- #1
Sko
I'm in standard physics junior year of high school. I really like physics but am wondering if I'll be able to handle AP without pre-calculus (which I'm taking next year also).
Should I Take AP Physics Without Pre-Calculus?
- Context: High School
- Thread starter Sko
- Start date
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- Tags
- Ap Ap physics Physics
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the question of whether a student should take AP Physics without having completed Pre-Calculus. Participants share their experiences and opinions regarding the prerequisites and challenges associated with the course, touching on aspects of theory, personal experiences, and educational pathways.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Homework-related
Main Points Raised
- Some participants argue that a knowledge of calculus is necessary for AP Physics, suggesting that without it, students may struggle.
- Others share personal experiences of taking AP Physics concurrently with Pre-Calculus or Calculus, indicating that it is manageable if one is proficient in algebra and trigonometry.
- A participant mentions that the quality of the teacher can significantly affect the experience, with some teachers focusing more on algebra than calculus.
- There is a suggestion that taking AP Physics without Pre-Calculus may still be feasible, provided the student has a strong understanding of trigonometry.
- One participant notes that the course description indicates that Pre-Calculus is not a strict prerequisite, as long as students are enrolled in it concurrently.
- Another participant emphasizes the importance of studying physics concepts beforehand to perform well in the class and on the AP exam.
- Some participants express confidence in taking the course without Pre-Calculus, citing their own success in doing so.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally do not reach a consensus on whether taking AP Physics without Pre-Calculus is advisable. Multiple competing views remain, with some advocating for the necessity of calculus knowledge while others argue that it can be managed without it.
Contextual Notes
Some participants highlight the variability in teaching styles and course expectations, which may affect the experience of taking AP Physics without Pre-Calculus. Additionally, there are references to different AP Physics courses (B and C) and their content, which may influence the decision to enroll.
- #2
laura
You would need a knowledge of calculus.
I wouldn't recommend AP Physics if you are not taking Calculus AB next year.
I wouldn't recommend AP Physics if you are not taking Calculus AB next year.
- #3
StarkyDee
Indeed Laura is correct. I took AP Physics while also taking Pre-Calculus (Trig/Analytic Geo.) and struggled with it. Good luck if you do, you'll need it!
- #4
photon
- 125
- 0
You could always work up to an acceptacle level in calc over the summer.
- #5
Loren Booda
- 3,115
- 4
I went from regular physics and calculus as a high school senior to intensive freshman physics at Yale. I don't regret it, but had I to choose again, I would take the BS, not the MS, 4-year track.
I would like to have had AP physics as an option in high school. Taking AP physics without calculus is like taking calculus tests with only a knowledge of advanced algebra, though.
I would like to have had AP physics as an option in high school. Taking AP physics without calculus is like taking calculus tests with only a knowledge of advanced algebra, though.
- #6
deltabourne
- 72
- 0
It depends what physics - B or C? I took AP Physics B at my school concurrently with pre-calc AND calc (was a fun year :D).. it wasn't hard at all. If you're good with algebra, you can handle AP Physics B easily. Just don't take C, that uses lots of calculus
- #7
blackflub
- 8
- 0
i'm doing AP physics and pre calc at the same time and i have the highest grade in the class it gives you an advantage cause the trig is still fresh in your head
- #8
Sko
Got that off the website, and it sounds like you don't need pre-cal b4 you go in, just have to be in it at the same time. It doesn't say whether it's A,B,C?? Well thanks for the comments but I'll probably just end up trusting the advice of other physics students/guidance councilor.
- #9
PrudensOptimus
- 641
- 0
really depends on your teacher.
Good teacher would use trig a lot, + calc
bad teacher would probably teach you basic algebra in ap physics.(he himself may be wrong)
Good teacher would use trig a lot, + calc
bad teacher would probably teach you basic algebra in ap physics.(he himself may be wrong)
- #10
al2six
- 6
- 0
my physics teacher taught us virtually no calculus. if you weren't in BC calc, you were screwed.
- #11
Chi Meson
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 1,891
- 11
Originally posted by Sko
Got that off the website, and it sounds like you don't need pre-cal b4 you go in, just have to be in it at the same time. It doesn't say whether it's A,B,C?? Well thanks for the comments but I'll probably just end up trusting the advice of other physics students/guidance councilor.
THe description is that of Physics B.
Physics C does not cover optics or thermodynamics; "C" only covers mechanics and electromagnetism (although it goes much more deeply into each).
- #12
Moose352
- 165
- 0
I don't think you need to have pre-calc concurrent with AP Physics. I am taking AP Physics without pre-calc, and am doing fine (in fact, better than even the guys who know calc). I would strongly advise you learn trig before hand though.
- #13
Sko
Yeah, I'm in "advanced" algebra and trig this year.
- #14
Thallium
- 231
- 0
Exactly what is applied physics?
- #15
thermodynamicaldude
- 58
- 1
hmnm...to answer that question, i think applied physics is just physics applied in practical purposes/technologies.
About AP physics, I would highly recommend taking the course. Last year as a sophmore, I took AP physics B while taking pre-calculus and managed to get a 5 (out of 5). At that time, I hadn't even taking calculus yet. Still, studying physics over the summer before I took the course significantly helped my performance in the class/AP test, so i would recommend knowing some stuff about physics before taking the class for anyone desiring to take it. That's just my opinion though.
About AP physics, I would highly recommend taking the course. Last year as a sophmore, I took AP physics B while taking pre-calculus and managed to get a 5 (out of 5). At that time, I hadn't even taking calculus yet. Still, studying physics over the summer before I took the course significantly helped my performance in the class/AP test, so i would recommend knowing some stuff about physics before taking the class for anyone desiring to take it. That's just my opinion though.
- #16
godspeed
- 3
- 0
yea, definitely take it. i am taking the class without calculus because its the only one offered at my school even though i am taking calculus BC. always take the hardest classes you can. top of the line schools look not just at your grades, but whether or not you always took the most challenging courses available to you. my physics and calculus exams were the hardest exams I've ever taken by far. three hours wasn't long enough for every sing person in both classes. I'm dreading getting those grades back.