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AP Physics C Mechanics Exam Guide 2023

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Struggling with your AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam preparation? Finding it challenging to grasp fundamental concepts like kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, and rotational motion?

The AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam boasts a passing rate of 73.2% in 2022. It is recognized as a demanding AP Exam, with a difficulty rating of 6.8 out of 10, making it one of the more rigorous exams offered.

Don’t fret! This comprehensive AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam guide is designed to equip you with the essential resources needed to excel in this AP exam. With practice questions, invaluable tips, and effective strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to achieve a stellar score and conquer the exam with confidence.

Let’s dive into the world of AP Physics C: Mechanics and embark on an exciting journey to conquer the complexities of classical mechanics!

What is the AP Physics C Mechanics and its importance?

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a college-level course and corresponding exam that covers the principles of classical mechanics, including kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, and momentum

The course is designed to provide a deep understanding of fundamental concepts in physics and to develop problem-solving skills.

The importance of the AP Physics C Mechanics exam:

  • Allows students to earn college credit AP Physics C Mechanism.
  • Demonstrates mastery of the subject matter to college admissions officers
  • Provides a rigorous and comprehensive test of students’ knowledge and understanding of classical mechanics
  • Helps students stand out in the college application process and increase their chances of being admitted to top-tier universities
  • Opens up new opportunities and pathways to success in physics and engineering careers.

What will be tested on the 2023 AP Physics C: Mechanics exam?

The AP Physics C Mechanics course includes several challenging topics, which are tested on the exam. These topics are listed below, along with their respective weightage in the exam.

Units CoveredPercentage Goal for the Exam (MCQ)
Unit 1: Kinematics14-20%
Unit 2: Newton’s Law of Motion17-23%
Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power14-17%
Unit 4: Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum14-17%
Unit 5: Rotations14-20%
Unit 6: Oscillations6-14%
Unit 7: Gravitation6-14%
Topics covered in AP Physics C: Mechanics

The advanced physics concepts covered in this course are more intricate than those taught in introductory physics courses, and they demand a more profound comprehension of mathematical and physical principles.

AP Physics C: Mechanics exam

Exam format

SectionsNo. of questions Type of QuestionsTime allocated to each sectionExam Weightage
Multiple-choice questions35Questions are either discrete questions or question sets45 mins50%
Free-response questions3Questions will include an experimental or lab-based component45 mins50%
Exam format

Source: College Board

ap physics c mechanics exam guide
AP Physics C Mechanics Exam Guide

Scoring system and score distribution

The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam has two sections – multiple-choice and free-response. The multiple-choice section is worth 50 points in total, with each question carrying one point.

The free-response section is worth 20 points in total, and each question carries between 3 to 5 points. The scores from both sections are combined to give a composite score, which is then scaled and converted to a score between 1 to 5.

Over the past five years, the score distribution for the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam has been charted out in the graph below.

Score Distribution of Physics C: Mechanics
Score Distribution of Physics C: Mechanics

Like AP Physics C: E&M, the percentages of students scoring 5 spiked in 2020 to 41.59% as seen in the graph visualizing the score distributions for the past 10 years. The passing rate is quite high despite the difficulty rating of the course.

Average score and passing rate for previous years

Although the average score and passing rate for the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam can change from year to year, the following graphs present the mean score and pass score trends of AP Physics C: Mech for the past 10 years (2013-2022), in comparison to other AP exams.

Pass Score of AP Physics C Mechanics
Pass Score of AP Physics C: Mechanics

The pass rate of the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam was 73.4% in 2022 and the mean score was 3.41 for the same year.

Mean Score of AP Physics C: Mechanics
Mean Score of AP Physics C: Mechanics

It should be noted that the passing rate for the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam is determined by the percentage of scores that are 3, 4, or 5, as these scores are generally considered passing grades for college credit or placement.

Percentage of students who scored 5

Scoring a 5 in your AP Physics C: Mechanics can be very beneficial for your academics as it can get you into Ivy League schools like Harvard University, Princeton University, etc.

The following graph has charted out the percentage of students who scored 5 in AP Physics C: Mechanics over the past 10 years.

ap physics c mechanics score 5 trend
AP Physics C: Mechanics Score Trend

You can be one of the students who score 5 in AP Physics C : Mechanics with the right amount of dedication and resources. Feel free to try out a free lesson with our expert AP Physics C Mechanics tutors and ace your exams.

What’s the 2023 AP Physics C: Mechanics exam date and time?

The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam for 2023 is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 9 at 12 PM local time. 

Students can take the exam at designated schools or testing centers approved by the College Board. To register for the exam, students must first enroll in the corresponding AP course at their high school and then sign up through their AP coordinator. 

The registration deadline usually falls in the spring, but students should confirm the specific deadline with their AP coordinators. There is a fee associated with taking the exam, but students with financial needs may be eligible for fee reductions or waivers.

Is AP Physics C Mechanics exam hard?

Is AP Physics C: Mechanics hard? The course is widely recognized as very hard. According to a survey, former students rated the course a 7.4 out of 10 in terms of overall difficulty, making it the third most difficult AP course

Despite its difficulty, a vast majority of students (97%) who took the class would recommend it to others. 

The class has a relatively small enrollment, with 48,803 entries in 2021 and 46,301 entries in 2022

The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam is widely regarded as a very hard test due to the following reasons:

  • It covers college-level concepts in mechanics, which can be challenging for high school students.
  • It requires a strong understanding of calculus, which not all high school students have.
  • The exam includes both multiple-choice and free-response questions, which require different types of problem-solving skills.

It is a rigorous course that demands a significant amount of hard work and commitment, but it is also highly rewarding for those who are willing to put in the effort.

Tips for preparing for the exam AP Physics C Mechanics exam

  1. “Fail to plan, plan to fail.” 

A well-planned study schedule is key to exam success. Determine the exam’s format, topics, and timing, and then create a plan that includes study blocks, breaks, and deadlines.

  1. “Don’t just memorize, internalize.” 

Understanding the material deeply is more important than just memorizing it. Take time to comprehend the concepts, connect them to real-life scenarios, and ask questions when unsure.

  1. “Practice makes perfect.” 

Practice is essential to prepare for an exam. Solve past exams and practice problems to familiarize yourself with the exam’s format, types of questions, and time management.

  1. “Knowledge is power.” 

Utilize all available resources such as textbooks, online materials, lectures, and notes. Gather information from different sources to have a broad understanding of the subject.

  1. “Two heads are better than one.” 

When you face difficulty in a subject, don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers or tutors. They can provide explanations, clarify doubts, and provide valuable insights that can help you ace the exam.

Choosing between Physics C Mechanics or Physics C E&M

Here’s a table overview of the differences between AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism:

AspectAP Physics C MechanicsAP Physics C – Electricity and Magnetism
FocusConcept of motion and forcesConcept of Electricity and Magnetism
Topics covered– KinematicsNewton’s Law of Motion
– Work, Energy, and Power
– Linear momentum
– Rotations
– Oscillations 
– Gravitation
– Electrostatics
– Conductors, Capacitors, and Dielectrics
– Electric Circuits
– Magnetic Field
– Electromagnetism
Mathematical skills requiredCalculus-Based skillsMore advanced calculus-based skills
Course DifficultyVery hard (7.4/10 overall rating in terms of difficulty)Hardest (8.1/10 overall rating in terms of difficulty)
LabsLabs focused on mechanics conceptLabs focused on electricity and magnetism concept
College credit eligibilityCan qualify for college creditCan qualify for college credit
Recommended forStudents interested in engineering, physics, or related scienceStudents interested in pursuing a career in electrical engineering or related fields.
Physics C Mechanics vs Physics C E&M

When choosing between the two courses, students should consider the following factors:

Factors to considerDescription
Interest in the subject matterConsider which branch of physics interests you more: mechanics or electromagnetism. Mechanics focuses on the motion and behavior of objects, while electricity and magnetism deal with electric charges and magnetic fields.
Math proficiencyBoth courses require strong mathematical skills, but Electricity and Magnetism may require a stronger background in calculus. Consider your comfort level with math and the level of calculus you have completed.
College major or career goalsBoth courses are relevant to careers in engineering, physics, and related fields, but Electricity and Magnetism may be more applicable to fields such as computer science and electrical engineering.
Prior ExperienceStudents who have taken AP Physics 1 may find it easier to transition to Electricity and Magnetism, as they will have already covered some of the foundational topics.
Course and exam difficultyBoth courses are challenging, but Electricity and Magnetism is widely considered to be more difficult. Students who want to challenge themselves may opt for this course, while those who prefer a more manageable workload may choose Mechanics.
Factors to consider

Ultimately, the decision between AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism should be based on your interests, strengths, and future goals. Both courses are challenging but rewarding, and with dedication and hard work, you can succeed in either one.

Conclusion

As you embark on your AP Physics C: Mechanics journey, remember that this exam covers crucial topics such as kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion, work, energy, and rotational motion.

With a passing rate of 73.2% in 2022 for the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam, it’s evident that success is within reach. The difficulty rating despite being 7.4 is accompanied by a recommendation rate of 96%.

Embrace the opportunity to delve into the captivating realm of classical mechanics and demonstrate your understanding of the laws governing the physical world. Your hard work and dedication will pave the way for a rewarding and successful AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam experience.

Best of luck as you embark on this exciting academic journey!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is AP Physics C: Mechanics harder than 1? 

Yes, AP Physics C: Mechanics is generally considered more challenging than AP Physics 1. The course covers advanced topics in mechanics, such as calculus-based kinematics and dynamics, while AP Physics 1 covers basic concepts in physics.

How long is the AP Physics C Mechanics exam?

The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam is 1 hour and 30 minutes long. The exam consists of two sections, multiple-choice and free-response, and is divided into two parts. The multiple-choice section lasts for 45 minutes and consists of 35 questions. The free-response section also lasts for 45 minutes and consists of three questions, each requiring a detailed and thorough response.

How hard is the AP Physics C Mechanics exam?

The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam is considered one of the hardest AP exams. It covers advanced topics in mechanics, requires a strong foundation in calculus, and demands problem-solving skills. Students who take this exam should expect to encounter challenging questions that test their knowledge, skills, and ability to apply concepts to real-world scenarios.

AP Physics C Mechanics exam date 2023? 

For the year 2023, AP Physics C Mechanics Exam is scheduled on May 9th, Tuesday at 12:00 PM local time.

Which is harder AP Physics C or 2? 

AP Physics C is more difficult than AP Physics 2. AP Physics C is a calculus-based course that covers advanced topics in mechanics and electricity and magnetism, while AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based course that focuses on fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics.

References

  1. https://examstudyexpert.com/is-ap-physics-c-hard-easy/
  2. https://www.bestcolleges.com/test-prep/ap/physics-c-mechanics/
  3. https://www.albert.io/blog/is-ap-physics-c-hard/
  4. https://reports.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/2021-ap-student-score-distributions_1.pdf
  5. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-score-distributions-by-subject-2022.pdf
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About Wiingy

Wiingy provides 1-to-1 online tutoring, instructor-led online technology courses, and web tutorials to school students, university students, and working professionals across the globe.

Wiingy works with top verified, qualified, and experienced instructors to deliver online lessons in Coding, Math, Science, and over 50 other subjects.

Parents and students have rated the teaching experience as 4.8/5 and above.

We are a community of over 20,000 students across 10+ countries growing daily.

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