AP Physics
AP
Physics B
This is a second year laboratory course in which more advanced topics
are introduced, including fluids, optics, thermodynamics, nuclear and
quantum physics. Emphasis is on the development of conceptual understanding
and problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry, but rarely
calculus. This course is relevant for students considering a further study
of the fundamental sciences at the college level, as well as those students
considering in the life sciences, premedicine, and some applied sciences.
AP
Physics C
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. The sequence is parallel to or preceded by mathematics
courses that include calculus. Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems.
The sequence is more intensive and analytic than that in the B course.
Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems,
some requiring calculus. The subject matter of the C course is principally
mechanics and electricity and magnetism, with approximately equal emphasis
on these two areas. The C course is the first part of a sequence which
in college is sometimes a very intensive one-year course but often extends
over one and one-half to two years, with a laboratory component.
