Is AP Physics C: Mechanics Hard? A Complete Guide

AP Physics C: Mechanics is one of four AP Physics courses offered by the College Board, and one of two that are only a half-year long. AP Physics C: Mechanics is intended to be equivalent to a semester of college-level physics.

If you’re wondering whether or not to take the course, you may want to know how difficult it is. A few different factors determine how hard you’ll find AP Physics C: Mechanics.

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a specialized physics course which provides an introduction to calculus-based physics and relevant scientific methods and concepts.

In addition to the traditional, classroom-based aspects of the course, you will also have a hands-on lab-based component. The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam also includes a lab-based portion. The material is divided into seven units, with some time left at the end of the course for review. The seven units are as follows:

If you’re trying to figure out how difficult you’ll find AP Physics C: Mechanics, there are a few key factors to keep in mind, such as the exam pass rate, the course material, and your subject skills.

One way to gauge the difficulty of any given AP class is the pass rate on the AP exam. AP exams are scored from 1-5, with anything above a 3 being considered a passing score. By looking at AP Physics C: Mechanics’ AP exam pass rate compared to the average across all AP classes, you can get some idea of how difficult students tend to find the exam.

Source: College Board

AP Physics C: Mechanics has a higher-than-average pass rate and perfect score rate. However, AP exam pass rates are not a sure-fire measure of course difficulty.

Some AP exams, like AP Physics C: Mechanics, have higher pass-rates because the students who take it have prior experience and preparation in the sciences and are willing to challenge themselves. Furthermore, other aspects of how difficult you find the course, like the quality of your teacher, will be specific to you and your school.

The amount and type of material an AP course covers, as well as how much time you have to learn each new topic, can impact how difficult you find the course.

The AP Physics C: Mechanics course covers seven distinct units. Because it is only a half-year course, that means some students may find that each topic moves fairly quickly, which can be challenging.

One personal factor that may determine how difficult you find AP Physics C: Mechanics is your own subject skills. AP Physics C: Mechanics is a calculus-based science course.

Students with a strong math background who enjoy higher-level math, are doing well in calculus, and who have taken and enjoyed previous physics courses will likely find the course easier than those who struggle with math and science.

Students generally take AP Physics C: Mechanics relatively late in their high school careers — junior or senior year. This is in part because a knowledge of calculus is necessary for AP Physics C: Mechanics, and most high schools do not offer calculus to freshmen or sophomores.

When you are deciding when to take AP Physics C: Mechanics, you should also keep in mind your personal course load and schedule. Be sure you have time to give the course the attention it requires, which will depend in part on how many other AP classes you’re taking and your commitments outside of the classroom.

The table below shows the score distribution on the AP Physics C: Mechanics exam. The exam is 90 minutes long, and divided into multiple sections. The most common score is a 4.

Source: College Board

The 90-minute AP Physics C: Mechanics exam is broken into two 45-minute sections. Section 1 contains 35 multiple choice questions, while Section 2 features three free-response questions.

One of the questions on the free response section will be lab-based, or practical, while the other two will be traditional pen-and-paper questions. There will be a short break between the two sections, and you will be allowed a calculator throughout the test (standard four-function, scientific, or graphing calculators only).

The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam is scored 1-5, with 5 being the highest score. Sections 1 and 2 are each worth 50% of your total score, with each multiple choice question in Section 1 worth an equal amount. In Section 2, each of the three free-response questions are weighted equally, at 16.67% each.

Source: College Board

To earn college credit from AP Physics C: Mechanics, you will need a score of 3 or higher on your AP exam. However, different colleges have different policies regarding AP exam credit.

Some will only give credit for scores of 4 or higher, or will award more credit for higher AP exam scores. Check online to see what your school’s AP exam credit policy is for AP Physics C: Mechanics.

Only you can decide whether or not you should take AP Physics C: Mechanics. As you’re making your decision, remember to consider not only the factors discussed above but also your personal schedule, what subjects you’re most interested in, and how AP Physics C: Mechanics will impact your plans.

If you want to learn more about the class before enrolling, consider asking a student at your school who has already taken the course for advice. They will be able to answer questions specific for your school and weigh in on teacher quality.