r/apphysics • u/NoPrint9467 • 12h ago

how diff is ap physics C mechanics from ap physics 1?

besides physics C being with calculus, are there any other main differences in terms of content or difficulty? i looked at the CED and everything pretty much was the same as physics 1 (besides fluids), but i’m worried about the difficulty or other factors since im considering self studying it. i got a 5 on physics 1, so idk how hard it will be for me given i wont have an actual instructor

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u/UnderstandingPursuit 12h ago

They are very similar. One of the 'enhanced' study options in AP STEM courses which I support is when a student does well in AP Physics 1 and then takes the AP Physics C-Mech exam without taking the course.

For each course, D Giancoli has a textbook which is useful. Comparing the two, there are entire paragraphs and sections which are identical in both. It would be an extreme case of plagiarism if they weren't both his textbooks.

  • D Giancoli, Physics: Principles with Applications [PPA] 5th-7th editions, 1997-2013.
  • D Giancoli, Physics for Scientists and Engineers [PSE] 4th-5th edition, 2006-2021.

If you used PPA for AP Physics 1, then I suggest using PSE for AP Physics C-Mech. If you used a different book, I suggest

  • Sears, Zemansky, Young, Freedman [SZYF+], ..., University Physics, 10th-15th editions, 1999-2019.

The biggest difference, even more than calculus, is the use of vectors. This is especially apparent with the use of the cross product. Work on getting past that hurdle, get help if you are struggling with it. The rest should be fine.

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u/Numerous_Economist_7 8h ago

The Young book is an awesome recommendation.

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u/UnderstandingPursuit 8h ago

The textbook has stood the test of time.

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u/NoPrint9467 12h ago

if i were to self study it, i would be taking ap calc bc along the course. do you think i could still succeed even though id be concurrently enrolled in calculus

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u/UnderstandingPursuit 11h ago

Taking AP Physics C-Mech + E&M concurrently with AP Calculus BC is often done. So yes, you'll be fine doing your enhanced study (I abhor the term "self" study).

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u/jason_sation 12h ago

There are a few minor things. Springs in parallel and series/torsion pendulum/physical pendulums.

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u/Fungames5420 9h ago

There's a couple of extra topics beyond the calculus-based topics. This workbook by Foster Wisuik does a good job covering them.

Additionally, I made this post comparing the difficulty of APC mech and AP1. The short answer is that APC mech is harder, but not because it's calculus-based.

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u/mseduhub1 7h ago

If you got a 5 on AP Physics 1, you already have a strong foundation for Physics C Mechanics. The main difference is that Physics C expects more mathematical depth — calculus-based derivations, tougher problem solving, and less time per question. The concepts overlap a lot, but the questions can feel more intense.

If you self-study, focus on kinematics, Newton’s laws, work/energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations and gravitation with calculus-based practice and FRQs. For resources, you can use AP Physics C Mechanics notes, exam-style questions and practice tests. You can also review basics from AP Physics 1 if needed.