Would taking AP Physics with no previous experience with physics be a bad idea? I've taken algebra II honors and chemistry honors and im taking pre calculus honors next year but some of my friends are saying that I should take regular physics first. I would've taken physics honors if it was offered but my school only offers either physics or ap physics since there's only one physics teacher who also teaches ap chem. I'm not gonna take regular physics because then I would have to take ap physics senior year and that's when I want to take human anatomy.
Rather than going off what my friends say (who haven't taken ap physics), I thought it would be better to ask some people who are or have taken ap physics.
Thanks.
Well, taking AP physics without taking regular physics is possible - I did it and know many people that have. But the key for you would be taking AP Physics B. Also, you may have trouble with some of the math concepts that come with physics, namely that much of physics relies on knowledge of vectors - something I never learned until pre-calculus. You can certainly learn the concepts, but it may put you at a disadvantage especially if the teacher doesn't spend much time on the subject (I know many don't, but it does depend on the person). You'd also be at more of a disadvantage from the rest of your class that has had regular physics, but again if you really want to learn it you can overcome. Another thing to be aware of is that physics is different from other sciences in terms of the way you approach problems. It's a bit hard to explain, but most people don't tell you that. You just have to realize that everything is relative to something else, and you have to figure out what's the best thing for something to be related to. But yeah, it's not necessary. Most of the people in my Physics B class skipped regular physics and were in pre-calculus, but be aware that the class may be designed for people who did take the regular and have maybe passed pre-calculus. And I'm always happy to help explain some concepts if you need it.
[=RoyalBlue][=Comic Sans MS]
"I refuse to prove that I exist," says God, "for proof denies faith, and without faith I am nothing."
"But," say Man, "the Babel fish is a dead giveaway, isn't it? It could not have evolved by chance. It
Yeah, I'm taking AP Physics B. I don't think I'd really be at a disadvantage though since I know many people who have taken the class as a first year class and they said most people do since there is only one period of regular physics in the whole school. Of course I also know two people who have taken regular physics and recommended taking that before AP. Many people have told me that approaching problems is really difficult and that has been something that I've had trouble with for a while but I think eventually I'll get the hang of it. I'm not really worried about the math since I love math and I'd be willing to teach myself the concepts if it ends up being beneficial.
Thanks so much for your time and the offer!
My school requires you to take standard Physics before AP. Same with Biology and Environmental Science. Which has made it difficult for everyone to take them. Most have to replace an elective to take all 3. But my school's AP exam grades are classically pitiful, so that's probably why.
Just a little update: while it is a very difficult class and my teacher moves at a quick pace, I'm managing to average a B in the class, which really surprised me since I've been getting Cs on my tests and doing horrible on free response questions.
Well I hope you can keep up your B. Let me know if you want some help!
[=RoyalBlue][=Comic Sans MS]
"I refuse to prove that I exist," says God, "for proof denies faith, and without faith I am nothing."
"But," say Man, "the Babel fish is a dead giveaway, isn't it? It could not have evolved by chance. It
AP Physics B is pretty easy if you can just learn some basic concepts. AP Physics C without previous experience is a pain though.
You shouldn't need to take a regular physics class before AP Physics B. In fact, at my school, you're not even allowed to take regular before IB Physics SL (our relative equivalent of AP Physics B).
Although, I'd be wary if you're just doing this for college credit. I've seen that some colleges will only give credit for AP Physics C.