About the Author
Boris Korsunsky holds graduate degrees in physics and physical chemistry from colleges in Russia, and a doctorate in learning and teaching from the Harvard School of Education. His dissertation focuses on cognition as it relates to solving non-trivial physics problems.
James L. Love, M.A.T., teaches part-time at Richland College, Dallas, Texas, and runs a tutoring service. He has taught Advanced Placement- and International Baccalaureate-level physics in Texas secondary schools and holds two advanced degrees from the University of Texas at Dallas. In the course of his distinguished teaching career, Mr. Love, now semi-retired, won a number of National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Energy awards for advanced study and training at national labs, including Kitt Peak Observatory, the Fermi Laboratory, and the Thomas Jefferson Laboratory. He continues a seven-year association with International Baccalaureate as an examiner for extended essays in physics.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
ABOUT THIS BOOK
This book provides an accurate and complete representation of the AP Physics Exam for both the B & C exams. It includes a completely revised and expanded AP Physics Course Review and four complete Advanced Placement Physics Exams: two AP Physics B and two AP Physics C exams. Each exam is composed of every type of question that can be expected on the AP Physics Exam. In addition, each exam is followed by an answer key and detailed explanations to every question. By completing the exams that correspond to the test you are taking (B or C) and by studying the explanations of answers and our AP Physics Review, you can discover your strengths and weaknesses and thereby become well prepared for the actual exam.
ABOUT THE TEST
The Advanced Placement (AP) Physics B and C Exams are given each May by the Educational Testing Service under the direction of the Advanced Placement Board. The Advanced Placement program is designed to allow high school students pursue college-level studies while still attending high school. The AP exam is administered to high school students who have completed a year’s study in a college-level physics course. The exam is taken by students in an attempt to earn college credit. At many colleges, if the student scores high enough on the exam, he/she will earn college credits, and will be granted appropriate academic placement. Thus the student may enter higher level classes while still a freshman.
There are two AP Physics examinations:
• the Physics B exam, and
• the Physics C exam
The Physics B exam primarily tests mechanics, heat, kinetic theory and thermodynamics, and electricity and magnetism, as well as wave theory and modern particle physics. Knowledge of algebra and trigonometry is necessary. The more difficult Physics C exam consists of two tests. One concentrates on mechanics, and the other concentrates on electricity and magnetism. Physics C requires a strong knowledge of calculus.
The Physics B exam consists of two sections.
• Section One 70 multiple-choice questions
90 minutes (calculators not allowed)
• Section Two about 7 free-response questions
90 minutes (calculators allowed)
The Physics C exam consists of two individual tests that are each divided into multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. The student may choose to take both tests, or, if it is preferred, the student can take either test individually. Each test consists of multiple-choice questions and free-response questions on one topic. Whether you choose to take one or both tests, you must take both the multiple-choice and the free-response questions for that test.
•Test One-Mechanics
35 multiple-choice questions dealing only with mechanics
45 minutes (calculators not allowed)
3 free-response questions
45 minutes (calculators allowed)
•Test Two-Electricity
35 multiple-choice questions dealing only with electricity and magnetism
45 minutes (calculators not allowed)
3 free-response questions
45 minutes (calculators allowed)
WHICH EXAM SHOULD YOU TAKE?
You can either take the Physics B or the Physics C exam (which, as we’ve said, actually comprises two tests), but you cannot take both. There are two ways to determine which exam you should take: 1. If your school is offering only the Physics B course, then take the B exam. If your school is offering only the Physics C course, then take the C exam. If you are taking the C exam, then you can choose to take only the Mechanics test, only the Electricity and Magnetism test, or both. It is your option depending on which subject areas are more comfortable for you. 2. If your school only offers a general AP Physics course and does not specify B or C, speak to your teacher regarding which exam you should take. Your teacher will be able to review your abilities and knowledge, and help you pick the appropriate exam.
The C exams are more difficult and require more preparation time than the B exam; however, a good grade on either exam may earn you college credit. Keep in mind that you cannot take both exams, and that you cannot change your mind once you have signed up to take one of the exams, so think carefully about which exam you wish to take.
ABOUT THE REVIEW
Our AP Physics B and C Reviews provide a comprehensive summary of the main areas tested on each of the AP Physics Exams, and are written to help you understand these topics. The review chapters have been developed based on the topical outline given by the test administrator.
By studying our review, your chances of scoring well on the actual exam will be greatly increased. After thoroughly studying the material presented in the Physics Review, you should go on to take the appropriate practice tests. Used in conjunction, the review and the practice tests will enhance your skills and give you the added confidence needed to obtain a high score.
TAKING THE PRACTICE EXAMS
Make sure to take the practice exam(s) that correspond(s) to the exam you are taking. When taking the practice exams, you should try to simulate your testing conditions.
• Work in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted.
• Time yourself!
• Do not use books, or similar articles, since these materials will not be permitted in the test center.
By following these tips, you will become accustomed to the time constraints you will face when taking the exam, and you will also be able to develop speed in answering the questions as the test format becomes more familiar.
SCORING THE EXAM
The multiple-choice section of the exam is scored by crediting each correct answer with one point, and by deducting one-fourth of a point for each incorrect answer. Questions omitted receive neither a credit nor a deduction, so it is to your advantage to utilize the process of elimination if you are unsure of an answer. The free-response section is scored by a group of “chief readers” who read your response and assign it a grade. Then both grades, the raw score on the multiple-choice section, and the grade on the free-response section, are combined and converted to the program’s five-point scale:
5—extremely qualified
4—well-qualified
3—qualified
2—possibly qualified
1—no recommendation.
Colleges participating in the Advanced Placement Program usually recognize grades of three or higher.
