1 credit — Grades 11, 12
1 period per day for 1 year
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in Calculus, OR completion of Algebra II, IB Math Yr 1 or Precalculus, OR teacher recommendation
Fee: $15
This course qualifies as an advanced science credit for the Ohio Honors Diploma and for the Ohio STEM Diploma.
The AP Physics C course focuses on the AP Physics Mechanics test and covers the concepts and processes in an introductory college level physics course. The course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of problem-solving ability. After preparation for this test completes, students will engage in extended project work that provides the opportunity to apply physics concepts in substantial depth.
Strong mathematical skills are required in algebra and basic trigonometry. Additionally, as basic calculus will be used throughout the course, students benefit from being concurrently enrolled in a calculus class, although it is possible to be successful in the class without concurrent enrollment in calculus if a student is willing to do the extra work necessary to master the calculus needed..
As college credit may be awarded for testing well on the AP Physics C tests, students enrolling in this course should be willing to do extensive additional work on their own and to take the Advanced Placement Physics exam in May. AP Physics C students are expected to complete a summer assignment.
Students interested in a second year of physics can take IB Physics Yr2 and explore thermal physics, waves, electricity & magnetism, circular motion & gravitation, atomic, nuclear and particle physics, and energy production. Additionally, one more area of study shall be investigated from the choices of: relativity, engineering physics, imaging, or astrophysics. The internal assessment and group 4 project will be during this year.
AP Physics C: Mechanics can be taken as a second-year physics course.
To be awarded Advanced Placement (AP) credit for this course, students must complete the accompanying AP exam. Please consider this requirement when making your selections for course registration. Exam fees are paid for by the Upper Arlington School District.