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About the Exam
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.
1hr 30mins
Exam Date
Exam Components
Section I: Multiple Choice
35 Questions 45mins 50% of Score
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:
- Interpret and describe visual representations of physical situations
- Formulate a testable scientific question or hypothesis and design an experiment to test it
- Analyze data shown in a graph
- Determine the relationship between physical qualities
- Solve physics problems using mathematical relationships
- Develop and support scientific claims with evidence
Section II: Free Response
3 Questions 45mins 50% of Score
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:
- Interpret and describe visual representations of physical situations
- Formulate a testable scientific question or hypothesis and design an experiment to test it
- Create graphs and diagrams to represent data and physical situations
- Analyze data shown in a graph
- Determine the relationship between physical qualities
- Solve physics problems using mathematical relationships
- Support scientific claims with evidence
Exam Preparation
Credit and Placement
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