: And by the way, I'm going to take AP Calc BC during the 07-08 school year .. so don't worry about me knowing enough calc for Physics. And I want to take one of the Physics HSSP courses during the summer of '08.</p>
<p>I received a 5 on Physics B, C Mechanics, and C E&M, so I think I can comment on this. You can take the B class and certainly get a 5 on C Mechanics, that exam is not too bad at all. The C E&M course is something you actually need the class for or you need to be disciplined in your studies. I was in your situation where my school only taught Physics B and I had to self-study both of the C exams. </p>
<p>You can squeeze out a 5 with knowledge of calculus and Physics B on Mechanics, but don't even try it for C E&M. Just buy a textbook and Barron's revieww for C E&M.</p>
<p>So which one of the courses (in the link I gave) do you think would be helpful for Physics C E&M?</p>
<p>It seems like the second course wouldn't be of that much help, as the exam doesn't go over a lot of the things included in that course.</p>
<p>The first course looks like a rehash of Physics B topics but with calc involved.</p>
<p>All in all, it appears that you wouldn't be better off for the E&M exam if you took either. I would just lay back and just go through your Physics B class, as there is some considerable overlap between the two.</p>
<p>I also ended up self-studying both Physics C exams in a week before the exam, and got 5s on both. What I did was search for any old questions to work with, which I now have about 25 years worth of FRQs, and look over them to get a feel for what the questions are like. I also checked out a lot of review books and asked people I knew for old multiple choice questions. I think you should do the same, as you said, your dad is an electrical engineer, and he could aid you tremendously with those FRQs. My only source for explanations was a cram session with my Physics B teacher the day of the exam.</p>
<p>Your situation seems to be common, and both exams are self-studyable. The calculus itself isn't that hard. I only did the derivative and integral of simple polynomials when I took it, and did fine. Check the college board website to see what the B and C exams have in common.</p>
<p>Which is more difficulty in Physics C - Mechanics or E&M?</p>
<p>I really wanted to take a course through HSSP but I guess it won't be worth taking either of the Physics courses they are offering. Oh well, I guess I'll take a math course then.</p>
<p>Definitely E&M, but that works to your advantage too, because the curve is very generous, because you only need about 50% of the points to get a 5</p>
<p>I think it's more like 65% for a 5 on E&M. Gator is completely right, the E&M exam is significantly harder, but still doable. The fact that the curve is that generous is, I think, a testament to its difficulty. The best students take Physics C, it's not one of those easy APs that people just take to look good. Just study hard, it's not an amazing feat to get a 5.</p>
<p>Last I checked, on the 2004 released multiple choice, it said the minimum was around 49 out of 90 for Mechanics and about 45-47 out of 90 for E&M.</p>
<p>I agree with Calculus... a Phys B student can take Phys C: Mech, but probably not E/M</p>
<p>My scores after taking Physics B and self studying for C (took all of these in 2007):
B: 5
C Mech: 4
C E/M: 2</p>
<p>That e/m test hit me hard...</p>