AP Physics 2

What Students Learn

Using algebra, students investigate thermal and electromagnetic phenomena, extending their study to optics and modern physics. They compare energy relationships across physical systems, explain phenomena through diagrams and mathematical models, and design investigations and evaluate results.

Course Units

The units and learning focuses below follow the official AP course framework.

Unit 9: Thermodynamics

Unit 10: Electric force, field, and potential

Unit 11: Electric circuits

Unit 12: Magnetism and electromagnetism

Unit 13: Geometric optics

Unit 14: Waves, sound, and physical optics

Unit 15: Modern physics

AP Assessment

The AP exam includes 42 multiple-choice questions in 85 minutes, worth 50%, and four free-response questions in 95 minutes, worth 50%. Written tasks assess mathematical routines, translation between representations, experimental design and analysis, and connections between qualitative explanations and quantitative reasoning. Students apply physical principles and explain derivations and experimental evidence.

References (2026–2027): College Board course framework; assessment information