Skip to content

AP Physics C (Mechanics & E&M)

Course Description

AP Physics C is a college-level, calculus-based course that allows students to deeply explore the physical laws governing motion, force, electricity, and magnetism. The course is divided into two separate exams, Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism. The course emphasizes problem-solving, conceptual reasoning, and the application of differential and integral calculus to physical systems. Students develop analytical thinking through theoretical study and hands-on experimentation.

Key Components:

  • Mechanics: Topics include kinematics, Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, rotation, and oscillations

  • Electricity and Magnetism: Topics include electrostatics, circuits, Gauss’s law, magnetism, and induction

  • Calculus Integration: Use of derivatives and integrals to model, analyze, and solve real-world physics problems

  • Experimental Design and Analysis: Conducting labs, collecting data, and justifying conclusions based on physical principles.

 

AP Exam Details

  • AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism each conclude with a traditional end-of-course exam administered by the College Board. Students are assessed on their understanding of advanced physics concepts, their ability to apply calculus to physical systems, and their skill in solving multi-step problems grounded in real-world and theoretical contexts. Each exam includes:

    • Multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge of physics principles, mathematical reasoning, and application of laws to mechanics or electromagnetism topics

    • Free-response questions that require students to solve complex problems, show step-by-step reasoning, justify answers with calculus-based explanations, and interpret experimental results

    Each exam is scored separately by the College Board and makes up 100% of the AP score for its respective subject.

Helpful Info

Introduction and Exam Overview

Physics and Math with Mr. D'Antuono

Full AP Physics C: E&M Review

Fiveable

Full AP Physics C: Mechanics Review

Math Ace

"Class is pretty fast paced, so be prepared for that. If you get a good score on the exam, it can really really help with credit."
Alex
Student
"I had a great teacher for this course. I would recommend that you take calculus before taking AP Physics C because otherwise you're learning the calculus part on the fly."
Ryan
Student
Share your Opinion

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Score Distribution

  • High scorers trending down: The percentage of 5s has declined from a high of 40.4% in 2020 to 23% in 2025, a significant drop over six years.

  • Mean score still strong: Despite fewer top scores in 2025, the mean score remains solid at 3.53, slightly down from the 2020 peak of 3.68 but still higher than most AP science exams.

  • Consistent pass rates: Around 70–74% of students score a 3 or higher each year, indicating strong overall performance even with minor year-to-year shifts.

AP Physics C: Mechanics Score Distribution

  • Fewer top scores in 2025: The percentage of students scoring a 5 has dropped from a peak of 41.6% in 2020 to just 20% in 2025—a dramatic decline over six years.

  • Mean score declining: The mean score has fallen from a high of 3.87 in 2020 to 3.50 in 2025, still above average for AP science exams but clearly trending down.

  • Pass rate steady: Despite fewer top scores, about 72–84% of students consistently earn a 3 or higher, showing stable overall performance.

 

Forums
AP Physics C Forum
 

AP Physics C Forum

RSS
AP Physics C Forum
Posts
Topics

Tips & Feedback

0
0
Share:

Related courses

Explore Related AP Science Courses

AP Biology

Explore the intricate systems and processes that sustain life, from molecular genetics to ecological dynamics.

Learn More

AP Chemistry

Delve into the structure, properties, and transformations of matter to understand the chemical foundations of our world.​

Learn More

AP Environmental Science

Examine the interdependence of Earth’s systems and the human impact on environmental sustainability.

Learn More

AP Physics 1

Investigate the principles of motion, force, and energy to explain how objects move and interact in the universe.​

Learn More

AP Physics 2

Explore the behavior of fluids, electricity, magnetism, and quantum phenomena to deepen your understanding of physical reality.​

Learn More