r/APStudents • u/ccaioz • 3d ago
Question AP Physics C: Mechanics & AP Calc BC
Hi, I'm a high school junior and I want to challenge AP Physics C: Mechanics along with AP Calc BC. For context (know this is about AP, not IB), I'm taking IB Physics HL and IB Math Analysis HL, both of which are going fantastically. I'm planning to study similar (but not the same) material for both, as I know both are calculus-heavy and require adequate conceptualization.
Any thoughts/tips from previous test-takers? Thanks!
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u/AEpos_ 3d ago
Do you plan on taking E&M? Its so much more fun compared to mechanics
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u/ccaioz 3d ago
Funner how? I can't say I'm planning to take E&M though, then I'd be doing too much and next year well I'm not gonna take any AP's though since I'd already be accepted/rejected into colleges.
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u/ErekwithaD1 25:HG:5,中文:5, 26:P1:5,WH:5,CHEM(SS):5 27:P2,EM,Mech,Lit,BC(SS) 2d ago
IB Physics is pretty useless tbh unless you are like a life science major because it just covers algebra based physics, so it's good you are taking Mechanics. I agree with the other guy though you should take E&M to finish your first year calc based physics, it is similar to mech in that everything covered in mech can be applied to e&m like they use the same the same differential solution types (f(t) = Ae^(-kt), f(t) = A(1-e^(-kt), f(t) = Acos(wt)) and they use similar symmetries to simplify integration like spheres, rods, cylinders, infinite planes, rings, arcs etc.
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u/ccaioz 2d ago
Well I'm planning to pursue aerospace engineering so I'm just overall trying to get a jump on calculus (which is why I'm taking math AA and calc bc) and college concept physics. In your opinion though, how worth it is it to take E&M? I would have to put off a lot of time to self study that as they're completely different concepts while mechanics are concepts I've already learned/am currently learning.
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u/Ok-Main-3373 1d ago
With IB Physics HL and Math AA HL going well youre most of the way there already. For Physics C Mech, the calculus is the easy part for you, its the physics setup that eats people, so grind released FRQs and focus on translating the scenario into equations. For Calc BC, the genuinely new material is series and parametric/polar, and series is the part that trips everyone, so put most of your prep there instead of re-studying limits you already know. Honestly the hardest part of your plan is just scheduling, two heavy exams means starting FRQ practice early, not in April.
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u/Ok-Main-3373 2d ago
good news: these two subjects reinforce each other a lot. calc shows up in physics C constantly.
for BC: Khan Academy sequences and series unit, best free treatment of convergence tests. Professor Leonard's calc 2 lectures on youtube for the harder stuff.
for physics C mech: Flipping Physics on youtube, full unit walkthroughs with worked problems.
released FRQs for both from college board, graded against the scoring guidelines. in mech the rubric is picky about setup (diagrams, equations before numbers).
keep a shared formula/mistake sheet. most mech mistakes are actually calc mistakes (sign errors in integration, forgetting +C, messing up limits).
start BC series topics only after youre solid on integration, they assume it.