AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
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About the Exam
Important Update
2021 AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exams will be offered on paper in early May and late May, and as a digital exam in early June. Both the paper and digital versions of the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism exam will be full length and measure the full range of skills and knowledge specified in the course and exam description (CED), giving you the opportunity to qualify for college credit and placement.
The paper exams will follow the typical multiple-choice and free-response format given in the CED. The digital exam will take the same amount of time, but will consist of double the number of multiple-choice questions as the paper exam, and no free-response questions.
There are differences between the paper and digital versions of some 2021 AP Exams, and those variations differ by course. The information below applies to AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
Learn more about 2021 testing.
2021 AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exams will be offered on paper in early May and late May, and as a digital exam in early June. Both the paper and digital versions of the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism exam will be full length and measure the full range of skills and knowledge specified in the course and exam description (CED), giving you the opportunity to qualify for college credit and placement.
The paper exams will follow the typical multiple-choice and free-response format given in the CED. The digital exam will take the same amount of time, but will consist of double the number of multiple-choice questions as the paper exam, and no free-response questions.
There are differences between the paper and digital versions of some 2021 AP Exams, and those variations differ by course. The information below applies to AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
Learn more about 2021 testing.
The AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam will test your understanding of the scientific concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to use calculus when solving problems related to electrostatics, electromagnetism, and more.
You can use a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator throughout the exam, and you will be provided with tables of commonly used physics equations and formulas. These tables are shared by both Physics C courses.
Exam Duration
1hr 30mins
1hr 30mins
Exam Dates
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Mon, May 3, 2021,
2 PM LocalPaper, In SchoolAP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam
This is the Administration 1 date for the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam.
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Tue, May 25, 2021,
8 AM LocalPaper, In SchoolAP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam
This is the Administration 2 date for the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam.
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Thu, Jun 10, 2021,
12 PM EDTDigital, In School and At HomeAP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam
This is the Administration 3 date for the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam.
Exam Components
Note on 2021 Exams
There are differences between the paper and digital versions of some 2021 AP Exams, and those variations differ by course. The information below applies to AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
The digital AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism exam will include twice as many multiple-choice questions as the paper exam, and will not include free-response questions.
You will be able to practice multiple-choice questions within the 2021 digital exam app, available in early April.
| Early May and Late May Exams (Paper) | Early June Exam (Digital) |
|---|---|
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Section 1: Multiple Choice
The multiple-choice section includes individual, single questions as well as sets of questions that refer to the same diagram or data presentation.
Questions may test your ability to:
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Section 1: Multiple Choice This section includes individual, single questions as well as sets of questions that refer to the same diagram or data presentation.
Questions may test your ability to:
|
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Section 2: Free Response
For the free-response section, credit for answers depends on the quality of the solutions and responses shown, so be sure to show your work.
Some questions specifically ask you to justify your answer or to write a scientific explanation which includes a claim, evidence, and reasoning. This analysis may generally be in the form of writing, equations, calculations, diagrams, or graphs.
One of the three questions in this section will include an experimental or lab-based component.
Questions may test your ability to:
|
Section 2: Multiple Choice
This section includes individual, single questions as well as sets of questions that refer to the same diagram or data presentation.
Questions may test your ability to:
|
Exam Essentials
Exam Preparation
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AP Classroom Resources
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AP Physics C Equation Tables
This document supplies equations commonly used in physics as well as constants, conversion factors, unit symbols, and more. This document or one like it will be provided to you on exam day for either of the AP Physics C Exams.
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2019 AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Free-Response Questions and Scoring Guidelines
Review two different sets of released free-response questions and their scoring guidelines. These sets of questions are the two most commonly taken versions.
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2019 AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Free-Response Questions Set 1
Review the released free-response questions to get an idea of the exam format and content.
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2019 AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Scoring Guidelines Set 1
See the guidelines that the AP Program used to score the free-response questions.
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2019 AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Free-Response Questions Set 2
Review the released free-response questions to get an idea of the exam format and content.
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2019 AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Scoring Guidelines Set 2
See the guidelines that the AP Program used to score the free-response questions.
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AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam Free-Response Question and Scoring Information Archive
Review free-response questions, sample student responses, and scoring guidelines from 2018 and earlier.
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