AP Physics

Advanced Placement (AP) Physics C (Calculus based) is considered one of the higher level AP's. Like most classes, the best way to study (at least for me) is to understand the material (invest in Sparkcharts** if the test is a month or less away), apply it, and take as many practice tests as possible.

For those of you unsure what the differences are between AP Physics classes (or what physics actually is), it basically goes like this:

Physics is a way of looking at the natural world as if there was an equation for (nearly) everything. It's divided into many parts, but the Collegeboard overlords only really test mechanics and electricity/magnetism (E&M). Mechanics is basically everything from the period of a pendulum, to the acceleration of a car, to the gravitational pull of the sun on the earth. Electricity...from what I understand it's more like circuits. Unfortunately, my school doesn't offer the physics with electricity so while below I explain the differences in classes, I only have notes/materials for the mechanics classes. Sorry!

AP Physics 1: The Algebra II/trig-based mechanics part of physics. It isn't a bad class, but the newly-designed AP exam has a much lower curve so instead of needing 40% for a 3 or 67% for a 5...it's more like 60% for a 3 and 80% for a 5. Which makes the class more competitive and, in a sense, difficult.

AP Physics 2: Same as ^, but not mechanics-electricity and magnetism. I don't know how difficult the course is.

AP Physics C:Mechanics: The Calculus based mechanics part of physics. Loved the class, and if you are good at math and have the choice of taking AP Physics 1 or C:Mechanics, take the higher level course. There are less topics covered on the C AP exam, so teachers tend to be able to teach the topics better. However, if one does make the decision to take the course without any background calculus knowledge, take the time to review derivatives and integrals on Khan Academy the summer before. It'll really make the difference. **DO NOT take this course if you struggle with trig!! It'll be extremely difficult!

AP Physics C: E&M: Same as above^, just electricity and magnetism instead of mechanics. I have friends who said it's a difficult class...

For AP Physics C: Mechanics: 
To understand the materials: my notes* (click link for pdf), watch Anderson videos (more for AP Physics 1) or these amazing Youtube Physics videos,

The way I passed Physics was with these videos^. Honestly, this guy is an amazing teacher for both Physics C Mechanics and E&M. It's kinda Khan Academy style with him writing, explaining, and then reviewing through problems.

To truly, truly comprehend physics, one must treat it as a math course, not a science course! Which means that (like in a math class) reading the textbook won't really help. One must do problem after problem as "homework" until the concept is understood. Start at the basics (many of the multiple choice (MC) problems), then move onto the more difficult stuff like actual AP free response questions (FRQs).

To apply the knowledge: Do the required labs! It'll help you remember what certain graphs look like and fundamental concepts (u = tan θ). If not possible: virtual labs or do them at home.

Practice Tests: Collegeboard old tests, ***the archived collection/workbook of EVERY FRQ (and some MCs) from like 1963 to 2008)***, APlusPhysics has some problems, google "AP Physics C Practice Tests," another website,

A lot of people asked me how I aced, let alone passed Physics C: Mechanics as a junior without any background in calculus or physics. The answer is simple: I watched all of those Youtube videos^, and did literally every single question in the FRQ workbook above, related to Physics C: Mechanics. Basically I sat down every weekend the week before the exam, and did every single FRQ on the topic since the 60's. I went overboard...but now I know physics.

I have not taken the SAT II subject test, but I am aware it has both mechanics and E&M on it.

Key to Maya's Notes: 
Highlighter yellowish green post it notes are formulas,
Purple circles are usually particles,
w/o means without,
~ means about/approximately

*Please keep in mind the notes on this website are more for storage/my brother's use so if the handwriting is a bit difficult in some areas review books, videos, or even textbooks are also great studying tools.
**Sparkcharts are available for physics, and one for formulas and one for concepts.