AP Physics

AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 were introduced in 2015, replacing AP Physics B.[2] The courses were designed to emphasize critical thinking and reasoning as well as learning through inquiry.[3] They are algebra-based and do not require any calculus knowledge.[4]

From 1969 to 1972, AP Physics C was a single course with a single exam that covered all standard introductory university physics topics, including mechanics, fluids, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics.[6] In 1973, the College Board split the course into AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. The exam was also split into two separate 90-minute tests, each equivalent to a semester-length calculus-based college course.[7][8] Until 2006, both exams could be taken for a single fee; since then, a separate fee is charged for each exam.

The two Physics C courses can be combined to create a year-long Physics C course that prepares students for both exams.

Until 1969, only a single AP Physics course existed. In 1969, it was split into AP Physics B and AP Physics C, each having its own exam.[9] AP Physics B was equivalent to an introductory algebra-based college course in physics.[10] The course did not use calculus.[11]

AP Physics B was divided into five different sections:[11]

• Newtonian mechanics
• Fluid mechanics and thermal physics
• Electricity and magnetism
• Waves and optics
• Atomic and nuclear physics

In 2014, AP Physics B was replaced by AP Physics 1 and 2.

Designed concurrently with AP Physics B and AP Physics C, AP Physics A was supposed to be a conceptual version of AP Physics B, employing little to no mathematics. AP Physics A never proceeded past the development stage, as colleges would not offer credit for the course.[11][12][13]