AP Physics C is generally considered the top tier of physics offered in a high school setting. Most students will only attempt AP Physics C after completing AP Physics B or a general course in High School Physics. In order to do well in AP Physics C, students must bring a strong understanding of introductory physics concepts and an advanced mathematics background. The primary objective of AP Physics C classes is to meld these two subjects, using calculus and complex math to explain the concepts discussed in preliminary physics classes. The AP exam for AP Physics C is broken into two completely separate tests: AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism.

Electricity and magnetism are frequently considered more difficult subjects than mechanics. Students can easily observe mechanical phenomena and have generally gained an intuitive ability to predict physical outcomes in mechanical settings. In contrast, electricity and magnetism are not readily observable and require more hypothetical and abstract scenarios. Mathematical representations of electromagnetic phenomena mirror this complexity, frequently involving more calculus than their mechanics counterparts.

The AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism exam draws from common concepts taught in earlier physics classes, giving students a foundation from which to build a more complex understanding. For example, while students will already be familiar with the properties of electrical circuits, AP Physics C will also teach the properties of individual circuit elements, teaching the specifics of capacitors, resistors, and dielectrics. Similarly, the course will build upon student understanding of electrical and magnetic fields and forces. Students will become familiar with the ideas of flux and electromotive force, using calculus to determine how properties change within a given field. Electromagnetism and induced fields will be a heavy focus during later portions of the class, helping students to identify parallels between electrical and magnetic fields. The AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism exam will also strongly focus on electrostatics and Gauss’s Law principles, which are generally taught earlier in the AP Physics C course.

Calculators are permitted during the exam and, like on most AP exams, an equation sheet is provided. The equation sheet provides several useful equations directly relating to physics concepts, but also provides general equations for some geometric and calculus formulas. While a background in calculus is strongly recommended, particularly for the electricity and magnetism portion of AP Physics C, the provided equations can be useful for those who have not yet solidified this portion of their mathematics background.

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Try launching your study sessions by taking one of the free Full-Length AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Practice Tests. The complete tests will draw upon all of the knowledge you might be asked to use on the real exam. The comprehensive setup gives you the opportunity to practice your pacing and test your endurance. As on the results pages for the concept-specific practice tests, each results page for the complete practice tests includes links to targeted review and detailed explanations for each answer. These free online AP Physics C practice tests can also help you craft a unique study plan by revealing the topics on which you may want to spend time studying. To assist in your review, try one of the other Learning Tools. When you’re ready to evaluate your progress, you can take another Full-Length AP Physics C Practice Test.

By utilizing Varsity Tutors’ various free AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism resources to study for the exam, you can both comprehensively and efficiently, helping you to feel as confident as possible on test day!