Ace Physics With A Private AP Physics Tutor In San Jose

We provide the highest-rated tutoring services to middle school, high school students, and adults in the San Jose Bay Area.

An AP Physics tutor can help students prepare for the AP Physics exam

Why Find An AP Physics tutor Near You?

Common Challenges Students Face in AP Physics

Some common challenges that students encounter when taking AP Physics are:

  1. Inadequate math preparation: AP Physics requires a strong foundation in mathematics, including algebra, calculus, and trigonometry. Many students struggle to keep up with the mathematical rigor of the course.
  2. Conceptual vs. numerical understanding: Both theory and problem-solving skills are necessary to bridge the gap between understanding physics concepts and applying them in numerical problem-solving.
  3. Lab work: AP Physics requires a considerable amount of lab work, and students may struggle with designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions if they have had little hands-on experience from other classes.
  4. Time Management: Managing time is crucial for students taking AP Physics, both in terms of balancing the workload with other courses and managing time during the exam. Many students tend to get stuck on difficult problems.

One On One Tutoring

We understand that students face unique challenges when it comes to AP Physics. That’s why we offer one-on-one tutoring, which can address these challenges and provide students with personalized attention and support. Individualized instruction allows students to focus on areas where they need the most assistance, gain confidence, and work at their own pace. Our tutors are skilled at spotting knowledge gaps and adapting their instruction to the individual needs of each student.

AP Physics Tutoring

Physics Homework Help

Finding the appropriate AP physics tutor can make all the difference if your child is struggling with physics homework. Our tutors at MathTowne provide personalized support and physics homework help to students, ensuring that they understand challenging ideas and have the tools necessary to excel in their study. If your child needs assistance with conservation laws, forces, or other physics topics, a tutor can provide what they require to succeed in their studies.

Physics Review

Our AP Physics tutors assist students in better understanding the principles and applications of physics. Working one-on-one with a tutor allows them to ask questions and receive rapid feedback on difficult physics ideas. Our tutors also provide additional materials and practice problems to help students strengthen their understanding and problem-solving abilities.

Exam Preparation

Our AP Physics tutors assist students in preparing for school assessments and the AP exam by administering simulated tests and exams to check their knowledge and fix any learning gaps. We provide comprehensive physics review for your child, ensuring a solid foundation of the physics concepts and formulas required to succeed on the AP exam. With our coaching and support, they will be better prepared to face the challenges of the AP Physics exam.

IN-HOME & ONLINE TUTORING

MathTowne has online tutoring as well as in-home for whatever suits your needs. We guarantee our in-home tutors are professional, safe, and knowledgeable for your peace of mind. 

If you choose to do remote lessons, we have some of the best online AP Physics tutors available. Our online math tutors are highly experienced in conducting fun and effective lessons and utilize various technologies to ensure student engagement.

My tutor was Yuki and she helped tutor me in chemistry, math and physics. Yuki is an exceptional tutor because she is patient and takes the time to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for me to understand new content. I recommend you to have Yuki as your tutor because she is warm, approachable, and genuinely invested in the success of her students.

– Tyra

AP Physics: Which Course to Take?

There are 4 AP Physics courses offered, and which course to take generally depends on the math class a student has taken or is currently taking.

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Equivalent to a first-semester introductory physics college course. Recommended for students who have taken or are currently taking Algebra 2.

The course primarily teaches Newtonian and rotational mechanics. The topics are:

  • Unit 1: Kinematics
  • Unit 2: Dynamics
  • Unit 3: Circular Motion and Gravitation
  • Unit 4: Energy
  • Unit 5: Momentum
  • Unit 6: Simple Harmonic Motion
  • Unit 7: Torque and Rotational Motion

25% of the course consists of hands-on laboratory work. Read more about the AP Exam.

AP PHysics 2: Algebra-Based

Equivalent to a second-semester introductory physics college course. Recommended for students who have taken AP Physics 1 or regular/Honors Physics and have taken (or are currently taking) Precalculus.

The topics covered are:

  • Unit 1: Fluids
  • Unit 2: Thermodynamics
  • Unit 3: Electric Force, Field, and Potential
  • Unit 4: Electric Circuits
  • Unit 5: Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction
  • Unit 6: Geometric and Physical Optics
  • Unit 7: Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear Physics

25% of the course consists of hands-on laboratory work. Read more about the AP Exam.

AP Physics C: Mechanics

Can be one year or one semester long. Recommended for students who have taken or are currently taking Calculus.

This course also teaches Newtonian mechanics but includes additional concepts with more math involved. The topics covered are:

  • Unit 1: Kinematics
  • Unit 2: Newton’s Laws of Motion
  • Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power
  • Unit 4: Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum
  • Unit 5: Rotation
  • Unit 6: Oscillations
  • Unit 7: Gravitation

25% of the course consists of hands-on laboratory work. Read more about the AP Exam.

AP PHysics C: Electricity and Magnetism

Can be one year or one semester long. Recommended for students who have taken or are currently taking Calculus.

The topics covered are:

  • Unit 1: Electrostatics
  • Unit 2: Conductors, Capacitors, Dielectrics
  • Unit 3: Electric Circuits
  • Unit 4: Magnetic Fields
  • Unit 5: Electromagnetism

25% of the course consists of hands-on laboratory work. Read more about the AP Exam.

What is the AP Physics Exam?

What is the AP Physics Exam?

Most high schools offer AP Physics courses. Students can receive college credit for the course and/or the opportunity to take more advanced college courses. AP Physics is comparable to one semester of college physics. It will provide your future college student with useful knowledge and a head start.  

In order to receive college credits for this course, students are encouraged to earn a score of 3 or higher. Many colleges also require lab reports and notebooks before granting credit so make sure to save those.

How is the AP Physics test scored?

Sections 1 and 2 are both scored using computers, selected college professors, and expert AP Physics teachers.  They are all combined to create the composite score. Each student’s composite score is then converted into a 1-5 scoring system.

Students who get a score of 3, 4, or 5 will be able to submit their test results to prospective universities. This provides them with college physics credit and/or advanced placement in future courses at those schools.

How long is the AP Physics exam?

The duration of the Advanced Placement Physics exam depends on the course. AP Physics 1 and 2 are both 3 hours long while both exams for AP Physics C are 1 hour and 30 minutes long. All of the exams are divided into two parts: a multiple-choice section and a free-response section.

Can I take both AP Physics C Exams?

Yes, the exams will both be on the same day and students who’ve taken both AP Physics C courses for a semester each can take the exams back-to-back.

AP Physics 1 Exam Format

The College Board ensures the AP Physics 1 Exam has consistent question types, scoring guidelines, and weighting. This way you and your student know what to expect on the day of the exam.

Calculators are allowed in both sections, per the AP Exam Calculator Policy

section 1

Consists of a total of 50 multiple-choice questions.  Students are given 1 Hour & 30 Minutes to complete the section. It is worth 50% of the total AP Exam Score.

  • Questions will either be individual or as part of a set, where students answer a series of questions related to given data.

Big Ideas IN SECTION 1

  • Systems
  • Fields
  • Force Interactions
  • Change
  • Conservation Laws

Section 2

Consists of a total of 5 free-response questions. Students are given 1 Hour & 30 Minutes to complete the section. It is worth 50% of the total AP Exam Score.

Question Types in Section 2

  • Experimental Design
  • Qualitative/Quantitative Translation
  • Paragraph Argument Short Answer
  • 2 Short Answer

AP Physics 2 Exam Format

The College Board ensures the AP Physics 2 Exam has consistent question types, scoring guidelines, and weighting. This way you and your student know what to expect on the day of the exam.

Calculators are allowed in both sections, per the AP Exam Calculator Policy

section 1

Consists of a total of 50 multiple-choice questions.  Students are given 1 Hour & 30 Minutes to complete the section. It is worth 50% of the total AP Exam Score.

  • Questions will either be individual or as part of a set, where students answer a series of questions related to given data.

Science Practices Assessed

  • Modeling
  • Mathematical Routines
  • Experimental Method
  • Data Analysis
  • Argumentation
  • Making Connections

Section 2

Consists of a total of 4 free-response questions. Students are given 1 Hour & 30 Minutes to complete the section. It is worth 50% of the total AP Exam Score.

Question Types IN SECTION 2

  • Experimental Design
  • Qualitative/Quantitative Translation
  • Paragraph Argument Short Answer
  • Short Answer Question

AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam Format

The College Board ensures the AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam has consistent question types, scoring guidelines, and weighting. This way you and your student know what to expect on the day of the exam.

Calculators are allowed in both sections, per the AP Exam Calculator Policy

section 1

Consists of a total of 35 multiple-choice questions.  Students are given 45 minutes to complete the section. It is worth 50% of the total AP Exam Score.

  • Questions will either be individual or as part of a set, where students answer a series of questions related to given data.

Big Ideas IN SECTION 1

  • Change
  • Force Interactions
  • Fields
  • Conservation Laws

Section 2

Consists of a total of 3 free-response questions. Students are given 45 minutes to complete the section. It is worth 50% of the total AP Exam Score.

  • One of the questions will be experimental or lab-based.

Science Practices Assessed

  • Visual representations
  • Question and method
  • Representing data and phenomena
  • Data analysis
  • Theoretical relationships
  • Mathematical routines
  • Argumentation

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam Format

The College Board ensures the AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Exam has consistent question types, scoring guidelines, and weighting. This way you and your student know what to expect on the day of the exam.

Calculators are allowed in both sections, per the AP Exam Calculator Policy

section 1

Consists of a total of 35 multiple-choice questions.  Students are given 45 minutes to complete the section. It is worth 50% of the total AP Exam Score.

  • Questions will either be individual or part of a set, where students answer a series of questions related to given data.

Big Ideas Covered

  • Change
  • Force Interactions
  • Fields
  • Conservation Laws

Section 2

Consists of a total of 3 free-response questions. Students are given 45 minutes to complete the section. It is worth 50% of the total AP Exam Score.

  • One of the questions will be experimental or lab-based.

Science Practices Assessed

  • Visual representations
  • Question and method
  • Representing data and phenomena
  • Data analysis
  • Theoretical relationships
  • Mathematical routines
  • Argumentation

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