So I have been looking at MCAT content and SDN threads and it seems like Physics II is far more important.
What are the difference between two courses?
In general
Physics 1 is a course in calculus based mechanics. It covers:
Vectors
1D, 2D, and 3D kinematics
Forces
Energy
Momentum
Simple Harmonic Motion and Waves
Fluid Mechanics
Physics 2 is a course in calculus based electricity and magnetism. It covers:
Electrostatic Forces
Eutectic Potential and Electric Fields
DC Circuits
Basic AC Circuits
Magnetism
Maxwell’s Equations
Waves
Basic Quantum Mechanics
Optics
As you may be able to tell, Physics 1 and 2 are extremely different classes that cover a wide range of material. Physics 1 is, in my opinion, much easier. Most Physics 1 concepts can be seen in your day to day life and the math is usually “plug and chug”. Physics 2 is much more abstract and, while the math can be " plug and chug" a lot of it is calc 3 based. if you don’t see the trick which makes the problem “trivial” you’ll be spinning your wheels for a while.