AP Physics C: Mechanics
Encyclopedia
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 which is why most schools recommend that the student have completed or be concurrently enrolled in a calculus class. 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. When only one Physics C course is offered, it is typically Mechanics, and this in combination with the fact that many schools do not complete their unified Physics C courses before the exam date is the probable explanation for more students taking the Mechanics exam than the Electricity and Magnetism exam.
section and a three (3) question free response
section. In order to test knowledge as well as skills, the multiple choice section is taken without a calculator
. The free response section permits the use of a calculator. The test is weighted such that each section is worth fifty percent (50%) of the final score. It is the shortest AP exam currently administered, with total time at 90 minutes.
The topics covered by the exam are as follows:
The grade distribution for 2009 was:
Science
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
course that studies Newtonian mechanics. Methods of calculus
Calculus
Calculus is a branch of mathematics focused on limits, functions, derivatives, integrals, and infinite series. This subject constitutes a major part of modern mathematics education. It has two major branches, differential calculus and integral calculus, which are related by the fundamental theorem...
are used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems which is why most schools recommend that the student have completed or be concurrently enrolled in a calculus class. It is supposed to be equivalent to an introductory college
College
A college is an educational institution or a constituent part of an educational institution. Usage varies in English-speaking nations...
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
SAT Subject Test in Physics
The SAT Subject Test in Physics is the name of a one-hour multiple choice test given on physics by The College Board. A student chooses whether to take the test depending upon college entrance requirements for the schools in which the student is planning to apply...
, also administered by College Board
College Board
The College Board is a membership association in the United States that was formed in 1900 as the College Entrance Examination Board . It is composed of more than 5,900 schools, colleges, universities and other educational organizations. It sells standardized tests used by academically oriented...
. This course is often combined with AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is an Advanced Placement science course that studies electricity and magnetism. 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...
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. When only one Physics C course is offered, it is typically Mechanics, and this in combination with the fact that many schools do not complete their unified Physics C courses before the exam date is the probable explanation for more students taking the Mechanics exam than the Electricity and Magnetism exam.
The exam
The exam is configured in two categories, a thirty-five (35) question multiple choiceMultiple choice
Multiple choice is a form of assessment in which respondents are asked to select the best possible answer out of the choices from a list. The multiple choice format is most frequently used in educational testing, in market research, and in elections-- when a person chooses between multiple...
section and a three (3) question free response
Free response
Free response is a type of question used in tests in education, workplace, and government. Most free response questions ask or require the test-taker to state a belief, opinion, or write a short essay and support it with facts, examples, or other evidence...
section. In order to test knowledge as well as skills, the multiple choice section is taken without a calculator
Calculator
An electronic calculator is a small, portable, usually inexpensive electronic device used to perform the basic operations of arithmetic. Modern calculators are more portable than most computers, though most PDAs are comparable in size to handheld calculators.The first solid-state electronic...
. The free response section permits the use of a calculator. The test is weighted such that each section is worth fifty percent (50%) of the final score. It is the shortest AP exam currently administered, with total time at 90 minutes.
The topics covered by the exam are as follows:
| 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."Grade distribution
In the 2009 administration, 29,167 students took the exam. The mean score was a 3.29.The grade distribution for 2009 was:
| Score | Percent |
|---|---|
| 5 | 24.9% |
| 4 | 24.6% |
| 3 | 20.3% |
| 2 | 15.0% |
| 1 | 15.1% |