AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: Mechanics is an Advanced Placement science course that studies Newtonian mechanics. Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. It is supposed to be equivalent to an introductory college course in mechanics for physics or engineering majors. This course, taken along with courses covering other areas, such as Electricity and Magnetism, Waves, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics can help prepare students for the SAT Subject Test in Physics, also administered by College Board. This course is often combined with AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism to make a unified Physics C course that prepares for both exams, or it may be a separate course. In the former scenario, Electricity and Magnetism is typically taught second, as it requires much of the knowledge gained in the Mechanics course.
Exam
The exam is configured in two categories, a thirty-five (35) question multiple choice section and a three (3) question free response section.[1] Test takers are allowed to use a calculator during the entire exam (both multiple choice and free response sections).[2] The test is weighted such that each section is worth fifty percent (50%) of the final score. Additionally, tables of equations, information, and constants are provided for all portions of the exam as of 2015.
The topics covered by the exam are as follows:[3]
| Topic | Percent |
|---|---|
| Kinematics | 18% |
| Newton's laws of motion | 20% |
| Work, energy, power | 14% |
| Systems of particles, linear momentum | 12% |
| Circular motion and rotation | 18% |
| Oscillations and gravitation | 18% |
Purpose
According to the College Board web site, "This course ordinarily forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering."[4]
Grade distribution
The grade distribution for 2010–2015 was:
| Score | 2010 | 2011 | 2012[5] | 2013[6] | 2014[7] | 2015[8] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 26.9% | 26.5% | 31.3% | 28.5% | 30.8% | 27.5% |
| 4 | 25.2% | 24.3% | 26.5% | 26.0% | 26.1% | 28.6% |
| 3 | 20.7% | 22.2% | 18.9% | 20.2% | 19.0% | 20.7% |
| 2 | 14.7% | 14.2% | 12.9% | 14.2% | 13.3% | 12.3% |
| 1 | 12.5% | 12.8% | 10.4% | 11.2% | 10.8% | 10.9% |
Payment
Recently changed from 2006, College Board requires test-takers to pay separately for the Mechanics part and the Electricity and Magnetism part. Previously, test-takers paid only once and were given the choice of taking either one or two parts of the Physics C test.
References
- ↑ AP: Physics C
- ↑ https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-physics-c-mechanics/calculator-and-table-policies
- ↑ AP: Physics C:
- ↑ AP: Physics C
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/ap/apcentral/ap13_physics_C_M_ScoringDist.pdf 2013 Score Distributions
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
