AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Course Information
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is a calculus-based, college-level physics course designed for students planning to pursue physical sciences, engineering, or other highly quantitative STEM fields.
Subject Area: Science
UC A-G Area: D – Science
Course Level: Advanced Placement
Open Terms: Summer & Fall
Enrollment Information
Course Start: 9/12/2026
Course End: 12/19/2026
Class Mode: Onsite/Online
Enrollment Period: 5/1/2026-8/30/2026
Related College Majors
This course provides useful preparation for many rigorous STEM, engineering, and technical college pathways, including:
Electrical Engineering / Physics / Computer Engineering / Aerospace Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Applied Mathematics / Materials Science / Robotics
Prerequisites
Students should:
- Earn an A or B in AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC, or be currently studying Calculus
Students should also be comfortable using algebra, trigonometry, derivatives, and integrals to model and solve quantitative physics problems.
Course Units
- Electric Charges, Fields, and Gauss’s Law
- Electric Potential
- Conductors and Capacitors
- Electric Circuits
- Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetism
- Electromagnetic Induction
Comparison Table
2027 AP Exam Information
Exam Date: May 5, 2027 | Exam Duration: 3 Hours
Section I
Multiple Choice
- 42 questions
- 1 Hour 25 Minutes
- 50% of Score
Questions may be discrete or presented in sets based on diagrams, data, physical systems, or experimental scenarios.
Students may be asked to:
- Apply calculus-based physics relationships
- Analyze electric and magnetic systems
- Interpret graphs and representations
- Evaluate experimental data
- Make quantitative predictions
- Connect mathematical models with physical behavior
A permitted calculator may be used throughout this section.
Section II
Free Response
- 4 questions
- 1 Hour 35 Minutes
- 50% of Score
The section includes one question of each type:
- Mathematical Routines
- Translation Between Representations
- Experimental Design and Analysis
- Qualitative / Quantitative Translation
Students are expected to show mathematical reasoning, apply calculus appropriately, connect equations with physical models, interpret experimental evidence, and justify conclusions.
Free-response questions are viewed in Bluebook, while answers are handwritten in the provided exam booklet.
A permitted calculator may be used throughout the section.
Related AP Courses
Explore other AP courses that complement this course and can help you build a broader academic pathway based on your interests, strengths, and future college goals.
AP Physics C: Mechanics
Apply calculus to motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, and other foundational mechanics concepts.
AP Calculus BC
Strengthen calculus skills through advanced integration, parametric and polar functions, vectors, sequences, and series.
AP Computer Science A
Apply mathematical reasoning and structured problem-solving to object-oriented programming and algorithm development in Java.
AP Physics 2
Explore electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics, optics, waves, and modern physics using an algebra-based approach.
Questions About AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Where can I find official AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism resources and exam details?
For the official course framework, exam information, calculator policies, equation sheets, and student resources, visit the College Board AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism page.
Do I need to take AP Physics C: Mechanics first?
College Board recommends prior experience with calculus-based Newtonian physics, such as AP Physics C: Mechanics or an equivalent course. Franklin Academy’s listed prerequisite focuses on calculus readiness, so students should also consider their prior physics preparation before enrolling.
Do I need calculus for this course?
Yes. AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is calculus-based. Students should have completed or be concurrently taking calculus.
Is there a laboratory component?
Yes. The course includes a substantial inquiry-based laboratory component in which students design investigations, collect and analyze data, evaluate experimental methods, and connect mathematical models to physical systems.
Will I receive high school credit for taking this course?
Yes. Franklin Academy is a WASC-accredited private school. Upon completion of the course, Franklin Academy issues an official transcript with the WASC seal. Students may choose to transfer credits to their school of record or submit the Franklin Academy transcript as part of their college application materials.
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