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AP Physics 1 and 2 Resources https://www.youtube.com/user/onlearningcurve/playlists - Yau-Jong Twu, best online lectures for Physics 1/2 https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics - Khan Academy for Physics, Sal Khan is the king for explaining concepts succinctly and derives many equations, which helps with conceptual understanding http://earlhaig.ca/departments/science/physicsreview.php#Newton- Earl Haig Physics, lectures, examples, and other fun videos for Physics 1 https://www.youtube.com/user/Thrashcasting- Thrashcasting, a physics teacher who’s made short and digestible physics lectures https://www.youtube.com/user/flippingphysics - Flippin’ Physics, short lectures of Physics 1/2/C topics, demonstrations, and review of released exams https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCobWLQy5RRDMk253E-KO1yw - Step-by-Step Science, short and sweet explanations/worked examples of Physics and Chemistry concepts https://drive.google.com/open?id=1y4hzZHjSqgVEkNbK4p6fIHcPq-gB95e6- Giancoli’s Physics 6th Edition, “Giancoli is to physics as Campbell is to biology” (tested link and safe) https://cnx.org/contents/031da8d3-b525-429c-80cf-6c8ed997733a- OpexStax Physics textbook, arguably the best free online textbook for physics out there https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FAUiPLNVC_FuITUC9c3T6kxCuFmQW5c0Fairilina’s AP Physics 1 notes and problem sets with solutions, each unit has plenty of Physics 1 practice problems so definitely worth checking out https://sites.google.com/site/physicalscienceburns/the-physics-classroom - Mr. Burns’ Physics, powerpoints/notes/teacher-made practice tests for Physics 1/2 (check tabs at the top and left) https://sites.google.com/a/d128.org/mrmark/ap-physics-b- Mr. Mark’s Physics 1 & 2, short lectures, problem sets, practice tests, worksheets, and labs for Physics 1 & 2 https://www.crashwhite.com/apphysics/materials/index.html- AP Physics 1/2/C Notes and Practice https://web.mit.edu/~yczeng/Public/WORKBOOK%201%20FULL.pdf - Workbook for Physics 1 (Best workbook) (Make sure you download the PDF because it might go down-- if it does go down, just look up the name of the course and “workbook” and the first page should have a picture of Einstein) https://www.ccusd93.org/cms/lib/AZ02204140/Centricity/Domain/3325/AP%20Physics%201%20Student %20Workbook_Student%20Edition.pdf - Official workbook from AP for Physics 1, mostly pedagogical and for FRQs http://web.mit.edu/~yczeng/Public/AP%202%20workbook.pdf - Workbook for Physics 2/B (Best workbook; defunct course, but the problems are a combination of Physics 1/2 content) (Make sure you download the PDF because it might go down-- if it does go down, just look up the name of the course and “workbook” and the first page should have a picture of Einstein) https://d3jc3ahdjad7x7.cloudfront.net/gz0INJisv2zkWWtsypWljKqwW9zSpfZYNCXJ6NgTKM rngQZp.pdf- Second workbook for Physics 2/B (Best workbook, same as above) (Make sure you download the PDF because it might go down-- if it does go down, just look up the name of the course and “workbook” and the first page should have a picture of Einstein) https://greenhill.instructure.com/courses/2764/pages/unit-12-winter-exam-and-ap-exam-review AP Style FRQs for Physics 1 which are actually rather close to the real style of the AP exam, the only downside is that there are not many solution sets for the FRQs (Click P1 Laboratory and Experimental Design for an in-depth guide to writing experimental design FRQs) http://www.stjohns-chs.org/science/dhovan_courses/untitled-2.html- Mr. Hovan’s Physics 1, problem sets and solutions as well as TIPERs, which are like physics puzzles (TIPERs are a personal favorite) http://skyhawkphysics.weebly.com/-ap1-2nd-semester-review.html- Mr. Norman’s AP Physics 1/2 problem sets and solutions http://websites.nylearns.org/bfejzo/2013/9/6/381284/page.aspx- Mr. Fejzo’s AP Physics 1/2 practice multiple choice and free response https://sites.google.com/site/adhsbarry/ - ADHS Barry Science’s AP Physics 1 practice problems http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/1DKin/Lesson-6/Kinematic-Equations- Some derived kinematics equations http://physics.bu.edu/~redner/211-sp06/class16/kepler3.html- Derivation of Kepler’s 3rd Law https://web.pa.msu.edu/courses/2000fall/PHY232/lectures/lenses/review.html- A neat website about mirrors/lenses http://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/demos/standingwaves/standingwaves.html- Extremely useful animations for understanding longitudinal standing waves (pressure waves) https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/physics- PhET simulations, dozens of online labs that simulate real-life physics phenomena https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa5xw2RkwZ30QxhWEl6TBqN_DvWOEqH57- We Are Showboat’s youtube Physics 1/2 exam review (cram playlist) http://www.aplusphysics.com/courses/ap-c/tutorials/- AP Physics 1/2/C Cheat Sheets https://drive.google.com/file/d/1afSpvH_9f8cNGnYGgIIrtiRudynnL-6S/view- Physics 1 Cheat Sheet https://physics.info/- Physics 1/2/C “hypertextbook” that’s good for cramming, has good derivations and metaphors http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hph.html- Another hypertextbook that briefly summarizes various physics topics AP Physics C Resources http://apphysicslectures.com/AP_Physics_Help.html- Viren, the absolute BEST free resource for Physics C, hands down (must-watch lectures) https://www.youtube.com/user/onlearningcurve/playlists- Yau-Jong Twu, the 2nd best teacher for Physics C, has good demonstrations and lectures/review https://www.youtube.com/user/FizziksGuy/featured- Dan Fullerton, the most technical teacher here, requires a bit of background knowledge on the topics before watching his lectures, heavy on the calculus but great lecturer https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics- Khan Academy for Physics, Sal Khan is the king for explaining concepts succinctly and derives many equations, which helps with conceptual understanding https://www.youtube.com/user/flippingphysics- Flippin’ Physics, short lectures of Physics 1/2/C topics, demonstrations, and review of released exams https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCobWLQy5RRDMk253E-KO1yw- Step-by-Step Science, short and sweet explanations/worked examples of Physics/Chemistry concepts https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiEHVhv0SBMpP75JbzJShqw/featured- Walter Lewin, one of the most famous physics lecturers of all time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vReiT-njJkA&list=PLChMr6xPWXVrPac7LCt0MVRHOA vcdNpRh- John Ballentine, short Mechanics lectures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up5DKL2Wf5w&list=PLChMr6xPWXVqDgOXCeVTzHm BQdTRmWrNe- John Ballentine, short E&M lectures https://www.youtube.com/user/yoprofmatt/playlists?shelf_id=15&view=50&sort=dd- Matt Anderson, traditional college-like lectures on E&M http://web.mit.edu/8.01t/www/coursedocs/current/guide.htm- MIT Mechanics Notes http://web.mit.edu/viz/EM/visualizations/notes/- MIT E&M Notes https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0ByhkCyr-uir0VGZtb0JpNl9DTGM- Elissa’s Notes, from a student who took E&M; also included is Serway-Jewett’s Physics 6th edition along with the solutions manual https://drive.google.com/open?id=1y4hzZHjSqgVEkNbK4p6fIHcPq-gB95e6- Giancoli’s Physics 6th Edition, “Giancoli is to physics as Campbell is to biology” (tested link and safe) http://faculty.polytechnic.org/cfletcher/Phys%20With%20Calc_Vol_2_web_pdfs_2010/aaPwCVol_2--Chapters,%20Review,%20Solu%27s.html- AP Physics C E&M Textbook https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sPZ_VUNki3CjvO_gr8K7ekaYiGC4qMLIStruggleBuddies powerpoints on Physics C http://bowlesphysics.com/apphysicsc/apcpowerpoints.html- Mr. B’s Physics C powerpoints https://www.crashwhite.com/apphysics/materials/index.html- AP Physics 1/2/C Notes and Practice https://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~daradib/chsntech/review/science/physics/mech/review.pdfMechanics Essential Equations https://4.files.edl.io/e311/12/01/18/192538-f1cda721-6939-42a2-b2a1-a526bc897a16.pdfPhysics C Mechanics workbook (Best workbook) (Make sure you download the PDF because it might go down -- if it does go down, just look up the name of the course and “workbook” and the first page should have a picture of Einstein) https://4.files.edl.io/a1c7/12/01/18/192531-e104853c-5935-4c58-92c1-63dab4d5e14d.pdf - Physics C E&M workbook (Best workbook) (Make sure you download the PDF because it might go down -- if it does go down, just look up the name of the course and “workbook” and the first page should have a picture of Einstein) http://www.stjohns-chs.org/science/dhovan_courses/untitled.html- Mr. Hovan’s Physics C, problem sets with solutions as well as TIPERs, which are fun little physics puzzles (TIPERs are a personal favorite physics thing to do) https://njctl.org/courses/science/ap-physics-c-electricity-magnetism/- New Jersey Physics C E&M practice http://www.free-test-online.com/ap-physics-c-problems- AP Physics C multiple-choice/FRQ practice http://sites.oregonsd.net/physh-s-physics/home/curriculum/ap-physics/ap-problem-sets- Some mechanics problem sets http://apphysc.weebly.com/- MVHS’s Physics C worksheets https://sites.google.com/site/ptapphysicsc/unit-9-rotation- Mr. Tucek’s Physics Worksheets (note: these are blank, so these are more suited for teacher use rather than student use) http://www.planetholloway.com/classes-taught/AP%20physics%20C/APCclass.html- Planet Holloway’s Physics C Worksheets and Notes https://sites.google.com/a/lps.k12.co.us/mr-smith-s-science-page/ap-physics-c/unit-resources-ph ysics-c- Physics C multiple choice practice http://www.cisd.org/cms/lib6/TX01917765/Centricity/Domain/582/C%20FRQ%20Index.pdfAP Physics C FRQs sorted by topic https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/physics- PhET simulations, dozens of online labs that simulate real-life physics phenomena https://www.falstad.com/circuit/- LRC circuit simulator https://physics.info/- Physics 1/2/C “hypertextbook” that’s good for cramming, has good derivations and metaphors http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hph.html- Another hypertextbook that briefly summarizes various physics topics http://advancedmathyoungstudents.com/blog/2018/06/07/enough-calculus-to-get-started/Base-level calculus needed to take Physics C (great for people who haven’t taken calculus/aren’t taking it concurrently) SAT Physics Subject Test Resources http://www.cracksat.net/sat2/physics/- SAT Physics practice tests by topic http://prntscr.com/lydvtt- SAT Physics topics by percentage AP Physics Reference Tables https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/ap/ap-physics-1-equations-table.pdf https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/ap/ap-physics-2-equations-table.pdf https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/ap/physics-c-tables-and-equations-list. pdf Not for AP Physics, but for students who want to major in physics https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/so-you-want-to-be-a-physicist-22-part-guide.240792/ If you want to major in physics, read this, it has good information http://poincare.matf.bg.ac.rs/~zarkom/Book_Mechanics_Goldstein_Classical_Mechanics_optimized.pdf Goldstein’s Classical Mechanics Textbook http://www.astrosen.unam.mx/~aceves/Metodos/ebooks/riley_hobson_bence.pdf - Riley, Hobson’s, and Bence’s Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering, useful reference book for maths in upper-level physics courses https://kgut.ac.ir/useruploads/1505647831850hcd.pdf - A quantum mechanics textbook as a taste of what’s coming http://www.fisica.net/mecanica-quantica/Shankar%20-%20Principles%20of%20quantum%20me chanics.pdf- Shankar’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics, well-received graduate-level quantum mechanics text https://www.youtube.com/user/nptelhrd/videos- (Very) advanced college-level physics lectures (Quantum, etc.) AP Physics C Self-Study Guide Alright, so you’ve decided to self-study AP Physics C. Congratulations! AP Physics C is an introductory calculus-based physics college course and each section (Mechanics and E&M) is supposed to be taught in one semester. Some prerequisites for Physics C are either a calculus course (AB is just fine, and calculus can be taken concurrently with Physics C) and maybe a small background knowledge of physics -- know what force, mass, and velocity are before you walk into the class. If you’ve taken Physics 1 or 2, you’ll be in even better shape. If you don’t have a physics background already, it’ll be a little tougher, but you should be okay. Let’s look at our syllabi. Mechanics E&M If you haven’t noticed already, AP Physics C: Mechanics is mainly Newtonian mechanics (linear motion, rotational motion, work, momentum, and simple harmonic motion -- waves are NOT tested on the Mechanics exam). If you’ve taken AP Physics 1, the only thing in here not taught in that course (that requires basic algebra) is deriving the center of mass. AP Physics C: E&M is electromagnetism (electrostatics, conductors, all four of Maxwell’s equations, electric circuits with capacitors, inductors, and resistors, magnetic fields). If you’ve taken AP Physics 2, the only thing taught in that course that overlaps in E&M is electrostatics, basic magnetism, basic circuits with resistors, and capacitors. Everything else is new. If you have no idea what any of this means, don’t worry -- you’ll learn it soon! All this being said, remember that this is a calculus-based exam, so the algebra-based stuff taught in Physics 1 and 2 will be re-hashed with new calculus topics. This means finding derivatives, antiderivatives, areas under a curve, instantaneous rates of change, solving separable differential equations, and applying these concepts in a physics setting. Examples include: velocity is the derivative of position, acceleration is the derivative of velocity, current is the derivative of charge, etc. If you’re taking calculus concurrently with Physics C, don’t worry too much about studying ahead; each course should fit well into each other. If you’ve already taken calculus, you probably don’t need much review if you did well, but it wouldn’t hurt if you did some light review on basic differentiation and integration. With all that aside, it’s time for the self-study schedule. Remember that the resources each person uses may vary, but this is what I found would work for me. Let’s jump right into it. Note that if you’re only doing either Mechanics or E&M (so only one semester’s worth), you should use this schedule in the spring so the content is fresh in your mind; if you can’t, just do some extra review before the exam. Also, PLEASE watch every lecture at 2x speed. The Prepper Course (3 months+) ● ● ● ● ● ● The Speed Run Course (2 weeks to 2 months) ● There are nine units of Viren for Mechanics and nine units of Viren for E&M*. Divvy up every unit into a week, so watch every Viren lecture on the unit and do problems from the workbook labeled “best workbook” for each unit until you finish all nine units. Don’t be afraid to spend a little bit over the week if you’re not getting it straight away, but don’t spend too much time on one unit -you can move on and come back. But you can also go quicker if you think you’ve got it! After you’ve finished each unit of Viren, you should have plenty of time to go back on the units you didn’t completely get. Don’t be afraid to watch a lecture multiple times to reinforce a lesson. Finish the “best workbooks” and use the other listed resources if you run out of problems for a specific lesson. At this point, you should also supplement your lectures with Dan Fullerton and Yau-Jong Twu for even more in-depth information on each subject. Maybe even watch the other lecturers pinned (But these three are definitely the ones you want, arguably need). If you feel comfortable, you can start really practicing for the AP exam by doing released AP exams. Keep rotating between refreshing yourself by watching lectures, doing practice from workbooks, and doing released AP exams/FRQs. *Note: Lesson M of E&M is almost wholly obsolete, but the one concept you should learn from there is the concept of resistivity. Please don’t spend much time on this lesson. Take a day or two to watch the Viren lectures for each of the nine units of Mechanics or E&M*. Do very light problems from the workbooks labeled “best workbooks,” and move on. You’re probably best off just trying to soak information from the lectures. ● If you have time, do more of the problems from the “best workbooks” and review lectures you are unsure of. ● A few days before the AP exam, try to do a released AP exam or two. *Note: Lesson M of E&M is almost wholly obsolete, but the one concept you should learn from there is the concept of resistivity. Please don’t spend much time on this lesson. ● The Crammer Course (1-2 weeks) ● ● ● DANGER. NOT RECOMMENDED. But hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. At least try to have some background knowledge on the curriculum before you do this one. Take a day each to do each Viren lecture unit for Mechanics or E&M. Don’t do any practice problems, just try to soak in information from the lectures. Do a released AP exam and see where you stand. Pray. FAQ Should I take/self-study Physics 1, 2, Mechanics, or E&M? Physics 1 and 2 do not often give college credit (at least good college credit) if you pass the AP exam, so Physics 1 or 2 should not really be taken if you want college credit -- it’s really only if you want a GPA booster or bragging rights. Physics C is where there’s actual college credit, so if you want to skip a couple of physics classes in college, you should aim to pass the Physics C exams. As for Mechanics vs E&M, Mechanics should be taken before E&M. However, if you already have a strong physics background, E&M is possible to take without the mechanics prerequisite. Which AP Physics will go with my major in college? If you’re going into a STEM field, nearly all STEM fields will require a course in calculus-based physics, and Physics C is the introductory calculus-based physics class, so having this under your belt may exempt you from physics in college completely, or at least give you a leg up. For physics majors, I actually recommend taking Physics 2 as well as Physics C, because introductory courses for physics majors in college include special topics such as thermodynamics, optics, modern physics, etc. For non-STEM fields, perhaps it’s worth reconsidering taking Physics C for the college credit if that’s your main reason for taking Physics C and you should instead look into Physics 1 or 2 (but keep in mind Physics 1/2 very rarely give credit). Of course, it all varies from college to college and degree to degree so do a little bit of research before deciding on a course. I’ve never taken a physics course before. Should I still take this? Yes, you should be fine. Remember, Physics 1/2 and C are introductory level college classes, so prior physics knowledge is not really required to understand these courses. Just know that you’ll have to work a little harder to understand the physics first compared to your peers who may have taken Physics 1 or 2 already if you’re taking Physics C. Is Physics 1/2 required for Physics C? Is it helpful? Check out the syllabus section of the self-study guide. Could I take both Physics C courses in one year? Yes, each Physics C curriculum is the equivalent of a semester-long college course. In fact, taking both courses in one year is the standard. Is Physics 1 required for Physics 2? Physics 2 is mainly separated from Physics 1 in terms of topics, but you should try to pick up a solid grasp of basic kinematics and circular motion. Things like rotational motion and mechanical waves are not required for Physics 2. Which is harder, Physics 1 or 2? Although both exams are formatted similarly, the score distributions speak for themselves: only about 5% of Physics 1 test-takers get a 5 on the exam while about 10% of Physics 2 test-takers get a 5. Physics 2’s course material is objectively more complex, but since the depth at which you explore the content is rather surface level, the exam isn’t too difficult compared to Physics 1, which has “easier” content, but more in-depth questions. How hard is Physics C compared to Physics 1/2? The course itself is rather hard; however, the curve on the AP exam for Physics C is known for being extremely lenient and relies much less on conceptual questions. About 70% of students who take either Physics C exam pass, with about 30% getting a 5. Which is harder, Mechanics or E&M? From a self-study perspective, E&M is much, much harder. The concepts in E&M are abstract and foreign to someone without prior physics experience. Also, the calculus in E&M is also known to be harder and someone taking the AP exam needs to be exposed to a larger breadth of “types of problems” (which means they’ll have to have more derivations memorized before they take the exam). On exam day, however, don’t underestimate mechanics -- it can definitely throw in a curveball that’ll leave you scratching your head. But for the most part, E&M is regarded as the harder course. How hard does the calculus get for Physics C and how much do I need to know? Just about the first half or so of Calc AB. Nothing more than u-substitution integration or separable differential equations. No integration by parts, second-order/non-separable ODE’s, or anything like that. Could I take Physics C without knowing calculus beforehand? Yes, if you’re good at algebra-based physics, you can score at least a 3 or maybe even a 4 on the Physics C exam because of the huge curve and the fact that half of the exam content is not really even calculus required. However, if you’re going down this route, you better cram for multiple-choice, because the FRQs are usually calculus intensive and require difficult calculus derivations. Also, a note, you can take Physics C concurrently with Calculus AB/BC. Are the courses more math-based or concept-based? Physics C is definitely more math-based. If you’re coming off of Physics 1/2, expect more of the plug-and-chug type questions rather than conceptual questions. Do I have to memorize the moments of inertia? No, you don’t. It might be nice to memorize some of the more common objects (solid sphere, hollow sphere, cylinder, etc.), but any question involving the moment of inertia will give you the moment of inertia. For the times that you will have to derive the moment of inertia for an object, it will be its own entire question. Note: only the Mechanics will ask you to derive the moment of inertia of an object. What derivations should I know for the AP exam? For Physics 1: Check ‘AP Physics Reference Tables’ above For Mechanics: Know how to derive Kepler’s third law, the moment of inertia for an object, equations concerning Atwood machines, equations concerning elevators, escape velocity, orbital velocity, springs in series and parallel, period/frequency of a pendulum (or any simple harmonic oscillator for that matter), and solving separable differential equations (especially ones involving air resistance, since these are the most basic and most likely to show up on an AP exam) For E&M: Electric field due to a line of charge, electric field due to a ring of charge, electric field due to a semi-circle of a charge, potential due to a ring of charge, potential due to a semi-circle of charge, electric field due to an infinitely long line of charge using Gauss’ Law, electric field due to an infinity long wide sheet of charge using Gauss’ Law, the electric field between a parallel-plate conductor using Gauss’ Law (or known derived equations), electric field due to an infinitely wide slab using Gauss’ Law, an electric field involving concentric spherical shells, electric field due to a conducting sphere, electric field due to a uniform insulating sphere, electric field due to a nonuniform insulating sphere, electric field due to coaxial cables, electric field due to an insulating cylinder, potential difference as a path integral, separable differential equations of RC circuits, separable differential equations of RL circuits, time constants for both RC and RL circuits, the magnetic force between two current-carrying wires, Faraday’s Law as it applies to a bar moving on two conducting rails, basic equations of LC circuits, conceptual understanding of RLC circuits Should I get review books? From my experiences from Barron’s book for Physics C, review books are awful for studying the topics -they’re overly complicated, chock-full of mistakes, and include a superfluous amount of information. If the other review books are like that (which I’ve heard), you’re better off not buying these, and at best, use these as a last resort or a final review. If you’re determined to use review books, 5 Steps to a 5 has the best reputation; Barron’s and Princeton are not good. Do you recommend textbooks? I rarely used a textbook, but ones I’ve found helpful/heard were useful include: College Physics for AP Courses (OpenStax), Halliday’s Fundamentals of Physics, Giancoli’s Physics, or Freeman’s University Physics. How much has the Physics C exam changed? How far should I go back in using old exams? The course content hasn’t changed in decades. You can use any exam you get your hands on, but I’d recommend doing recent FRQs as the modern questions are worded a little different; the MC is nearly the same. Who is the author of this document? I’m currently an alum from NC State (Class of ‘21 and go Wolfpack) who majored in physics. I got 5’s on all four of the physics exams and wanted to give back to the community that helped me get to that point. You have typos/broken links/I want to give a suggestion/I have a question not answered by the FAQ/I want to donate. You can contact me at my email bip.rilly@gmail.comfor suggestions, questions, or corrections. If you want to donate, there’s information at the top of the document about it. Thanks!
