AP Physics

Advanced Placement (AP) Physics is a set of college-level physics courses and exams offered by the College Board. These courses are designed for high school students seeking challenging science coursework and potential college credit. There are four AP Physics options, each tailored to different levels of math preparation and physics interest.

AP Physics 1

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, and conservation.

The topics covered in this course are:

1. Kinematics

2.  Dynamics

3. Work, Energy and Power

4. Linear Momentum

5. Torque and Rotational Dynamics

6. Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems

7. Oscillations

8. Fluids

AP Physics 2

AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves.

The topics covered in this course are:

1.  Thermodynamics

2.  Electric Force, Field and Potential

3. Electric Circuits

4. Magnetism and Electromagnetism

5. Geometric Optics

6. Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics

7. Modern Physics

AP Physics C

AP Physics C is a college-level physics course offered by the College Board, designed for students intending to pursue science, engineering, or math in college. It is calculus-based, meaning students are expected to be familiar with calculus concepts or take calculus concurrently. There are two separate AP Physics C exams, each a semester-long course.

AP Physics C - Mechanics

Topics covered in this course are:

• Kinematics (motion in 1D and 2D)

• Newton’s Laws of Motion

• Work, Energy, and Power

• Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum

• Circular Motion and Rotation

• Oscillations and Gravitation

AP Physics C - Electricity and Magnetism

• Topics covered in this course are:

• Electrostatics (electric forces, fields, and potential)

• Conductors, Capacitors, and Dielectrics

• Electric Circuits (resistors, capacitors, Kirchhoff's laws)

• Magnetic Fields

• Electromagnetism (Faraday's Law, inductance)

*AP courses, or Advanced Placement courses, are designed and created by the College Board to allow students to experience college-level academics while still in high school and earn college credit and placement.