What is Ap physics: Definition and 348 Discussions

In the United States, Advanced Placement (AP) Physics collectively refers to the College Board Advanced Placement Program courses and exams covering various areas of physics. These are intended to be equivalent to university courses that use best practices of physics teaching pedagogy.
Each AP Physics course culminates in an optional exam for which high-performing students may receive some credit towards their college coursework, depending on which college or university they attend.

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  1. M

    How Do You Solve the Motion of Two Colliding Pendulums?

    AP Physics HW Help -- Motion of 2 Pendulums Homework Statement A system consists of two metal balls hanging by strings of length L fixed at a common point as shown. Pendulum A has a mass of 2kg and Pendulum B has a period of 2.0s. a. What is the length L of each pendulum? b. What is the...
  2. O

    AP Physics C Self-Study: Best Textbooks for Algebra & Calculus

    Hello, I am self studying to take the Ap Physics C test. I already know algebra based mechanics, although i DO NOT know calculus based. I have no knowledge on electricity. What textbook should i use?
  3. S

    AP Physics C E&M: Struggling with Homework Before Exam

    Homework Statement Could somebody help me on the problems given in the attachments? I know E&M well but these problems stumped me(In the RC Circuit I need help only on part (d) of the question). Tomorrow is my AP C E&M exam. I am too nervous about it. Based on how these problems stumped me, do...
  4. P

    AP Physics E&M P=I^2*R vs P=IV

    Homework Statement Part f. Calculated current = 0.5 A. Voltage = 30 V. Resistance = 40 Ω Homework Equations P=IV P=I^2*R P=V^2/R The Attempt at a Solution I've been curious about this for a while. Sometimes when I am asked to find the power dissipated through a resistor, and...
  5. P

    AP Physics E&M MC: Electric Field, Induction, LC Circuit

    Homework Statement Answer is B. Answer is E. Answer is E. Homework Equations E=F/q E=V/d Right hand rule for inductors The Attempt at a Solution Quite confused for these problems. For number 18, I'm quite baffled as to where the 0.04 meters even comes from. What I had...
  6. P

    AP Physics MC Questions: Orbits, Momentum

    Homework Statement Answer is D. Answer is E. Homework Equations 14. v=√(Gm/r) 17. p=mv τ=rxF L=Iω The Attempt at a Solution Number 14 made perfect sense until I saw the answer, which is D. If the velocity of the spacecraft increases, according to v=√(Gm/r), the radius...
  7. L

    Need help with gauss law and charged ring AP Physics FRQ

    Homework Statement 1. 2. Homework Equations ∫E.dA = Qenc/\epsilon_{o} \lambda=Q/L \rho=Q/V V= q/4πε_{o}r The Attempt at a Solution these types of problems i suck at, i don't know how to do these at all independently, and is there any difference in question 2 if there is an insulator or...
  8. S

    Take both AP chemistry and AP physics in junior year?

    Hi, I am a high school sophomore and am thinking about what courses I need to register for my junior year. My advisor suggests that I take AP chemistry in junior year and AP physics in senior year. I wonder if I follow this suggestion, I won't have enough knowledge when I take the ACT test in...
  9. P

    Schools Can I Study Physics Without AP Physics or Calculus?

    I know this question will likely depend on the college that it is applied to, but... If I were to not have taken any sort of Calculas, only pre-calculas in High School along with not taking AP Physics of any sort in High School would you still be able to enter college and study Physics? If...
  10. L

    How Do You Calculate Angular Motion for a Child on a Merry-Go-Round?

    Homework Statement Okay so this is a multi part question. I think I am on the right track, but I am most likely wrong. Any help is good. If I know what to use for the equations I can usually solve it on my own. The question is: A child of mass 40kg is on a merry go round. The ride is a...
  11. S

    AP PHYSICS ~ Thermal Properties ~ A heat transfer of

    A heat transfer of 9.5 x 10^5 J is required to convert a block if ice at -15°C to water at 15°C. What is the mass of the block of ice? So do I have to use the equation; Q= mcΔT ? and Q= mL ? And if so how do I use it?
  12. marcus

    APS Physics view of pre-inflation cosmology article

    "APS Physics" view of pre-inflation cosmology article The APS has an online periodical that publishes "Viewpoints" on current research, for instance http://physics.aps.org/articles/v5/142 is an interpretive explanatory viewpoint, written for non-specialists, on the article by Agullo Ashtekar...
  13. A

    I with an AP Physics Momentum/Collision problem

    AP Physics Momentum/Collision problem.. Homework Statement "A projectile of mass M is fired at an angle Theta (with the horizontal) from a cannon of mass 4M and velocity V on a friction-less flat surface. Determine Theta such that the distance from the end of the cannon (the hole of the...
  14. S

    AP PHYSICS ~ FLUIDS ~ A cube of osmium with a volume of

    A cube of osmium with a volume of 166 cm³ is placed in fresh water. The cube's apparent weight is 35.0 N. What is the density of osmium?This is what I did: I converted force to mass by : 35 N / 9.8 = 3.57 kg then changed the 166 cm³ to m³ which is : .000166 m³ After that i divided the mass...
  15. E

    Testing Taking Physics SATII without AP Physics?

    Hi, I'm in 11th grade currently taking Pre-AP Physics and want to take the Physics SATII subject test. I have to take it this upcoming summer of 2013 since college applications are due in November 2013. However, I'm not sure if just knowledge from Pre-AP physics will be enough for the test. Does...
  16. O

    Electromechanical vs. Mechanical Engineering

    What do you guys about these two professions? I am leaning toward teaching Math, however, I am unsure if I will enjoy teaching students who do not wish to learn. I found physics to be interesting, but I must admit that I am not really good at it. I know what I am doing(to a point)...
  17. U

    I finding a good study resource for AP Physics BC

    I'm a senior in high school currently taking AP Physics BC (mechanics) without having taken a physics course previously. I normally do well in my classes as I'm 10th in my class and am taking the most difficult level of classes I can. I can't say this for my AP physics class, which I currently...
  18. S

    AP Physics: Momentum Change Calculated for Dropped Ball

    A 3.0-kg ball, which is dropped, strikes the ground with a velocity of 16.0 m/s and rebounds with a velocity of -12.0 m/s. What is the change in momentum?
  19. D

    How Does Friction Affect Motion in AP Physics Problems?

    AP Physics Question about friction? Homework Statement Please explain everything through... I'm so lost :( Mass B is on top of Mass A which is on top of the floor. B=2kg, A=4kg, gravity assumed to be 10m/s^2 Coefficient of friction between B and A is 0.2 kinetic, 0.4 static Coefficient...
  20. S

    Work done when dragging a crate 15m at 37° angle

    A crate is dragged 15m along a horizontal surface by a rope which makes an angle of 37° with the horizontal. How much work is done?
  21. D

    Need help with AP Physics Q Preferrably before 6AM

    Homework Statement I'm so lost in class right now... can anyone go through step-by-step how to solve this problem? A small mass moves along a friction free level surface (of height 10 meters) at a speed of 5m/s and comes to a circular ramp. After it has descended 2 vertical meters, its...
  22. J

    AP Physics Kinematics 2 Balls Inclined Track

    Consider two balls on an inclined track with a constant angle. Ball A is released from rest at the top of the track. Ball B is given an initial velocity directed down the track. At the instant that the balls collide, Ball A is going 4 times as fast as Ball B. Ball B is still traveling upward...
  23. S

    AP Physics ~ A good jump in the long jump event is

    A good jump in the long jump event is 3.7m. If the jumper leaves the ground at an angle of 25°, what speed must he need to jump the 3.70m distance? →Could you use this equation: vf²=vi²+2aY aka (final velocity)²= (initial velocity)²+2(acceleration)(distance in the y-direction) →So, that...
  24. A

    Force of Friction on Boat w/ Thrust

    Homework Statement A boat moves across the water at a constant 30 mph towards the west. If the motor is generating a thrust of 500 M then the force of friction on the boat must be... a. 500 N to the east b. 500 N to the west c. less than 500 N to the east d. less than 500 N to the west...
  25. greasehoot

    Formula for the vibration rate of an atom?

    Just a general inquiry, and not for any personal gain and or theory, I would like to know if anyone has developed a formula for measuring the vibrational rate of an atom.
  26. S

    Circular Motion and Gravitation of tether ball

    Homework Statement There is a tether ball swinging around in a uniform circle on a rope that is 1.90m long. Marcus hit the ball so hard that the string holding the ball made a 20.0 degree angle to the horizontal. What is the tension in the rope if the ball has a mass of 1.40 kg? Assume that the...
  27. Delta31415

    Is Taking AP Physics in High School Worth It?

    Should i wait a year or so and take AP physics or take physics over the summer, at a college just asking(am a freshman in high school)
  28. A

    MHB Are AP Physics equations allowed in a AP Calc test?

    The only reason I ask is that I'm in both classes (AP Physics C:Mechanics/AP Calc BC) and I find myself using formulas from one class to answer the question in another class. I did one question in Calc involving the motion of an object and used some physics formulas to solve it. The work for...
  29. T

    AP Physics B: Understanding Diffraction

    I was reading the Princeton Review AP Physics B book and i don't understand the concept of diffraction. Can someone please explain it to me?
  30. P

    Questions About AP Physics B & C

    Hi everyone! I was going to post this in the coursework section, but was quickly alerted by the text template requiring me to elaborate upon my problem, hehe. If this is the wrong section, you may of course close/move this thread. Thanks! In any event, I have a few questions about AP...
  31. J

    Schools Is AP Physics like College Physics?

    I'm a senior currently taking AP Physics C: Mechanics and really like the class, and am thinking about majoring in it in college. However, I know that college math is nothing like high school math. Is college physics similar to AP Physics C?
  32. F

    Is AP Physics B really worthless?

    I signed up for Physics B because my teacher said it was broad and could help me in getting an engineering degree. I actually found out that a lot of schools don't accept AP Physics B for college credit. MIT accepts credit for AP Physics C if there is a 5 on both exams. It's too late to...
  33. M

    Trouble understanding AP Physics B concepts?

    I'm currently a Junior in high school with an average GPA of about 3.197 (includes first semester of Junior year). Over the years, I haven't really been taking hs TOO seriously due to the lack of focus and effort in my studies (and also because I thought high school would be as easy as middle...
  34. K

    AP Physics B or C E&M: Choosing the Right Course

    I am currently a junior in high school taking physics A. I find it very easy and natural and have an A for 1st semester and a 97 on the midterm. I want to take AP physics but i am not sure which one. In college i am most likely going into construction so I will need a lot of math and physics...
  35. K

    How Do You Calculate Energy Dissipated by Drag Force in AP Physics C Mechanics?

    Hi All - 2nd year in my teaching career and already I'm teaching an AP C: Mechanics course! As I'm creating my midterm for my students, I'm looking at AP Free Response questions to give them practice for the real thing. As we're only 8 units in, my selections are limited to Work, Energy...
  36. O

    AP Physics B - Satellite/Orbit problem?

    A satellite of mass m is in an elliptical orbit around the Earth, which has mass Me and radius Re. The orbit varies from closest approach of a at point A to maximum distance of b from the center of the Earth at point B. At point A, the speed of the satellite is vo.Express your answers in terms...
  37. M

    Testing Preparing for the AP Physics B Exam, without taking the class

    Due to schedule conflicts, I was not able to take AP Physics B this year (my senior year). I am taking honors physics, but as you would guess, it is no where near the caliber of AP Physics. I bought the Princeton Review for AP Physics B, as suggested by the teacher. Besides working through...
  38. B

    Friction help. AP Physics C student

    [b]1. A 2.5 kg block is initially at rest on a horizontal surface. A horizontal force of magnitude F = 6.0 N and a vertical force of magnitude P are then applied to the block. The coefficients of friction for the block and surface are μ_s = 0.40 and μ_k = 0.25. Determine the magnitude of the...
  39. A

    How Do You Calculate Kinetic Energy in AP Physics Problems?

    Hello this is my first time posting on these forums:) I have a question on one of my homework assigments it goes like this: A 3.00 Kg toy falls from a height of 10.0 m Just before hitting the ground, what will be its kinetic energy? (Disregard Air Resistance. g=9.81 I have a problem with...
  40. N

    AP Physics C Homework (Potential and Kinetic Energy Stuff)

    Homework Statement Hi guys, I have a few physics problems that I have no clue on how to solve. I'm not really good at kinetic and potential energy and I would like some help on these problems. Here they are: 1.) A block starts from rest at the top of a 31.0 in inclined plane and encounters...
  41. Q

    Where Can I Find AP Physics C Past Papers from 1993-2000?

    Where can I find the past free response for 1993-2000 for AP Physics C?
  42. H

    AP Physics Problem: Find Height on Icy Hill w/ 40km/h & 0.153 FK

    Homework Statement A car with a speed of 40.0 km/h approaches the bottom of an icy hill. The hill has an angle of inclination of 10.5 degrees. The driver applies the brakes, which makes the car skid up the hill. If the coefficient of kinetic friction between the ice and the tires if 0.153, how...
  43. T

    Noob in AP Physics ): Help with HW please?

    Homework Statement I've managed to solve a few, but a few major problems are bugging me (quite a few, unfortunately.) The first question is this: "A golfer takes two putts to sink his ball in the hole once he is on the green. The first putt displaces the ball 1.10 m east, and the...
  44. G

    AP Physics: Do you think I lost points for this on the AP exam?

    Homework Statement Well I was rather shocked when I got a four instead of a five and am wondering if I lost points for this. According to my teacher the way the college board states it is that student's must have a reasonable appreciation for significant figures and that is all. So during...
  45. I

    Pre-Calc and AP Physics in 11th Grade

    Hello everyone. I'm not sure if this is the correct section, if not please move it. I'm currently in 10th grade and I'm finishing up Algebra 2 this year. I'll be in Pre Calc in 11th grade and taking AP Physics. Is this enough math for me to be taking (I'm pretty strong in math and can learn...
  46. E

    AP PHYSICS C: Solving problems

    Is it advisable to solve problems from Irodov and Resnick , Halliday , Walker for AP PHYSICS C :MECHANICS AND ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM ? I am self-studying, so any website links to practice problems(except Collegeboard) will be really helpful, please. Thank you.
  47. O

    Testing Is This a Good Strategy for the AP Physics B Exam?

    So i got this crazy physics teacher who doesn't actually teach physics. And this is not one of those comments from a lazy kid who doesn't want to learn and uses his teacher as an excuse. On the contrary: I LOVE physics hence i keep getting good grades since i actually teach myself from the book...
  48. G

    AP Physics: The Impact on Success in Physics and Engineering

    It's not offered in my small Idahoan school. Does this put me behind the game? All my older friends that went into physics/engineering say that the kids without it or calculus in high school never did as well. Is this true, or is it just a scare? :frown:
  49. J

    Need Answers for AP Physics B 2004 Exam To check work.

    Need Answers for AP Physics B 2004 Multiple Choice Exam To check work. I've completed the exam during my spring break. Willing to trade.
  50. D

    Which AP Physics C review book is the most comprehensive and up-to-date?

    AP exams are right around the corner and I was looking at picking up a review book to begin reviewing Mechanics and EM topics. I'm curious which one to buy. From what research I've done it seems that Pelcovits' "How to Prepare for AP Physics C" is the most rigorous book available and is...
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