Self-Studying AP Physics C

Test Preparation AP Sciences
1

<p>Hello,
I’m a 9th grader who studied most of Mechanics of AP Physics C already; I haven’t started EM.
I’m doing this because:

  1. I want to take all AP Sciences.
  2. I want to participate in the F=ma exam.
  3. I get very bored in biology, so I want to challenge myself. Seeing as I can’t transfer to a harder science class, I have to do it by myself.</p>

<p>I’m studying off notes that a teacher provided, which are used for the whole class. What’s the most efficient way to get that 5 on the exam? I’ve taken Calc I (a 5 on the exam), and I’m in Calc II (C/D, they call it), so the Calc Portion I already got down. Are there special books, etc. that I need to get?</p>

2

<p>

Do you mean B/C?</p>

3

<p>No; Calculus I was basically AB, with a bit of C, so I got moved to Calculus II, which is CD.
The D part is purely college math, past AP level, but this definitely won’t be on Physics C. Or, ignoring your quote, do you mean Physics B/C? It’s C.</p>

4

<p>Wait, since when is there AP Calc C/D?</p>

5

<p>OP’s school uses consistent notation that ends up making things more confusing. “D” is mostly likely multivariable calculus, so they teach some of the BC-exclusive material and multivariable in the same year.</p>

<p>I recommend the AP Advantage and Princeton Review books. A good (but maybe not the most efficient) way to get 5s is to practice tons of problems (including past FRQs that you can find on CB’s website). Practicing on old Fnet=ma exams will also help you gauge your skill in mechanics (though the AP test is obviously easier).</p>

<p>(If you want to go further into physics olympiad stuff, you almost certainly need to study from textbooks in order to gain the necessary background. [Here</a> is a good list of links and books.](<a href=“http://mpec.sc.mahidol.ac.th/ipho2011/node/158]Here”>http://mpec.sc.mahidol.ac.th/ipho2011/node/158))</p>

6

<p>I would strongly suggest the 2 volumes of Concept of Physics by HC Verma. Costs about $6 each. Ask any of your friends from India, they may be able to get it for you. This is one of the books used for the IIT JEE exam in India</p>