AP Physics 2 is an advanced placement course designed to be a college-level introductory physics course for students who have completed AP Physics 1. This algebra-based course covers a range of topics including thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Students delve into the principles of heat transfer and thermodynamic laws, and study electrical circuits, magnetic fields, and the behaviour of light. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding and problem-solving using algebra and basic trigonometry, rather than calculus. The AP Physics 2 exam tests student’s knowledge through multiple-choice and free-response questions, evaluating their ability to apply physical principles to solve complex problems. A strong performance on the exam can earn college credit or advanced placement, providing a solid foundation for further studies in physics and related fields.
Your final score, ranging from 1-5, is a weighted combination of your scores in each exam section.
| Final AP Physics 2 Score | College Grade Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 5 | A+ or A |
| 4 | A- or B+ or B |
| 3 | B- or C+ or C |
| 2 | |
| 1 |
| Syllabus | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Unit 9: Thermodynamics | 15-18% |
| Unit 10: Electric Force, Field, and Potential | 15-18% |
| Unit 11: Electric Circuits | 15-18% |
| Unit 12: Magnetism and Electromagnetism | 12-15% |
| Unit 13: Geometric Optics | 12-15% |
| Unit 14: Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics | 12-15% |
| Unit 15: Modern Physics | 12-15% |
| Question Type | Score Weightage | Number of Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple-Choice Questions | 50% of the total score | 40 questions | 1 Hr 20 Minutes |
| Free-Response Questions | 50% of the total score | 4 Questions | 1 Hr 40 Minutes |
There are two categories of free-response questions: two long-answer questions and four short-answer questions. That is, these questions must be answered in paragraph form. In contrast to the computerized multiple-choice portion of the test, the AP Readers, who are college professors and AP teachers, personally grade this section. Every free-response response is examined and scored separately by them.
Taking AP Physics 2 offers several benefits: