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Changing Tyres

AP PHYSICS C:
MECHANICS

AP Physics C: Mechanics – Student Guide

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AP Physics C: Mechanics - Exam Overview

             The AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam will test your understanding of the scientific concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to use calculus when solving problems related to kinematics, linear momentum, and more.

 

             You can use a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator throughout the exam, and you will be provided with tables of commonly used physics equations and formulas. These tables are shared by both Physics C courses.

 

 

Exam Duration
1hr 30mins

 

 

Exam Components

Section 1: Multiple Choice - 35 Questions | 45mins | 50% of Score

             The multiple-choice section includes individual, single questions as well as sets of questions that refer to the same diagram or data presentation.

Questions may test your ability to:
 

  • Interpret and describe visual representations of physical situations

  • Formulate a testable scientific question or hypothesis and design an experiment to test it

  • Analyze data shown in a graph

  • Determine the relationship between physical qualities

  • Solve physics problems using mathematical relationships

  • Develop and support scientific claims with evidence

 

Section 2: Free Response - 3 Questions | 45mins | 50% of Score

             For the free-response section, credit for answers depends on the quality of the solutions and responses shown, so be sure to show your work.

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             Some questions specifically ask you to justify your answer or to write a scientific explanation that includes a claim, evidence, and reasoning. This analysis may generally be in the form of writing, equations, calculations, diagrams, or graphs. One of the three questions in this section will include an experimental or lab-based component.

Questions may test your ability to:
 

  • Interpret and describe visual representations of physical situations

  • Formulate a testable scientific question or hypothesis and design an experiment to test it

  • Create graphs and diagrams to represent data and physical situations

  • Analyze data shown in a graph

  • Determine the relationship between physical qualities

  • Solve physics problems using mathematical relationships

  • Support scientific claims with evidence

 


AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam – Scoring 

             For the first section (multiple-choice), for every question you answer correctly, you will get one point each. There is no negative marking. It means that even if your answer is wrong or left blank, no points are deducted. 
 

             Next is the free response section. Its scoring system is a bit complicated. Rather than being graded by AI, it is reviewed by AP graders following Set 1 guidelines and Set 2 guidelines.

           

             For more information about AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam and scoring, you can visit the College Board’s website.

 

 

AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam – Credit 

             Keep in mind, credit and advanced standing based on AP scores vary widely from school to school. Though a score of 3 is typically considered passing, it is not always enough to receive credit. Regulations regarding which APs qualify for course credits or advanced placement depend on the policy that your desired college or university has for AP exams. 
 

 

AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam - Study Resources

• College Board Classroom Resources

AP Physics C Premium, 2023: 4 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's Test Prep) Sixth Edition

Princeton Review AP Physics C Prep, 2023: 2 Practice Tests + Complete Content Review + Strategies & Techniques (College Test Preparation)

• A Plus Physics

Bozeman Physics

Flipping Physics

Hewitt Drew It

New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning

oPhysics

PhET 

The Physics Aviary

The Physics Classroom 

Pivot Interactives 

Positive Physics 

Pretty Good Physics

 

 

AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam Tips

 

The following strategies were developed to help you on exam day.

 

  • Before beginning to solve the free-response questions, it is a good idea to read through all of the questions to determine which ones you feel most prepared to answer. You can then proceed to solve the questions in a sequence that will allow you to perform your best.
     

  • Monitor your time appropriately on the free-response section. You want to ensure that you do not spend so much time on one question that you do not have enough time to at least attempt to answer all of them.

 

  • Show all the steps you took to reach your solution on questions involving calculations. If you do work that you think is incorrect, simply put an “X” through it, instead of spending time erasing it completely.
     

  • Many free-response questions are divided into parts such as a, b, c, and d, with each part calling for a different response. Credit for each part is awarded independently, so you should attempt to solve each part. For example, you may receive no credit for your answer to part a, but still receive full credit for part b, c, or d. If the answer to a later part of a question depends on the answer to an earlier part, you may still be able to receive full credit for the later part, even if that earlier answer is wrong.
     

  • Organize your answers as clearly and neatly as possible. You might want to label your answers according to the sub-part, such as (a), (b), (c), etc. This will assist you in organizing your thoughts and help ensure that you answer all parts of the free-response question.
     

  • You should include the proper units for each number where appropriate. If you keep track of units as you perform your calculations, it can help ensure that you express answers in terms of the proper units. Depending on the exam question, it is possible to lose points if the units are wrong or are missing from the answer.
     

  • You should not use the “scattershot” or “laundry list” approach: i.e., writing many equations or lists of terms hoping that the correct one will be among them so that you can get partial credit. For exams that ask for 2 or 3 examples or equations, only the first 2 or 3 examples will be scored.
     

  • Be sure to clearly and correctly label all graphs and diagrams accordingly. Read the question carefully, as this could include a graph title, x and y axes labels including units, a best fit line, etc. 

 

Task Verbs

 

Pay close attention to the task verbs used in the free-response questions. Each one directs you to complete a specific type of response. Here are the task verbs you’ll see on the exam:
 

  • Calculate: Perform mathematical steps to arrive at a final answer, including algebraic expressions, properly substituted numbers, and correct labeling of units and significant figures. Also phrased as “What is?”

  • Compare: Provide a description or explanation of similarities and/or differences.

  • Derive: Perform a series of mathematical steps using equations or laws to arrive at a final answer.

  • Describe: Provide the relevant characteristics of a specified topic.

  • Determine: Make a decision or arrive at a conclusion after reasoning, observation, or applying mathematical routines (calculations).

  • Estimate: Roughly calculate numerical quantities, values (greater than, equal to, less than), or signs (negative, positive) of quantities based on experimental evidence or provided data. When making estimations, showing steps in calculations is not required.

  • Explain: Provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning to support or qualify a claim. Explain “how” typically requires analyzing the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome; whereas, explain “why” typically requires analysis of motivations or reasons for the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome.

  • Justify: Provide evidence to support, qualify, or defend a claim, and/or provide reasoning to explain how that evidence supports or qualifies the claim.

  • Label: Provide labels indicating unit, scale, and/or components in a diagram, graph, model, or representation.

  • Plot: Draw data points in a graph using a given scale or indicating the scale and units, demonstrating consistency between different types of representations.

  • Sketch/Draw: Create a diagram, graph, representation, or model that illustrates or explains relationships or phenomena, demonstrating consistency between different types of representations. Labels may or may not be required.

  • State/Indicate/Circle: Indicate or provide information about a specified topic, without elaboration or explanation. Also phrased as “What …?” or “Would …?” interrogatory questions.

  • Verify: Confirm that the conditions of a scientific definition, law, theorem, or test are met in order to explain why it applies in a given situation. Also, use empirical data, observations, tests, or experiments to prove, confirm, and/or justify a hypothesis.

 

In addition, you can take a look at the following as part of your exam preparation.

 

AP Physics C Equation Tables

             This document supplies equations commonly used in physics as well as constants, conversion factors, unit symbols, and more. This document or one like it will be provided to you on exam day for either of the AP Physics C Exams.

 

             You can also view Past Exam Questions and Scoring Information for you to have a glance at what questions to expect during the exam day.

 

 

Conclusion

             The best way to get through AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam is to keep a calm and collected mind. If you find yourself panicking, it will make it much more difficult to answer the questions. You should also make sure that you don't overthink the questions. If they seem difficult, just try to break them down into smaller parts and solve them one step at a time. Good luck!

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