FAQ for the Physics AP Tests

Practice AP problems--(This site requires login credentials. NCSSM students and staff may use their NCSSM academic account. You must preface your account name with ncssm\ like this ncssm\accountname.)

If your questions about the Physics AP tests aren't answered here, ask a Physics Teacher or visit AP Central at the College Board web site.

1. What's the difference between the Physics B and C tests?
2. Why take the Physics B test?
3. Why take the Physics C test?
4. I'm taking PH352/354. Do I have a chance to make a 4 or 5 on the Physics B test?
5. I'm taking PH352/354. Do I have a chance to make a 4 or 5 on the Physics C test?
6. Do PH405/406 or PH412/414 provide a strong foundation for either or both AP tests?

1. What's the difference between the Physics B and C tests?

The Physics B test is comprehensive, covering all or most of the topics in an introductory-level physics curriculum. The mathematical level of the problems is precalculus.

The C test covers two major areas: Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism. Some of the problems require Calculus. Students may take either or both exams.

2. Why take the Physics B test?

This test is designed for students who are considering going into a program of study such as medicine or other professional program where a comprehensive introductory physics course is required. Some schools will accept a high score on the Physics B test in lieu of their own physics course. This is by no means universal practice, and the wise student will check out the policies and practices of the schools where he/she applies.

3. Why take the Physics C test?

If you're planning on a career in physics or engineering, calculus-based physics will be part of your course of study in college. Some schools will accept high scores on one or both parts of the Physics C test for placement or exemption. Some schools will also give course credit for the test. Practices vary widely between universities, and the student is advised to check out the AP policies of the physics and engineering departments of the universities to which he/she applies.

4. I'm taking PH352/354. Do I have a chance to make a 4 or 5 on the Physics B test?

The Physics B test covers a number of topics that PH352/354 does not include. These are: torque and rotational statics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetic induction, geometric and physical optics, modern physics (relativity, atomic, nuclear). In order to do well on the Physics B test, you must: i) be well-versed in the content and problem-solving methods presented in PH352/354, ii) study the extra topics listed above and do extra problems on your own. (All the extra topics are included in the PH352/354 text.) Be warned that few PH352/354 students do well on Physics B test. The successful ones are excellent students who take the time to study the additional material.

5. I'm taking PH352/354. Do I have a chance to make a 4 or 5 on the Physics C test?

Since the Physics C is calculus-based, you need to have a background in Calculus. If you're taking precalculus this year, forget about the Physics C test until next year. Generally speaking, PH352/354 provides a strong foundation in mechanics, with the exception of rotational dynamics. In order to do well on the mechanics portion of the C test, expect to meet these conditions: i) you are an excellent PH352/354 student, ii) you have an excellent calculus background, iii) you are willing to do calculus-based problems on your own for practice, iv) you are willing to study rotational dynamics on your own.

Regarding the Electricity & Magnetism portion of the test, PH352/354 does not provide a strong foundation in that area. Even an excellent student would be severely challenged to study the requisite material on their own.

6. Do PH405/406 or PH412/414 provide a strong foundation for either or both AP tests?

These courses are calculus-based. PH405 (2 trimesters) or PH412 provide thorough coverage of the material covered on the Mechanics portion of the Physics C test.  PH414 does likewise for Electricity & Magnetism.  A combination of PH405 (2nd trimester) and PH406 provides complete coverage for the Electricity & Magnetism test. Neither of these course sequences is intended to help students prepare for the Physics B test.  See Q&A #4.