AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is an Advanced Placement science course that studies electricity and magnetism. Methods of calculus are used wherever appropriate in formulating physical principles and in applying them to physical problems. It is supposed to be equivalent to an introductory college course in electricity and magnetism for physics majors. This course, taken along with courses covering other areas, such as Mechanics, Waves, Thermodynamics, and Modern Physics can help prepare students for the SAT Subject Test in Physics, also administered by College Board. This course is often combined with AP Physics C: Mechanics to make a unified Physics C course that prepares for both exams, or it may be a separate course. In this scenario, Electricity and Magnetism is typically taught second, as it requires much of the knowledge gained in the Mechanics course. When only one Physics C course is offered, it is typically Mechanics, and this in combination with the fact that many schools do not complete their unified Physics C courses before the exam date is the probable explanation for more students taking the Mechanics exam than the Electricity and Magnetism exam.
Exam
The exam is configured in two categories, a thirty-five (35) question multiple choice section and a three (3) question free response section. In order to test knowledge as well as skills, the multiple choice section is taken without a calculator. The free response section permits the use of a calculator. The test is weighted such that each section is worth fifty percent (50%) of the final score. The exam is entirely separate from the Mechanics exam, requiring a different answer booklet and separate fee.
The topics covered by the exam are as follows:
| Electrostatics | 30% |
| Conductors, capacitors, dielectrics | 14% |
| Electric circuits | 20% |
| Magnetic fields | 20% |
| Electromagnetism | 16% |
Purpose
According to the College Board web site, "This course ordinarily forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as the foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences or engineering."
Grade distribution
In the 2009 administration, 12,628 students took the exam from 1,492 schools. The mean score was a 3.55.
The grade distribution for 2009 was:
| 5 | 34.1% |
| 4 | 26.8% |
| 3 | 10.9% |
| 2 | 16.7% |
| 1 | 11.5% |
Payment
Recently changed from 2006, College Board requires test-takers to pay separately for the Mechanics part and the Electricity and Magnetism part. Previously, test-takers paid only once and were given the choice of taking either one or two parts of the Physics C test.