AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based - Study Guides, Flashcards, AP-style Practice & Mock Exams
This complete AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based exam prep course is designed to clarify complex concepts from thermodynamics to modern physics. Explore our detailed units, in-depth topic explanations, and extensive practice materials to reinforce your understanding and get ready for the exam.
Course Overview
This course covers key principles in physics, focusing on thermodynamics; fluid statics and dynamics; electricity and magnetism; physical and geometric optics; and quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics. Emphasis is placed on developing core science practices, such as experimental design, identifying controls and variables, and interpreting data tables and graphs. Students will learn to construct scientific arguments using the claim-evidence-reasoning (CER) framework. A critical skill is the proficient use of the official equation sheet to solve problems. The curriculum also integrates qualitative error analysis to evaluate the validity of experimental results and claims, preparing students for the analytical demands of the exam.
Effective preparation involves a structured progression through the course material. Advance through the 7 units by mastering individual topics, using the AP-style quizzes as immediate progress checks. At the conclusion of each unit, a comprehensive Unit Exam assesses your cumulative understanding and helps pinpoint areas for targeted review. This methodical cycle of learning, assessment, and review builds a strong conceptual and practical foundation. This approach ensures you are thoroughly prepared before attempting the full-length mock exam, allowing you to simulate the testing environment and evaluate your overall readiness for the official examination.
Units & Topics
Unit 9: Thermodynamics
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We will explore the principles of thermodynamics, from the microscopic motion of gas particles to the macroscopic laws governing energy transfer, work, and entropy.
- 9.0Unit Overview
- 9.1Kinetic Theory of Temperature and Pressure
- 9.2The Ideal Gas Law
- 9.3Thermal Energy Transfer and Equilibrium
- 9.4The First Law of Thermodynamics
- 9.5Specific Heat and Thermal Conductivity
- 9.6Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
- 9.7Unit Exam
Unit 10: Electric Force, Field, and Potential
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We will explore how stationary charges create invisible fields, store potential, and transfer energy within devices, introducing fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism.
- 10.0Unit Overview
- 10.1Electric Charge and Electric Force
- 10.2Conservation of Electric Charge and the Process of Charging
- 10.3Electric Fields
- 10.4Electric Potential Energy
- 10.5Electric Potential
- 10.6Capacitors
- 10.7Conservation of Electric Energy
- 10.8Unit Exam
Unit 11: Electric Circuits
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This exploration of electricity and magnetism focuses on analyzing direct current pathways, applying conservation laws to determine potential difference, charge flow, and power dissipation.
- 11.0Unit Overview
- 11.1Electric Current
- 11.2Simple Circuits
- 11.3Resistance, Resistivity, and Ohm's Law
- 11.4Electric Power
- 11.5Compound Direct Current (DC) Circuits
- 11.6Kirchhoff's Loop Rule
- 11.7Kirchhoff's Junction Rule
- 11.8Resistor-Capacitor (RC) Circuits
- 11.9Unit Exam
Unit 12: Magnetism and Electromagnetism
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This unit explores the fundamental relationship within electricity and magnetism, from how moving charges create fields to how changing fields induce electromotive force in conductors.
- 12.0Unit Overview
- 12.1Magnetic Fields
- 12.2Magnetism and Moving Charges
- 12.3Magnetism and Current-Carrying Wires
- 12.4Electromagnetic Induction and Faraday's Law
- 12.5Unit Exam
Unit 13: Geometric Optics
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Using principles of geometric optics and your equation sheet, you will predict how light bends and bounces to form images with various optical instruments.
- 13.0Unit Overview
- 13.1Reflection
- 13.2Images Formed by Mirrors
- 13.3Refraction
- 13.4Images Formed by Lenses
- 13.5Unit Exam
Unit 14: Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics
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We will investigate how waves transmit energy and interact via superposition, explaining phenomena from diffraction to polarization using the principles of electricity and magnetism.
- 14.0Unit Overview
- 14.1Properties of Wave Pulses and Waves
- 14.2Periodic Waves
- 14.3Boundary Behavior of Waves and Polarization
- 14.4Electromagnetic Waves
- 14.5The Doppler Effect
- 14.6Wave Interference and Standing Waves
- 14.7Diffraction
- 14.8Double-Slit Interference and Diffraction Gratings
- 14.9Thin-Film Interference
- 14.10Unit Exam
Unit 15: Modern Physics
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Using the equation sheet, we will investigate how quantized energy explains phenomena from electron-photon interactions to the immense power released during nuclear transformations.
- 15.0Unit Overview
- 15.1Quantum Theory and Wave-Particle Duality
- 15.2The Bohr Model of Atomic Structure
- 15.3Emission and Absorption Spectra
- 15.4Blackbody Radiation
- 15.5The Photoelectric Effect
- 15.6Compton Scattering
- 15.7Fission, Fusion, and Nuclear Decay
- 15.8Types of Radioactive Decay
- 15.9Unit Exam
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the AP Physics 2 exam?
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The exam has two 90-minute sections, each worth 50% of your score. The first is a 50-question Multiple-Choice section, and the second is a 4-question Free-Response section that requires you to demonstrate skills like experimental design and quantitative/qualitative translation.
What kinds of Free-Response Questions (FRQs) are on the exam?
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The exam features four distinct FRQ types to assess different science practices. You will encounter one Experimental Design question, one Quantitative/Qualitative Translation question, and two Short Answer questions, one of which requires a paragraph-length argument using physics principles.
How should I use PrepGo to study for AP Physics 2?
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We recommend a sequential approach for a comprehensive review of the course's 7 units. Master the 46 topics, test your knowledge with AP-style quizzes and unit exams, and then apply your skills under timed conditions with the full-length mock exam.
What are the most important skills for this course?
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Success in AP Physics 2 depends on mastering the core science practices. This includes designing experiments, analyzing data from tables and graphs, using mathematical reasoning to solve problems, and constructing scientific arguments using the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) framework.
Will I be given an equation sheet for the exam?
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Yes, you will have access to the official AP Physics 2 equation sheet for the entire exam. You should practice using it to quickly find relevant formulas for topics like thermodynamics and electricity and magnetism, which will save you valuable time during the test.
Can I use a calculator on the AP Physics 2 exam?
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Yes, a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is permitted on both the multiple-choice and free-response sections. While it is an essential tool for calculations, many questions will also test your conceptual understanding and ability to manipulate variables symbolically.
What is an 'Experimental Design' question?
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This FRQ type requires you to design a scientific experiment to investigate a physical phenomenon. Your response must clearly outline a procedure, identify necessary equipment, and explain how you would manage controls and variables in order to collect and analyze meaningful data.
How do I write a strong Paragraph Argument FRQ?
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This question requires a coherent, paragraph-length response built on the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) model. You must state a clear scientific claim, support it with evidence from physics principles or provided data, and then articulate the reasoning that logically connects your evidence to the claim.
What major topics does AP Physics 2 cover?
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The course explores advanced topics beyond introductory mechanics. Key content areas include fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, electric circuits, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. These concepts are crucial for understanding the behavior of matter and energy at various scales.
How are the Free-Response Questions scored?
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FRQs are graded by human readers using detailed rubrics that award points for specific tasks and reasoning. Points are earned for demonstrating correct application of physics principles, showing clear work, and effectively communicating your understanding through explanations, diagrams, and graphs.
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