Science
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: Mechanics/E&M Paring: The semester-long courses AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism (see course description on following page) are paired. Students who enroll in AP Physics C: Mechanics will automatically be enrolled in AP Physics C: E&M second semester.
AP Physics C: Mechanics explores topics such as One and two-dimensional kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion; work, energy and power; Impulse-Momentum; circular motion and rotation; and oscillations and gravitation.
AP Physics C is a calculus-based, college-level physics course equivalent to a single semester of university study. It is specifically a course for students intending to pursue a major or specialization in physical sciences or engineering.
AP Physics C is a fast-paced and demanding course and the emphasis of the course is to utilize guided inquiry and student-centered learning to develop conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills. The level of theoretical presentations, classroom discussions, assigned problems, and the inclusion of peripheral topics are appropriate for inquisitive students who have superior ability and motivation in the scientific area. This course is taught assuming prior success in AP Physics 1 and focuses more on applications of Calculus to Physics. The learning style includes classroom lectures, hands-on labs, and computer-aided activities. Introductory differential and integral calculus are used throughout the course.Additional Expectations: This course requires students to be more self-sufficient than students in the AP Physics 1 course. Students are expected to spend a substantial amount of time practicing problems outside of the classroom as compared with any other AP course. Students are encouraged to take the two AP Physics C exams (Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism) in May.
| Course Number | 0649 |
| Grade Level | 11,12 |
| Pre-Requisite | Grade of B or higher in AP Physics I and a score of 3 or above on the AP Physics I exam. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus AB or BC. |
| Application and/or Audition Date | None |
| Credits | 5 |
| VCHS Graduation Credit | Science |
| UC Approval | Yes Area D (Laboratory Science) |
| Fees | AP Exam Fee |