AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
Explore the mathematical elegance of electromagnetic theory using calculus. Master electric and magnetic fields, circuit analysis, and electromagnetic induction to understand the physics behind modern technology from smartphones to power grids.
Course Overview
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism represents the most mathematically sophisticated physics course available at the high school level. This calculus-intensive course explores electromagnetic theory with the same depth and rigor found in top engineering programs.
Students develop mastery of vector calculus, differential equations, and advanced mathematical techniques while investigating phenomena that power our technological world. From Maxwell's equations to circuit analysis, the course bridges fundamental physics with engineering applications.
Course Details
Advanced Mathematical Techniques
Master sophisticated mathematical methods essential for understanding electromagnetic theory and modern physics.
Vector Calculus
Apply divergence, curl, and gradient to analyze electromagnetic fields.
Key Equations:
Line & Surface Integrals
Calculate work, flux, and circulation in electromagnetic field problems.
Key Equations:
Differential Equations
Solve exponential behavior in RC and LR circuit analysis.
Key Equations:
Course Content & Units
Six comprehensive units covering all aspects of electromagnetic theory with advanced mathematical analysis.
Unit 8: Electric Charges, Fields, and Gauss's Law
Master electric forces and fields using calculus-based analysis including Gauss's Law applications.
Key Topics:
- Coulomb's Law and electric forces
- Electric fields from point charges and charge combinations
- Electric flux and Gauss's Law fundamentals
- Electric fields of continuous charge distributions
- Field superposition and symmetry arguments
Unit 9: Electric Potential
Analyze electric potential energy and voltage using calculus to solve complex electrostatic problems.
Key Topics:
- Electric potential and potential energy
- Potential due to point charges and uniform fields
- Potential from complex charge configurations
- Energy conservation in electrostatic systems
- Relationship between potential and electric field
Unit 10: Conductors and Capacitors
Explore charge movement in conductors and energy storage in capacitor systems.
Key Topics:
- Electrostatic properties of conductors
- Electric fields at conductor surfaces
- Capacitance and capacitor behavior
- Dielectric materials and their effects
- Energy storage in electric fields
Unit 11: Electric Circuits
Analyze complex DC circuits using calculus-based methods for current, resistance, and power.
Key Topics:
- Current density and microscopic view
- Resistance, resistivity, and Ohm's Law
- Power dissipation and energy considerations
- Complex DC circuit analysis with Kirchhoff's Laws
- RC circuits and exponential behavior
Unit 12: Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetism
Investigate magnetic field generation and forces using advanced vector calculus techniques.
Key Topics:
- Magnetic forces on moving charges
- Forces on current-carrying wires in magnetic fields
- Magnetic fields from long current-carrying wires
- Biot-Savart Law applications
- Ampère's Law and magnetic field calculations
Unit 13: Electromagnetic Induction
Master Faraday's Law and electromagnetic induction phenomena using calculus-based analysis.
Key Topics:
- Faraday's Law of electromagnetic induction
- Lenz's Law and energy conservation
- Motional EMF and induced electric fields
- Self-inductance and mutual inductance
- LR circuits and exponential current behavior
Fundamental Electromagnetic Laws
Master the four fundamental laws that govern all electromagnetic phenomena in the universe.
Gauss's Law
Calculate electric fields using flux and symmetry
Ampère's Law
Determine magnetic fields from current configurations
Faraday's Law
Analyze electromagnetic induction and generated EMF
Maxwell's Equations
Fundamental laws governing electromagnetic phenomena
Maxwell's Equations: The Complete Theory
James Clerk Maxwell unified electricity and magnetism into a single electromagnetic theory, revealing that light itself is an electromagnetic wave. These equations form the foundation of modern electromagnetic technology.
Engineering Applications
Electromagnetic theory forms the foundation of modern technology from computer chips to power systems.
Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Telecommunications
Energy Systems
Advanced Laboratory Investigations
Sophisticated experiments using research-grade equipment to explore electromagnetic phenomena firsthand.
Electric Field Mapping
Visualize electric fields using field mapping equipment and analyze charge distributions.
Capacitor Analysis
Investigate capacitance, dielectric effects, and energy storage in electric fields.
Magnetic Field Studies
Explore magnetic fields from currents using Hall effect probes and field visualization.
Electromagnetic Induction
Investigate Faraday's Law and Lenz's Law using coils and varying magnetic fields.
RC and LR Circuits
Analyze exponential behavior in circuits with capacitors and inductors.
Advanced Circuit Analysis
Build and analyze complex circuits using Kirchhoff's Laws and network theorems.
Prerequisites & Preparation
Students must demonstrate mastery of:
- Vector calculus operations
- Line and surface integrals
- Differential equations
- Calculus-based mechanics
- Advanced problem-solving skills
- Complex mathematical reasoning
- 3D spatial visualization
- Exceptional mathematical maturity
Success Strategies
🧮 Master Vector Calculus
Electromagnetic fields require sophisticated mathematical tools. Practice divergence, curl, and gradient operations extensively.
⚡ Visualize Fields
Develop strong three-dimensional visualization skills for electric and magnetic field patterns and interactions.
🔬 Connect Theory to Applications
Understand how electromagnetic principles enable modern technology from MRI machines to wireless communication.
⏰ Practice Complex Problems
Work through challenging multi-step problems daily. Build stamina for the demanding problem-solving pace.
Your Elite Physics Journey
Complete the most rigorous physics sequence and prepare for elite engineering and physics programs.
Foundation
AP Physics C: Mechanics
Current Course
AP Physics C: E&M
Elite Preparation
Top Engineering Programs, Research, Graduate Study
Ready for the Ultimate Physics Challenge?
Master the most sophisticated physics course available. Develop the mathematical and analytical skills that distinguish top engineering candidates and physics researchers.
Physics Courses
Algebra-based introduction to mechanics, waves, and basic electricity.
Advanced algebra-based physics including thermodynamics and electromagnetism.
Calculus-based mechanics for engineering-bound students.
Calculus-based electricity and magnetism.
Recommended Tracks
Engineering Track
Life Sciences Track
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Physics Success
of our AP Physics students score 4 or 5
Lab Experience
Hands-on experiments and practical applications