AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
What the AP Physics 2 exam covers, how it's scored, the topics it's built on, and how to practice your way to a 5.
AP Physics 2 is a college-level, algebra-based second-year physics course and exam covering fluids, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics and modern physics. The exam runs 3 hours: a 50-question multiple-choice section and a 4-question free-response section, scored from 1 to 5. It's taken in May, and many colleges grant credit for a 3 or higher — confirm your target college's policy.
Two sections, algebra-based physics
The exam splits evenly between multiple choice and free response, and questions are drawn from the course's broad set of topics. A calculator and equation sheet are provided throughout.
50 questions, 90 minutes.
Single-select questions, including sets based on shared stimuli, diagrams, circuits and experimental data — worth half your score. Conceptual reasoning across fields, optics and thermal physics matters as much as calculation.
4 questions, 90 minutes.
Question types include mathematical routines, translation between representations, an experimental design and analysis task, and a "justify your reasoning" prompt — the other half of your score. Clear written explanations earn the points.
One 1–5 score.
The two sections combine into a single 1–5. A 3 is "qualified"; a 4 or 5 is strong. Credit policies are set by each college — confirm yours.
Practice it, topic by topic.
Reading about physics isn't the same as working AP-style problems and learning from every miss. Start free and practice by topic.
What AP Physics 2 covers
- Fluids — pressure, buoyancy and continuity
- Thermodynamics — heat, gas laws and the laws of thermodynamics
- Electric Force, Field and Potential
- Electric Circuits — current, resistance and capacitors
- Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction
- Geometric and Physical Optics — reflection, refraction and waves
- Modern Physics — quantum, atomic and nuclear physics
How to study for AP Physics 2
- Practice one topic at a time, then mix topics like the exam does.
- Drill the free-response — especially "justify your reasoning" answers.
- Master field and circuit diagrams, ray diagrams and P–V graphs.
- Review every miss until the concept, not just the answer, is clear.
- Sit timed sets to build pace across both sections.
What makes AP Physics 2 different
AP Physics 2 is algebra-based but broader than Physics 1. It connects fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics and modern physics through models.
| Area | What matters | Practice move |
|---|---|---|
| Fluids and thermal | State changes and systems | Practice pressure, buoyancy, ideal gas behavior and energy transfer with clear system boundaries. |
| Electricity | Fields and circuits | Separate electric field, electric potential, current, resistance and capacitor behavior before calculating. |
| Optics and waves | Ray and wave models | Use diagrams to connect reflection, refraction, interference and image formation. |
| FRQ work | Concept links | Expect prompts that ask you to connect several models rather than repeat one equation pattern. |
AP Physics 2 questions
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