AP® Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam Info

Overview

AP® Physics C classes generally come after both AP® Calculus BC and AP® Physics I/II, so that you have a strong mathematical and conceptual base before combining both together. Scores generally tend to be higher than algebra-based physics, with much less people taking them and a much shorter exam.

AP® Physics C is split into two courses, AP® Physics C: Mechanics and AP® Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. This page will focus on Electricity and Magnetism.

For practice problems and one-on-one tutoring, see the AP® Physics C Tutoring Page.

Course Units

The units of AP® Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism are as follows:

Unit I - Electric Charges, Fields, and Gauss’s Law

Unit II - Electric Potential

Unit III - Conductors and Capacitors

Unit IV - Electric Circuits

Unit V - Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetism

Unit VI - Electromagnetic Induction

Exam Structure

Tips

Formulas

While AP® Physics C has a formula sheet, is is imperative that you understand the formulas and the applications of them. However, don't be shy! If you see an unrecognized formulas with variables you know, it most likely will apply.

Practice, Practice, Practice

AP® Physics C is certainly a very concept heavy course, containing many intense ideas that are hard to wrap your mind around. This might cause you to only study the nature of the sections but not put them into practice. Practice problems will further your understanding by teaching you when (and how) to use certain ideas.

Experiment

There are many concepts in this course that can best be understood by practicing and verifying them in real life. Experiments can be conducted using basic household materials in order to advance your learning and understanding.

Calculus

It is obviously very important that you keep your calculus skills sharp. Specifically, practice your integration skills and elementary derivatives prior to taking the exam. The last thing you want is to understand the physics but hit a mathematical roadblock.

For Electricity and Magnetism specifically, it may be worth your time to delve into some multivariable calculus. Maxwell's Equations, a set of equations taught conceptually in the course, can be mathematically expressed using divergence and curl, something not touched on until late in a Calculus III class.

Practice Past AP® Exams

The College Board officially publishes most of the AP® Exams in past years as well as solutions to all problems. These can be a very helpful study tool to utilize when preparing for the AP® Exam.