Courses in AP Physics C are designed to expand upon concepts previously introduced in AP Physics B, building on students’ abilities to interpret mathematical equations and understand physical phenomena. There are two AP exams based on AP Physics C course content: AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. AP Physics C material is strictly divided between these two topics. When taking the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam, students need only focus on studying kinematics, work, energy, momentum, harmonic motion, rotational motion, and mechanical forces.

Many topics covered in AP Physics C: Mechanics are also covered in AP Physics B, but to a less intensive extent. AP Physics C introduces calculus to the understanding of mechanical concepts, describing some of the previously covered topics at a more technical level. Some topics that are only covered at the conceptual level in AP Physics B will be fully explained and expanded upon in AP Physics C: Mechanics.

A scientific or graphing calculator is allowed on the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam, and the test provides a sheet of equations for test-takers to use. Equation memorization is not required, but familiarity with common equations can help you manage your time well on the test. Included on the equation sheet are several principles of geometry and calculus, which will help you with the mathematics portions of the exam. Questions commonly require extensive calculation, though the question format can vary. Some questions will be based on images or hypothetical scenarios, while others may be based on tables, experimental results, or word problems. There are two sections on the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam: the first consists of 35 multiple-choice questions, and the second consists of 3 free-response questions. While both sections rely heavily on mathematical skill, only the free-response section will require you to make use of an answer that you calculated during a previous question when calculating another answer. Most free response questions will have several parts, requiring you to carry an initial answer into calculations for the next portion. The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam is relatively short, compared to most other AP exams, with only 45 minutes provided for each section. The total test is 90 minutes long.

Students taking the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam should have a strong mastery of linear motion and two-dimensional motion, as well as the applications of Newton’s laws and force calculations. Work, energy, power, and momentum will also be tested. Most new material (not covered in AP Physics B) is introduced in rotational motion, including angular velocity and angular momentum. Some gravitation and celestial concepts will also be introduced, particularly concerning planetary motion. Fluid mechanics and thermodynamics are not tested in AP Physics C: Mechanics. Calculus concepts and differential equations will be applied to velocity, acceleration, impulse, work, power, and some rotational motion calculations.

If you are concerned about doing well on the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam or want to brush up on your understanding of AP Physics C: Mechanics content, you should make use of the free AP Physics C: Mechanics Practice Tests offered by Varsity Tutors. Practice Tests are either arranged to present an assortment of questions about different topics covered in AP Physics C: Mechanics, or to present questions focusing on a single topic or cluster of closely-related topics. Making use of both styles of AP Physics C: Mechanics Practice Test can help you study most effectively. Each AP Physics C: Mechanics question is accompanied by a full explanation of how the correct answer is calculated, so if you get a question wrong, you can figure out where you made a mistake.

One way to begin your review is by taking a Full-Length AP Physics C: Mechanics Practice Test. These complete exams helps you assess your test-taking speed and comprehensively evaluate your skills. The results page for the complete practice test is structured like the one for the concept-specific practice tests, and includes extensive explanations of the correct answers and additional information for each question’s relevant concepts. The complete practice tests provide the benefit of helping you streamline your AP Physics C: Mechanics review by targeting your study time toward the concepts you need to review. Once you know what you need to study, try using the other available Learning Tools to bolster your knowledge. To track your improvement, take another Full-Length AP Physics C: Mechanics Practice Test. Also, utilize these tests to gain insight into what the actual exam will be like.

By taking advantage of the AP Physics C: Mechanics resources offered by Varsity Tutors, you can bolster your understanding of AP Physics C: Mechanics content and feel completely prepared for the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam!