What Is AP Physics? Overview for Students

Key Takeaways

• AP Physics offers four different courses: two algebra-based (Physics 1 and 2) and two calculus-based (Physics C: Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism)

• Physics 1 and 2 are accessible to most students, while Physics C courses are designed for STEM-focused students

• All AP Physics exams follow the same format: 40 multiple-choice questions and 4 free-response questions

• Scores range from 1-5, with 3 or higher typically earning college credit

• Your choice depends on your math background, college goals, intended major, and career goals

Introduction: Why Take AP Physics?

Thinking about taking AP Physics? You're considering one of the most rewarding challenges in high school.

AP Physics is tough. There's no getting around that. But here's the good news: it opens doors.

Taking AP Physics shows colleges you're ready for rigorous coursework. It can earn you college credit, saving you time and money. And if you're thinking about a career in science, technology, engineering, or medicine, AP Physics gives you the foundation you need to succeed.

The tricky part? There are four different AP Physics courses to choose from. Each one covers different content, requires different math skills, and prepares you for different college pathways.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know to pick the right course and set yourself up for success.

The Four AP Physics Courses Explained

The College Board offers four distinct AP Physics courses. Let's look at what makes each one unique.

AP Physics 1

AP Physics 1 (opens in a new tab) is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that typically takes a full year to complete.

This course covers the fundamentals of physics. You'll study kinematics (motion), forces, energy, momentum, rotation, simple harmonic motion, and waves. (opens in a new tab)Starting from 2025, the course also includes fluids, which moved from Physics 2.

Most students take Physics 1 in 11th or 12th grade. You don't need calculus—just algebra and geometry.

The exam includes 40 multiple-choice questions and 4 free-response questions (opens in a new tab). You'll have 3 hours total to complete it.

AP Physics 1 is equivalent to a first-semester college physics course (opens in a new tab) in algebra-based physics.

AP Physics 2

AP Physics 2 (opens in a new tab) is also algebra-based and serves as a continuation of AP Physics 1.

This course dives into thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, geometric and physical optics, and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. It's (opens in a new tab)equivalent to a second-semester introductory college course (opens in a new tab).

AP Physics 2 is best for students who have completed Physics 1 or a comparable physics course. Like AP Physics 1, it uses algebra rather than calculus.

The exam format is identical to AP Physics 1: 40 multiple-choice questions and 4 free-response questions (opens in a new tab) in 3 hours.

This course is perfect if you want advanced physics knowledge without the calculus requirement.

AP Physics C: Mechanics

Now we shift to the calculus-based courses. (opens in a new tab)AP Physics C: Mechanics (opens in a new tab) is especially appropriate for students planning to specialize or major in one of the physical sciences or engineering.

This course covers motion, Newton's laws, work, energy, power, linear momentum, rotation, oscillations, and gravitation. The content overlaps with Physics 1, but the mathematical approach is more rigorous.

You should have taken calculus or be taking it concurrently with this course. The exam uses calculus throughout.

It's equivalent to a semester-long, introductory calculus-based college course (opens in a new tab) in mechanics.

Colleges often prefer AP Physics C over AP Physics 1 for engineering and physical science majors. 

You do not need to have taken AP Physics 1 to take AP Physics C, but it is highly recommended that you have prior experience with introductory Physics and the necessary Math skills.

The exam format is identical to AP Physics 1 & 2: 40 multiple-choice questions and 4 free-response questions (opens in a new tab) in 3 hours.

AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism (opens in a new tab) is a calculus-based, college-level physics course that most students take after completing Mechanics.

This is the most challenging of the four AP Physics courses. You'll study electrostatics, conductors, capacitors, electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction—all using calculus.

Students should have taken or be concurrently taking calculus. Many students take both Physics C courses in the same year.

It's equivalent to a semester-long, introductory calculus-based college course (opens in a new tab) in physics.

Colleges often prefer AP Physics C Electricity & Magnetism for electrical engineering and physical science majors.

The exam follows the same format as the other Physics courses: 40 multiple-choice questions and 4 free-response questions (opens in a new tab) in 3 hours.

Key Differences Between AP Physics Courses

Here's a quick comparison to help you see how these courses stack up:

The biggest difference? Math. Physics 1 and 2 use algebra, while Physics C courses require calculus.

Physics C courses also go deeper into fewer topics, while Physics 1 and 2 provide broader coverage.

What Are the AP Physics Exams Like?

Format Overview

All four AP Physics exams now follow the same structure (opens in a new tab): 80 minutes for 40 multiple-choice questions, followed by 100 minutes for 4 free-response questions.

Each section counts for 50% of your total score.

The multiple-choice section tests your conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Questions appear individually or in sets based on a scenario or data.

The free-response section includes four types of questions:

• Mathematical Routines

  • You will need to apply equations and mathematical models to explain physical phenomena

  • Expect to derive relationships, manipulate formulas, substitute values correctly, and perform clear, unit-consistent calculations

  • You should show how the math connects to the physical principles rather than just presenting final answers

• Translation between Representations

  • You will be expected to move fluently between different ways of representing information — such as words, graphs, equations, and diagrams

  • You must interpret one form and translate it into another, explaining the same concept clearly across all formats

  • This skill demonstrates your conceptual understanding, not just your ability to compute

• Experimental Design and Analysis

  • You will need to design an experiment or analyze one that has been described

  • This includes identifying variables, describing data collection methods, proposing ways to reduce uncertainty, and analyzing results

  • You should justify your reasoning, interpret patterns, and draw conclusions consistent with physical laws

  • Think like a scientist, planning and evaluating real data

• Qualitative/Quantitative Translation

  • You will need to explain a physical process in words and then use calculations to verify or extend your reasoning

  • Your job is to link qualitative understanding with quantitative results — to show how your conceptual explanation and your numbers support each other

  • This problem type rewards both physical insight and precise computation

Labs and data interpretation play a significant role, especially in the free-response section.

Calculators are allowed for both sections of all AP Physics exams.

Scoring and College Credit

AP scores range from 1 to 5 (opens in a new tab):

• 5 (Extremely well qualified) — Equivalent to A+ or A

• 4 (Very well qualified) — Equivalent to A-, B+, or B

• 3 (Qualified) — Equivalent to B-, C+, or C

• 2 (Possibly qualified) — No college course grade equivalent

• 1 (No recommendation) — No college course grade equivalent

Most colleges award credit for scores of 3 or higher, though policies vary by institution. Some competitive schools only grant credit for 4s and 5s.

The College Board recommends that colleges grant one semester of credit for a score of 3 or higher on Physics 1 (opens in a new tab), and similarly for the other courses. However, individual colleges set their own credit policies.

Check with your target schools to understand their specific requirements.

H2 How to Choose the Right AP Physics Course

Picking the right AP Physics course depends on three key factors: your math background, your college goals, and your intended major.

Start with these questions:

Are you taking calculus? If yes, consider AP Physics C. If no, stick with AP Physics 1 or 2.

What do you want to study in college? Engineering and physical science majors should strongly consider AP Physics C. Biology, pre-med, and other majors can benefit from Physics 1 and 2.

How comfortable are you with physics? If you're new to physics, start with AP Physics 1. If you've already taken a physics course, you might jump to AP Physics 2 or AP Physics C.

Common course pathways:

• AP Physics 1 → AP Physics 2 (for students staying with algebra-based physics)

• AP Physics C: Mechanics → AP Physics C: E&M (for STEM-focused students)

• AP Physics 1 → AP Physics C: Mechanics (if you learn calculus between courses)

AP Physics C courses carry more weight for competitive STEM programs, but AP Physics 1 and 2 are still valuable and rigorous courses.

Choose based on your strengths, not just what looks most impressive. Success matters more than difficulty level.

Is AP Physics Hard? What You Need to Know

Yes, AP Physics is challenging. Let's be honest about that.

AP Physics 1 had one of the lowest pass rates among all AP subjects in 2024, with only 47.3% of students scoring 3 or higher (opens in a new tab), and the mean score has consistently remained around 2.5.

Why is it so tough? Physics requires strong conceptual understanding, mathematical skills, and problem-solving abilities all at once. You can't just memorize—you need to think.

But here's the important part: with the right preparation and support, AP Physics is absolutely manageable.

Success depends on:

• Solid math foundations (algebra for AP Physics 1 & 2, calculus for AP Physics C)

• Regular practice with different types of problems

• Hands-on laboratory experience

• Understanding concepts deeply, not just memorizing formulas

• Consistent effort throughout the year

Don't let the statistics scare you. Students who work steadily and use good study strategies can succeed.

Taking AP Physics demonstrates academic rigor to colleges and builds skills for future STEM-based study.

Study Tips for AP Physics Success

Succeeding in AP Physics requires strategy, not just hard work.

Focus on understanding the "why" behind every concept. Physics builds on itself, so gaps in understanding compound quickly.

Practice problems regularly. You can't learn physics just by reading—you need to solve problems.

Use laboratory work to your advantage. Hands-on experiments help solidify abstract concepts and prepare you for exam questions.

Form study groups. Explaining concepts to others reveals gaps in your own understanding.

Don't fall behind. Physics topics build on previous material, so staying current is crucial.

Start exam prep early. Give yourself at least 6-8 weeks of focused review time.

Here at Save My Exams, we have all the AP Physics Past Exam Papers organized by course for easy access. 

For AP Physics 1, we have you covered with study guides covering the entire course, including examiner tips and tricks to help you ace your exams. 

Our exam questions are arranged by topic and cover both MCQs and FRQs with student-friendly model answers, mark scheme guidance and question-based examiner tips and tricks to help you understand exactly what examiners are looking for. 

We have target tests that pinpoint your weak areas and turn them into strengths, with personalized, exam-style tests built just for you. Smart, focused exam practice, making sure you’re ready for anything.

Then, when you’re ready to hone your exam technique, we have practice tests so you can replicate the full exam experience. 

You can also use AP Classroom (opens in a new tab) for access to topic-based practice exam questions.

For detailed strategies, study schedules, and practice resources, check out our comprehensive guide on How to Study for AP Physics {Note to DST:add link to article once published (opens in a new tab)].

Frequently Asked Questions

Which AP Physics course is the hardest?

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is generally considered the most challenging of the four courses. It requires calculus and covers complex topics like electromagnetic induction and Maxwell's equations.

However, AP Physics 1 has the lowest average scores, partly because it attracts a broader range of students with varying physics backgrounds.

"Hardest" depends on your strengths. If you're comfortable with calculus, Physics C might feel easier than Physics 1.

Can I take AP Physics without taking calculus?

Absolutely. AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 are both algebra-based courses. You don't need calculus for either one.

AP Physics 1 recommends completion of geometry and concurrent enrollment in Algebra II (opens in a new tab).  (opens in a new tab)

AP (opens in a new tab)Physics 2 recommends precalculus or equivalent (opens in a new tab).

Only Physics C courses require calculus.

Do I need to take Physics 1 before Physics C?

No, you don't. AP Physics C: Mechanics can be your first physics course (opens in a new tab) as long as you meet the calculus requirement. But it is strongly recommended that you have studied Introductory Physics prior to taking either Physics C courses. 

Many students take AP Physics C: Mechanics without taking Physics 1 first, especially if they're strong math students interested in engineering.

However, some students find that taking AP Physics 1 first helps build foundational understanding before tackling the calculus-based approach.

Check with your school to see what they recommend based on your background.

Final Thoughts

AP Physics is one of the most valuable courses you can take in high school. It's challenging, yes, but it's also incredibly rewarding.

Whether you choose the algebra-based AP Physics 1 and 2 or the calculus-based AP Physics C courses, you're building skills that will serve you throughout college and beyond.

The key is picking the right course for your level and goals. Don't feel pressured to take the "hardest" option if it doesn't match your preparation or plans.

Plan ahead. Talk to your teachers, counselors, and students who've taken these courses. Consider your math skills, college aspirations, and genuine interest in the subject.

And once you commit, invest in quality study resources and consistent effort. AP Physics rewards students who engage deeply with the material and practice regularly.

You've got this. With the right preparation and mindset, AP Physics can be the course that transforms how you think about the world around you.

References

• College Board: AP Credit-Granting Recommendations (opens in a new tab)

• College Board: AP Physics C Electricity & Magnetism (opens in a new tab)

• College Board: AP Physics C Electricity & Magnetism - About the course (opens in a new tab)

• College Board: AP Physics C Electricity & Magnetism course overview (opens in a new tab)

• College Board: AP Physics C Mechanics (opens in a new tab)

• College Board: AP Physics C Mechanics - About the course (opens in a new tab)

• College Board: A (opens in a new tab)P Physics C Mechanics course overview (opens in a new tab)

• College Board: AP Score Scale Table (opens in a new tab)

• College Board: AP Physics 1 Algebra-Based (opens in a new tab)

• College Board: AP Physics 1 Algebra-Based - About the course (opens in a new tab)

• College Board: AP Physics 1 course overview (opens in a new tab)

• College Board: AP Physics 1 Exam Score Distribution (opens in a new tab)

• College Board: AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based (opens in a new tab) 

• College Board: AP Physics 2 Algebra-Based - About the course (opens in a new tab)

• College Board: AP Physics 2 course overview (opens in a new tab)