Take Physics B and self study Physics C

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
1

<p>I know that C is calculus based and B is not.
But I passed through Calculus AB with flying colors and a 5.</p>

<p>I'm taking Physics B this year and my school doesn't offer C.</p>

<p>But what if self-studied C? Could I take both AP Physics B and C tests? Is this allowed?</p>

<p>Besides the calculus, is there a big difference between Physics B and C?</p>

<p>*Note I'm talking about Physics C: Mechanics</p>

2

<p>yes it is allowed to take both tests, but they are on the same day..</p>

<p>I think you could self-study it…I am not sure about how big of a difference there is though.</p>

3

<p>If it’s just mechanics, then there’s not a huge difference besides the calculus. You’ll have to learn a few new things though.</p>

4

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<p>Physics B also covers thermal physics, fluid mechanics, optics, and some atomic physics. The C tests don’t contain any of those topics.</p>

<p>Yes, you can take both B and C. They’re scheduled at the same time though, so you’ll have to late-test one of them.</p>

5

<p>thanks for the replies.</p>

<p>are there any topics C covers that B doesn’t cover (besides the calculus)?</p>

6

<p>[AP:</a> Physics C:](<a href=“AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam – AP Students”>AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam – AP Students)
It lists the specific differences between the class.</p>

7

<p>hey thanks a lot for that link..</p>

<p>But I just got majorly confused.
On the CB website there’s on Physics B and Physics C</p>

<p>I though there were 3 DIFFERENT physics tests:
Physics B
Physics C: Menchanics
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism</p>

<p>whaa.a…?</p>

<p>how do the physics C tests work?</p>

8

<p>Physics C was broken up into two parts so college board could charge you twice for one test, and give you a chance to opt out of one of the halves if you’re not as good at it. Despite having two tests, its often considered just as one big curriculum. </p>

<p>For the link I gave, the physics C mechanics unit only encompasses part I, while the E&M is everything in part III. Physics B is represented in every area, you just don’t have to know the stuff checked off for C only. As stated by people before, C doesn’t include fluids, waves, optics, and nuclear stuff.</p>

9

<p>ohh…gotcha.</p>

<p>so that means I could finish the first half and be done with the test? and I would still be charged the full amount?</p>

<p>and If I go the full 180 minutes of testing, I will be charged double?</p>

<p>way to go college board.</p>