Which AP Physics Courses Are Available?
Three physics courses were previously available through the AP Program: AP Physics B, AP Physics C: Mechanics, and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism.
However, two one-year courses, AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2, have lately replaced the one-year AP Physics B course. Since both physics courses are algebra-based, students who have completed Algebra II or above are not required to have any prior mathematical knowledge. AP Physics Coaching in New Jersey is accessible through Masterclass Space.
AP Physics C, which is divided into two courses and tests, is still available through the AP program: Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism and Physics C: Mechanics. These are taught in many schools as a single subject or as part of the same class. Calculus is the foundation of both courses.
As a result, there are now four AP Physics tests available:
Physics I and Physics II
AP Physics C: Magnetism and Electricity
Mechanics in AP Physics C
It can be perplexing that there are now four AP Physics tests. Do you thus enroll in Physics 1, Physics 2, and Physics C in that order? In Physics 1 and Physics 2, what is new? We will provide you with an overview of each course and help you select the one that best suits your needs.
AP Physics 1
College-level AP Physics 1 is an introductory physics course that is based on algebra. Fundamental physics principles are explored, including work, energy, power, mechanical waves and sound, circuits, and Newtonian mechanics (including rotating motion).
A first-year physics course that may be taken without any prior physics knowledge is AP Physics 1. The primary distinction from the previous AP Physics B course, which was intended to be a second-year physics course, is this.
It is recommended by the AP program that students complete Algebra II concurrently with this course and have taken geometry at least once. Since math is crucial to physics, if you’re not that proficient in it yet, think about enrolling in a different science course until you catch up.
AP Physics 2
Another college-level physics course that uses algebra is AP Physics 2. But it explores some more complex subjects than Physics 1.
Physical and geometric optics, electrostatics, electrical circuits with capacitors, magnetic fields, electromagnetic, fluid statics and dynamics, thermodynamics with kinetic theory, PV diagrams and probability, and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics are all covered in Physics 2.
AP Physics 2 was created as a physics course for second-year students. This implies that it might follow AP Physics 1 or any other introductory physics course. It shares a lot of content with the previous AP Physics B course.
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism and AP Physics C: Mechanics
Since both of the AP Physics C courses are calculus-based, you should either have studied calculus already or be taking it concurrently with one of the AP Physics C courses. This is the primary reason why Physics C is more difficult than Physics I and II. Masterclass Space gives New Jersey students access to AP Physics Coaching.
However, what distinguishes AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism from AP Physics C: Mechanics?
Kinematics, Newton’s laws, work, energy, power, linear momentum, rotation and circular motion, oscillations, and gravity are all covered in mechanics. As you can see, a lot of these ideas were covered in Physics 1. However, this course is far more difficult than Physics 1 because it includes mathematics and delves deeper.
Electrostatics, conductors, capacitors, dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetism are all included in the topic of electricity and magnetism. Although Physics C will be more challenging because it includes calculus, you can see that there is some overlap with the Physics 2 curriculum.
Despite having two distinct tests, the two subjects are occasionally taught as a single course, with each topic being covered over a semester. In a single lesson, mechanics is often taught first, followed by electricity and magnetism.
Since mechanics builds on the concepts most frequently taught in beginning physics classes (Newton’s laws, work, energy, power, etc.), if schools only teach one subject, it usually ends up being mechanics.
Each subject should be comparable to a semester of calculus-based physics in college. Consequently, it is strongly advised that AP Physics C be taken as at least a second-year physics course.
Which course should you enroll in for AP Physics?
After learning a little about the various AP Physics courses, you’re undoubtedly unsure of which one to enroll in. If you wish to enroll in multiple classes, you may be thinking about which order is ideal. In addition to showing you several potential sequences, we will also provide you with a list of actions to take in order to contact your school and select the class that best suits your needs!
Option 1: Honors or Regular Physics, followed by AP Physics 2
Learning the fundamentals of physics in a regular or honors physics class is an alternative if your school does not offer AP Physics 1 or if you do not want your first physics course to be an AP course. After that, you could enroll in AP Physics 2 as your second physics course.
Students who don’t have the time or inclination to take numerous AP Physics classes, or whose schools don’t offer them, will find this choice suitable. Although AP Physics C is a possibility if you’re studying or have already taken calculus, Physics 2 is the ideal AP Physics course to take following a standard or honors physics class (Physics 1 would essentially just regurgitate what you already learned).
Option 2: Take AP Physics 1 first, followed by AP Physics 2
According to the AP program, students enrolled in Physics I and II will have a strong foundation in physics for their future studies in geology, biology, and pre-medicine. Additionally, they think it’s a fantastic choice for students who are not majoring in science but must complete a scientific requirement at college.
You can simply substitute any introductory physics course your school offers for AP Physics 1 if they teach AP Physics 2 but not AP Physics 1. AP Physics 2 is intended to be a second-year physics course, so don’t leap right in!
If AP Physics 1 is offered at your school but not AP Physics 2, you can enroll in Physics 1 and then take a science elective, another natural science course (such as biology or chemistry), or AP Physics C if it is available.
Third choice: AP Physics 1, followed by AP Physics C
For students planning to major in engineering or physical science in college, AP suggests Physics C (together with AP Calculus AB or Calculus BC). However, you would lose time for biology and chemistry if you took AP Physics 1, Physics 2, and Physics C. A well-rounded, demanding high school education requires exposure to all three natural sciences, particularly if you plan to pursue a career in science or engineering. Additionally, you should confirm that you can attend at least one AP Calculus course. Therefore, if you wish to enroll in Physics C, take AP Physics 1 (or another physics course) first, followed by AP Physics C. This will give you two physics classes in high school.
Physics C is meant to be taken at least in your second year, so don’t go into it unprepared. Additionally, while taking AP Physics C, make sure you have taken or are currently taking calculus.