AP Physics C Mechanics Exam Guide 2023

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!

Looking for expert AP tutors to help you prepare for the AP Physics Mechanics exam? Explore Wiingy’s Online AP Physics C Mechanics tutoring services to learn from the top Physics experts.

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 Covered	Percentage Goal for the Exam (MCQ)
Unit 1: Kinematics	14-20%
Unit 2: Newton’s Law of Motion	17-23%
Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power	14-17%
Unit 4: Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum	14-17%
Unit 5: Rotations	14-20%
Unit 6: Oscillations	6-14%
Unit 7: Gravitation	6-14%

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

Sections	No. of questions	Type of Questions	Time allocated to each section	Exam Weightage
Multiple-choice questions	35	Questions are either discrete questions or question sets	45 mins	50%
Free-response questions	3	Questions will include an experimental or lab-based component	45 mins	50%

Source: College Board

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2. “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.

3. “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.

4. “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.

5. “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:

Aspect	AP Physics C Mechanics	AP Physics C – Electricity and Magnetism
Focus	Concept of motion and forces	Concept 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 required	Calculus-Based skills	More advanced calculus-based skills
Course Difficulty	Very hard (7.4/10 overall rating in terms of difficulty)	Hardest (8.1/10 overall rating in terms of difficulty)
Labs	Labs focused on mechanics concept	Labs focused on electricity and magnetism concept
College credit eligibility	Can qualify for college credit	Can qualify for college credit
Recommended for	Students interested in engineering, physics, or related science	Students interested in pursuing a career in electrical engineering or related fields.

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

Factors to consider	Description
Interest in the subject matter	Consider 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 proficiency	Both 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 goals	Both 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 Experience	Students 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 difficulty	Both 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.

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!

Looking for expert AP tutors to help you prepare for the AP Physics Mechanics exam? Explore Wiingy’s Online AP Physics C Mechanics tutoring services to learn from the top Physics experts.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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