A minimum grade of B+ in Physics Honors or completion of AP Physics 2, and completion of or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus (AB or BC)
AP Physics C is a combined Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism calculus-based, college-level physics course especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in physical science or engineering. The Mechanics portion explores kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy, and power; systems of particles and linear momentum; circular motion and rotation; oscillations; and gravitation. The Electricity & Magnetism portion explores electrostatics; conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism, introductory differential and integral calculus is used throughout the course.
Students develop and apply the science practices throughout the course to the four big ideas that underscore the physics unit concepts. These include Change, Force Interactions, Fields, Conservations. The science practices include Visual Representations; Question and Method; Representing Data and Phenomena; Data Analysis; Theoretical Relationships, Mathematical Routines, and Argumentation.
The course will have formative/summative assessments, inquiry-based laboratories and a mock examination in April using AP level questions and essay prompts.
“AP Physics C is a rigorous and fast-paced course, so you should take it if you're up for a challenge. While some topics in Physics 2 and Physics C are the same, Physics C involves applications of calculus and more complex questions. The marking for this course follows the AP rubric, so it's easy to get points off for minor errors, even units and general equations (don't forget to write these down). I also recommend going to office hours if you're struggling with certain topics, as it shows that you are advocating for your own learning. Overall, this is an interesting course that will allow you to develop your problem-solving skills! Good luck.”
- Andrea Kim (Class of 2023)
“AP Physics C doesn't have a crazy amount of homework but it does have a lot and it moves quickly so as long as you can stay on top of it you'll be ok. It goes really in-depth so if you're interested in physics it's really fun!”
- Anonymous