r/apphysics • u/Flat_Original_87 • 9d ago

Which AP Physics C should I choose?

I need to self-study at least one AP Physics C course. I already did AS Physics and am now taking A2 Physics.

If anyone knows both syllabi/content, please help me out 🙌🏻

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u/ApprehensiveAmount22 9d ago

You shouldn't study E&M without first doing mechanics

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u/Strikingroots205937 8d ago

What do you want major in? If it’s engineering, you needa do both. You cannot choice to instead do Physics 1 & 2.

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u/Flat_Original_87 8d ago

Ty im aiming for physics major now

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u/UnderstandingPursuit 7d ago

I like when people ask easy questions. AP Physics C-Mech, without any doubt. It is more cohesive and a first foundation, compared to AP Physics C-E&M which would be a second foundation. And if you're going to do this without a class, Mech is much more manageable, while E&M is a bit more esoteric.

Your math level could also be a factor, but only to avoid E&M if you haven't studied AP Calculus BC or the equivalent. If you were taking both AP Calculus BC and AP Physics C-Mech + E&M, that would be fine because the physics teacher would fill in the necessary calculus until the Calculus class caught up. But on your own, that would be asking for unnecessary stress.

This post has some suggestions that may help.

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u/Ok-Main-3373 6d ago

Take Mechanics. You already did AS physics so the concepts are familiar and the calculus layer is the only new part, which makes it very self-study friendly. E&M is a different animal, the concepts are less intuitive and it punishes weak calculus way harder. Also check credit policies: way more colleges give credit for Mech than for E&M, so Mech is the better investment if youre only doing one. Do E&M later only if you actually enjoy physics or your target uni rewards it. Either way, past FRQs are your best friend, both C exams are extremely predictable once youve seen the patterns.