AP Physics
AP Physics defines three Categories of High School Physics Courses: A, B, and C. Category A refers to general introductory physics courses that are not mathematically rigorous. According to the College Board (the entity that manages the Advanced Placement Program Exams):
- Category A Courses are generally intended for those not majoring in a science-related field. The level of mathematical sophistication usually includes some Algebra and may extend to simple trigonometry, but rarely beyond.[1]
There is currently no AP Test associated with Category A Physics courses.
Categories B & C courses are more rigorous, and have Advanced Placement exams that correspond to them, as follows:
- AP Physics B is a science course that is separated into five different sections of study: Newtonian Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics, Waves and Optics, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics.
- AP Physics C comprises two exams, the first being on Newtonian Mechanics and the second focusing on Electricity and Magnetism. Use of calculus in problem solving and in derivations is expected in both exams.
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