<p>I heard that Physics B is a good preparation for the sat subject test, and that physics 2a is an equivalent to physics B. However, I also heard that physics B does not require calculus, while physics 2a does.
How much would physics 2a in a college prepare me for sat physics?
Also we will use the textbook Fundamentals of Physics, 9th edition.</p>
<p>AP Physics B is excellent preparation for the subject test; it covers almost all of the needed topics, and does so in more than enough depth. AP Physics B is probably the best preparation for the subject test alone. </p>
<p>The college physics class option depends on the class; calculus is neither required nor even useful for the subject test, where all calculation questions are relatively simple. If the college class(es) cover all of the subject test topics (mechanics, heat, optics, waves, electricity/magnetism, modern physics, atomic/nuclear physics, maybe even some contemporary physics) then it might be pretty good test preparation; if it covers less, then AP Physics B will be better. The college class(es) will probably also go into more detail, and will present far more complex problems than would be on the subject test.</p>
<p>If your only goal is to be ready for the subject test, AP Physics B is probably the best option. However, depending on your other goals, and the course curriculum, the college class will probably prepare you well, but you might end up reviewing some topics a bit more.</p>