MHB Are AP Physics equations allowed in a AP Calc test?

AI Thread Summary
Using physics equations in AP Calculus exams may be permissible, but students should justify any non-standard equations they include. It's important to understand that while some calculus problems can relate to physics concepts, graders expect solutions to adhere to calculus principles. A common scenario involves deriving equations related to motion, where integration is key. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with past exam papers and seek guidance from teachers regarding acceptable practices. Ultimately, integrating knowledge from both subjects can enhance problem-solving skills, but clarity and justification are crucial when presenting solutions.
Adrian3
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
The only reason I ask is that I'm in both classes (AP Physics C:Mechanics/AP Calc BC) and I find myself using formulas from one class to answer the question in another class. I did one question in Calc involving the motion of an object and used some physics formulas to solve it. The work for both solutions was similar (like solving for the time using the same derived formula etc). The only problem for Calc would be rectilinear motion as far as I've learned and Work. I want to know if an AP grader of either exam would take off for using a physics formula or vice-versa?
 
Last edited:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Adrian said:
The only reason I ask is that I'm in both classes (AP Physics C:Mechanics/AP Calc BC) and I find myself using formulas from one class to answer the question in another class. I did one question in Calc involving the motion of an object and used some physics formulas to solve it. The work for both solutions was similar (like solving for the time using the same derived formula etc). The only problem for Calc would be rectilinear motion as far as I've learned and Work. I want to know if an AP grader of either exam would take off for using a physics formula or vice-versa?

I would imagine you'd be able to use working out that works but the only people who'll know are the exam board but I'd recommend looking at past papers or ask a teacher
 
I took both AP Calc BC and AP Physics when I was a senior in high school. That was almost 10 years ago but if my memory serves me correctly you need to justify any equations you bring in if it's not in the standard calculus curriculum, meaning very standard. A common physics question that is asked on the Calc exams is one related to 2-d motion. They will give you the acceleration and ask you to derive (through integration) the equation for velocity or displacement. I would be careful of just bringing in an outside equation with no explanation and using that as the main tool to answer the question.
 
You can basically derive all the physics formulas by calculus. If you can only solve a problem with the physics method, look at how the method ties in with calculus and try it...you may find yourself being proficient at using both ways.
 
Suppose ,instead of the usual x,y coordinate system with an I basis vector along the x -axis and a corresponding j basis vector along the y-axis we instead have a different pair of basis vectors ,call them e and f along their respective axes. I have seen that this is an important subject in maths My question is what physical applications does such a model apply to? I am asking here because I have devoted quite a lot of time in the past to understanding convectors and the dual...
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...

Similar threads

Back
Top