<p>What is the real difference? I heard Physics C is harder and that it has two parts: Mechanics and Electricity. I'm taking AP Physics C Mechanics at my school, and I used to think Physics C WAS Mechanics and that Physics B WAS Electricity</p>
<p>C is more complex, its calculus-based physics.</p>
<p>To condense what I've found in various locations in my own search involving the subject...</p>
<p>AP Physics B is greater in scope, but less in-depth. It covers all five subjects present in both curricula, but omits the details, and more importantly, the calculus, hence calculus not being a prerequisite for the course.</p>
<p>AP Physics C is split into two parts in most cases, as you've said. Therefore, it generally takes two years/semesters to complete. It is much more in-depth and focused, and does involve calculus.</p>
<p>Many competitive colleges do not accept credit for AP Physics B; also, what credit is given is geared towards the premed/life sciences majors, whereas most colleges accept credit for AP Physics C, which gives credit towards the physics courses required for physics and engineering majors.</p>
<p>So if Physics B is not as good as Physics C, then why is it still available? Shouldn't the student always take the more challenging course</p>
<p>That's not true. Physics C is more of an engineering type of physics, while Physics B covers all of general Physics including water pressure, thermodynamics etc etc. C is for those who plan to go into something engineering-like, B is for everyone else</p>
<p>If you haven't had the feeling of settling for the bare minimum yet, you're beyond fortunate, or highly gifted. Strapped for time and all resources (mental faculties being the greatest), it is an "easier" 5 to get, though less impressive overall.</p>
<p>Also, Physics C is the equivalent of the courses required by majors in the field and engineering. If one isn't taking that path, there's an argument to default to the "easier" of the two. Secondly, Physics B CAN (though probably shouldn't) be taken as an introduction to physics, whereas Physics C would be incredibly difficult without prior experience in physics (which is why a high school/introductory class in physics is generally mandatory for Physics C). Thirdly, not everyone has the background in calculus to take Physics C. Finally, with our schedules generally as crammed-packed as they are, and with many schools bypassing physics altogether (not even requiring a single class on the subject - at least, from what I've seen), Physics C is simply unteachable in some cases.</p>
<p>Mind, not everyone is of the opinion that the one-year course Physics B is easier than the two-year Physics C, since the latter is broken up, allowing for more time.</p>
<p>I'm actually a bit apprehensive about the class, even before what you guys have said. I heard AP Physics is SO hard, but there's a few factors that might make it easier for me. First, My teachter is very very nice, she might not be the best teacher, no offense, but still she's very nice so she can help me a lot. Second, I'm kind of buffered in math (I'm taking calculus AB this year). And third, I'm just taking Physics C Mechanics for a full year instead of a full semester.</p>
<p>Hey, you meet the course requirements. Just work hard, and I'm sure you will do fine.</p>
<p>And the whole year thing will help you out a lot, you have much time to prepare.</p>
<p>Uh oh. Physics C is my first ever physics class. . .</p>
<p>so on the AP test, when they give you a choice between Electricity or Magnetisim, which one is easier?</p>
<p>It's a test on Electricity AND Magnetism, NOT Electricity OR Magnetism.</p>
<p>fresh elephant: Me too!</p>
<p>but im taking both ap tests at the end . hopefully</p>
<p>both ap tests? you mean B and C or Mech and E&M?</p>
<p>mech and e and m</p>
<p>you should be able to, and besides: both tests are 1.5 hrs each, so it isn't like they're long tests.</p>
<p>yeah exactly.. thanks</p>
<p>didn't you do that</p>
<p>"didn't you do that"-----stupak*?</p>