Different between AP Physics 1,2 and AP Physics C

The single most important difference between these courses is the level of math they use.

AP Physics 1 and 2 are algebra-based. They use algebra and basic trigonometry. You do not need to know calculus.
AP Physics C is calculus-based. You’ll need to understand derivatives and integrals and use them to solve problems. You should be currently taking calculus or have already completed it.

Because of their different math foundations, each course focuses on different topics and goes into different levels of depth.

AP Physics 1 is your starting point. It’s a first-semester, introductory course covering the fundamentals of Newtonian mechanics, including motion, forces, energy, and momentum .
AP Physics 2 builds directly on Physics 1. It’s like a second-semester course, covering more advanced topics like thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics .
AP Physics C is a two-part sequence for the serious STEM student. Mechanics takes the core ideas from AP Physics 1 and goes deeper, using calculus to solve more complex problems . Electricity and Magnetism (E&M) does the same for the electricity and magnetism topics from AP Physics 2.

Course	Math Level	Core Topics	Target Audience
AP Physics 1	Algebra, Trigonometry	Newtonian mechanics, work, energy, power, mechanical waves, sound, simple circuits	Students starting physics, exploring science, or needing a general physics credit
AP Physics 2	Algebra, Trigonometry	Thermodynamics, electricity & magnetism, optics, modern physics, fluids (no longer a standalone unit)	Students who have completed Physics 1 and want a broader physics overview
AP Physics C: Mechanics	Calculus (differential & integral)	Newtonian mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations, gravitation)	Students planning to major in engineering, physics, or other physical sciences
AP Physics C: E&M	Calculus (differential & integral)	Electrostatics, conductors, capacitors, dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetism	Students who have taken or are taking AP Physics C: Mechanics and plan to study engineering or physics

The exam formats have been recently updated to be more uniform across all four tests.

All exams now consist of:
- A multiple-choice section: 40 questions, 80 minutes.
- A free-response section: 4 questions, 100 minutes.
Scoring:
- All exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5.
- Interestingly, AP Physics 1 has one of the lowest 5 rates (around 8%) of any AP exam, while both AP Physics C exams have much higher 5 rates (around 23-27%).
- The lower 5 rate for Physics 1 is not because the material is more difficult. It’s often because the exam focuses on deep conceptual understanding and lengthy questions. The Physics C exams, while more mathematically rigorous, have a higher curve and attract more prepared students.

Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:

Choose AP Physics 1 if:
- You are new to physics or don’t have a strong math background.
- You are in 10th or 11th grade.
- You plan to major in life sciences, pre-med, or a non-engineering field.
- You want a solid foundation in physics before potentially moving to Physics C.
Choose AP Physics 2 if:
- You have successfully completed AP Physics 1.
- You want to learn about a wide range of physics topics (thermodynamics, optics, modern physics) without using calculus.
- You are in 11th or 12th grade.
Choose AP Physics C: Mechanics if:
- You are comfortable with calculus (taking it concurrently or have completed it).
- You plan to major in engineering, physics, computer science, or a related STEM field.
- You want the most rigorous physics course that will best prepare you for college-level STEM.
Choose AP Physics C: E&M if:
- You are taking or have already taken AP Physics C: Mechanics.
- You are a serious STEM student, likely majoring in engineering or physics.
- You are ready for the most challenging of the four AP Physics courses.