AP physics B vs. C

Test Preparation AP Sciences
1

<p>I’m in AP physics B, and I want to take the C exams (or maybe just the mechanics exam) to get some more college credit. Does physics C just cover some subtopics that B doesn’t cover (see the chart below), like BC calc compared to AB, or is it more conceptual and/or more calculus-involved at every level? For example, would I have to be able to use calculus for projectile motion, force, power, etc.?</p>

<p>[AP:</a> Physics C:](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam – AP Students)</p>

2

<p>Physics C goes into much more depth for the topics it covers as compared to Physics B. Yes, you will have to be able to use calculus for all of those things and much more. I would suggest just taking the Mechanics exam if you are going to do anything (it really isn’t that bad compared to Physics B), assuming you have taken/are taking a Calculus course.</p>