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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. Exam scores generally tend to be higher than algebra-based physics, with much less people taking them.
AP® Physics C is split into two courses, AP® Physics C: Mechanics and AP® Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. This page will focus on Mechanics.
For practice problems and one-on-one tutoring, see the AP® Physics C Tutoring Page.
Course Units
Course Units
The units of AP® Physics C: Mechanics are as follows:
Unit I - Kinematics
Unit II - Force and Translation Dynamics
Unit III - Work, Energy, and Power
Unit IV - Linear Momentum
Unit V - Torque and Rotational Dynamics
Unit VI - Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Unit VII - Oscillations
Exam Structure
Exam Sections
Section I: Multiple Choice (Digital)
40 Questions, 80 Minutes, 50% of Total Score
Sections II: Free Response (Paper)
4* Questions, 100 Minutes, 50% of Total Score
*This section contains questions of the following types:
Mathematical routines
Translation between representations
Experimental design and analysis
Qualitative/quantitative translation
Unit Weighting
Unit Weighting
The units of AP® Physics C: Mechanics are weighted as follows:
10-15% - Kinematics
20-25% - Force and Translation Dynamics
15-25% - Work, Energy, and Power
10-20% - Linear Momentum
10-15% - Torque and Rotational Dynamics
10-15% - Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
10-15% - Oscillations
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.
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.
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