I'm coming up on my AP Physics exam and I am just trying to gather everything I need. I have my textbook and notes, but am uncertain about the calculator situation. Can anyone clarify if we are allowed to use calculators during the exam?
Absolutely, I can shed some light on the calculator policy for the AP Physics exam. You are definitely allowed, and encouraged, to use a calculator when taking the AP Physics exams. This can be especially useful for the free-response questions, where you might have to make calculations as part of your responses.
You should ensure, however, that your calculator meets the College Board's requirements. They explicitly recommend a graphing calculator but scientific calculators also work. In terms of brands, Texas Instruments and Casio calculators seem to be the go-to choice for most students. Just remember that, per College Board's guidelines, any calculator you use can not have a QWERTY keyboard, can't be internet-accessible, and can't make noise which could be disruptive to others.
Also important to note: while you can and should use a calculator for the AP Physics exam, you must have a solid understanding of the concepts and principles of physics. A calculator will help with computations, but understanding the material is key for success on the exam.
Best of luck with your preparation! I'm confident you'll do well on your AP Physics exam.
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