Do you get to use a calculator on every test for AP Physics? Is AP Physics basically a math class?
It’s too late to take regular Physics because I’ll be a senior next year.
If I remember correctly, the C - mechanics portion allows calculators. I don’t know about C - E/M or the new AP Physics 1/2 that replaced Physics B, but you should be able to look up calculator policies online.
And no, AP Physics isn’t just a math class.
Calculators are allowed for all AP Physics exams, both MC and FRQ.
AP Physics 1/2 do not require a background in physics. IMO, one would have a tough time in AP Physics C without an intro physics class.
A lot of people who are in the regular physics class says their regular physics class is already hard. I’m scared to imagine how hard AP physics will be if regular physics is hard.
But I’m willing to study during summer break to prepare and work hard.
Also note that Physics C is calculus-based, so it’s not a good idea to take AP Physics C unless you know some calculus or are taking it.
I took Pre-calc this year and will take AP Calc next year. I’m pretty good at it.
Ah, okay.
Both my kids took AP physics without a prior physics class. They also took precalculus simultaneously. They had to do extra work in calculus to handle the calc lvl problems though. At their high school the strong math/science kids generally do not take regular physics–they go directly to AP. Have you asked your current math and science teacher if they think ap physics is a good fit for you?
Physics is math intensive but you also develop conceptual understanding.
There are plenty of free online physics courses.
Edx has one centered on AP physics-- you could pursue that course to help you decide.
I’d stick with AP Physics 1 if your school offers it.