My teacher in physics I wasn’t the greatest. I passed with an A in the course, but I never fundamentally grasped all the concepts. I understand how to solve specific problems, and I get the logic behind different mechanics, but I can’t apply everything in the grand scheme of things. I know physics II is supposed to shift into electricity/magnetism, so do I really need to know Physics I to do well in II? I’m not a physics major, I just need physics II for core science requirements. Since the course ended, I really don’t want to go back and relearn/review material, so if I can get by in physics II without a super understanding of Physics I then that’d be great.
If you got an A in Physics I and will be taking Physics II at the same school, you should be fine as far as preparation goes. Be ready to work harder in E/M. For most people, the material is more difficult to grasp intuitively than what is presented in Mechanics.
If you will be taking Physics II at a different school, try to find some old Physics I tests or course syllabi from the new school just to be sure you have your bases covered. If you’re really not feeling certain about your Physics I teacher and are at the same school, try to find students who are in Physics II now who had your teacher for Physics I and ask if they felt prepared (and if not, ask what specifically they were missing so you can focus your catch-up studies).
Physics I and II don’t really build off each other. As long as your math skills are good, which they obviously are seeing as you got an A, you’re fine.
Although they don’t build off of each other completely, I would do a refresher on the logic.