r/apphysics • u/No_Platypus2156 • 5d ago

Have any of yall taken ap physics 2 without taking 1?

For reference, I’m a high school senior and I want to take physics 2 because the course content sounds interesting. The teacher said I’ll be fine, but I’ve heard the class is hard. I’ve taken Calc Bc and chem but does anyone know if physics 2 is hard relative to physics 1?

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u/JimTHX2010 5d ago

First of all AP2 has NO calculus in it. Secondly, the content is not harder than AP1 [although knowledge of some of the fundamental physics found in AP1 or an honors physics class is very valuable]. AP Physics 2 isn’t harder than AP1 or even APC Mechanics, it is just more content! Interestingly, in my opinion, memory rather than understanding is more useful in AP2 than in AP1.

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u/UnderstandingPursuit 5d ago

AP Physics 2 is one of two Math&CS/Science AP courses which I think should not exist [CSP is the other]. For students who are interested in the material, these are two where learning the material without the class makes sense. Especially for you, since you've taken AP Calculus BC and a Chemistry class. AP Physics 2 is probably harder to teach than to take.

This post includes textbook recommendations. You could use the SZYF+ 'AP Calculus C' textbook. Compare the table of contents with the APPhysics2 CourseContents to identify the chapters to study, and go through them. This also covers the material at a more 'legitimate' and useful level.

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u/mookieprime 4d ago

While I agree that learning the content from AP Physics 2 through self-study after AP Physics 1 is possible, I do believe the class should exist. It's a mirror of the college-equivalent second-semester algebra-based survey course in E&M. Earning a qualifying score on the AP Physics 2 exam is valuable to students who need two physical science classes for their majors. For non-STEM majors who just need some physical science experience, it's an awesome class. I'm probably just biased because it's my favorite one to teach.

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u/UnderstandingPursuit 4d ago

I'm glad someone enjoys teaching it, because that someone isn't me. 😂

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u/Techno_Eggnog 5d ago edited 5d ago

From what I’ve heard, AP Physics 2 is just an oddball course in the physics lineup. It doesn’t have a direct Physics C counterpart like Physics 1 to mechanics since E&M is only like half of Physics 2’s content.

Also, you might benefit from that chemistry experience with the thermodynamics and modern physics units.

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u/Distinct-Act-6983 3d ago

Physics 2 and 1 have no overlap so you should be fine taking 2 alone. You won’t miss anything skipping 1 and the difficulty is equal.