<p>Hi everyone. I have a question about possibly self-studying AP Physics C:</p>
<p>I'm currently taking IB Physics 1, which I've heard prepares you for AP Physics B, so I do have some prior physics knowledge. The only problem is that pretty much no colleges give credit for physics B (from what I've seen), and my school doesn't even administer the AP Physics B exam! (If I wanted to take it, I would have to do it at another school).</p>
<p>However, I'm pretty dissatisfied with my IB Physics course, because it is so over-simplified and has practically no real-world applications. There is no calculus involved whatsoever, and as of this year, friction has been completely removed from all concepts being taught! My teacher has to constantly remind us, "remember, this wouldn't exactly work in the real world due to friction." The extent of our problems is basically plugging numbers into formulas, with some conceptual questions (Newton's laws, etc.). It's rather disappointing and frustrating to be taking a class that doesn't go in-depth, especially since IB classes are supposed to be so rigorous.</p>
<p>My question is, would it be feasible for me to self-study for the AP Physics C exam? I would most likely only take the Mechanics exam, since IB Physics 1 is mainly devoted to mechanics with only a little bit of electricity/magnetism. I am also currently in AP Calculus BC, so the math aspect shouldn't be a problem for me.
Does anyone have any advice for self-studying the exam? Prep books I should use? Has anyone else been in the same situation?</p>
<p>Yes, it is feasible to self-study for the Mechanics exam. As you’re taking Calc BC, math shouldn’t be a problem; only basic differentiation and integration are required (though reading up on your calc book’s chapter on differential equations might help a little).</p>
<p>Start early. Even if your course does cover a bunch of mechanics, it might not cover some topics in Physics C. When I studied Physics B, rotational dynamics, angular momentum, and gravitational motion were not covered much at all compared to the C-level material. One of my friends took Physics B last year while self-studying for the Mechanics part of the C exam, and ended up self-studying all of rotational motion over the weekend; he does not recommend it. </p>
<p>I suggest Princeton Review’s book and the AP Advantage book. Both of them are pretty decent, and either one will do well from my experience with them. (I haven’t taken the AP exams yet but judging by my experience with Physics B, they should be sufficient.)</p>
<p>(About myself: I self-studied for AP Physics B last year and got a 5. I am currently self-studying AP Physics C, finishing up Mechanics, and will start self-studying E&M pretty soon.)</p>
<p>While we’re discussing it, do you think it would be too much extra work to also study for the E&M exam, given that I will have some introductory knowledge into the topic in the spring? I don’t want to overload, but if I’m going to be studying for one physics exam, I figure I might as well study for the other if it’s not too difficult.</p>
<p>E/M isn’t very difficult either if you’re a math/science person. I self-studied it by reading through Barrons over Thanksgiving break and then reading through it again (twice) the two weeks before the test. Got a 5.</p>
<p>Are you a senior? If so I would suggest just taking mechanics. Otherwise take both (1this year 1 next). I assume you’ve also covered mechanics by this time in class. Buy a good textbook like Giancoli. work through the chapters covered by the ap test. Review with ap advantage by mooney and you’ll be set</p>