Credential type: school examination · verified on the issuer's site September 20, 2026 issuer page
AP Physics C: Mechanics is an advanced College Board examination structured to fully evaluate your comprehensive understanding of classical mechanics and calculus-based physics principles. The rigorous assessment thoroughly covers kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, power, systems of particles, linear momentum, rotation, oscillations, and gravitation across seven distinct topical domains.
Students enrolled in advanced physics courses who have a background in calculus and classical mechanics should take this exam. It suits high school learners seeking college credit.
Carefully review the seven domain weightings and the official course framework provided by the College Board. Practice solving challenging free response and multiple choice problems under strict timed conditions to build your confidence. Utilize the official College Board exam guide and study documentation to focus your review on kinematics, mechanics principles, vector applications, and problem-solving strategies before test day.
This specific domain covers kinematics in detail, accounting for 12.5 percent of the overall exam weight, while focusing specifically on motion descriptions, positional variables, and calculus applications.
Newton's Laws of Motion comprise 22.5 percent of the exam content, deeply emphasizing force vectors, dynamic equilibrium, and the complex mechanical interactions between physical bodies currently in motion.
Work, Energy, and Power represent 20.0 percent of the overall examination, centering heavily on conservation laws, mechanical energy transfers, and the specific work-energy theorem calculations required by the board.
Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum make up 15.0 percent of the exam, focusing on collision theory, center of mass computations, and linear momentum conservation principles across various scenarios.
Rotation covers advanced angular kinematics and rotational dynamics as part of the physics curriculum, dealing extensively with fixed axis rotation, rotational inertia, torque, and the conservation of angular momentum principles during testing.
Oscillations account for 12.5 percent of the exam, concentrating intensely on periodic motion, physical pendulums, simple harmonic motion, and complex spring-mass system behaviors evaluated during the assessment.
Gravitation addresses complex celestial mechanics and universal gravitational force laws operating between point masses and spherical bodies throughout space and orbiting satellites according to official course guidelines outlined by the board.
Arrive at your school in May for this paper-based assessment. Manage your time across the 90-minute duration, ensuring you address both multiple choice and free response sections.
The exam is divided into two distinct sections containing multiple choice and free response questions administered on paper at your local school during the month of May.
The passing score for this exam is a 3 on a scale of 1 to 5, which often qualifies successful students for valuable college credit.
The total exam duration is exactly 90 minutes. It is a traditional paper-based test consisting of multiple choice and free response sections administered during the month of May.
The exam costs $98 per exam registration, featuring a reduced price of $55 for eligible students with fee reductions, plus a mandatory $40 international surcharge.
Verified 2026-08-30
This reference page was built using verified facts and official documentation from the College Board exam guide and study resources to provide accurate guidance.