AP PHYSICS 2 EXAM FORMAT - domainedemanville

AP Physics 2 Exam Format: What to Expect

The AP Physics 2 exam assesses your understanding of concepts covered in a typical introductory, algebra-based, college-level physics course focusing on electricity and magnetism, fluid mechanics and thermal physics, waves and optics, and modern physics. The exam consists of two sections: multiple-choice and free-response. Understanding the format is crucial for effective preparation.

Multiple-Choice Section

The multiple-choice section is the first part of the AP Physics 2 exam. It contains 50 questions and you have 90 minutes to complete it. These questions test your conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Some questions are discrete, meaning they stand alone, while others are presented in sets based on a single stimulus, like an experiment or a graph. Calculators are *not* allowed on the multiple-choice section. ap physics 1 mcq

Free-Response Section

The free-response section follows the multiple-choice section and allows you to demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving abilities in a more detailed manner. You have 90 minutes to complete four free-response questions. These questions typically require you to explain your reasoning, derive equations, and perform calculations. One question will focus on experimental design. Calculators are permitted on the free-response section. ap physics 1 mcq practice Be sure to show your work clearly for partial credit.

Topics Covered

The AP Physics 2 exam covers a range of topics, including:

• Fluid Mechanics: Pressure, buoyancy, fluid dynamics.
• Thermodynamics: Temperature, heat, specific heat, heat transfer, thermodynamics processes and laws.
• Electricity and Magnetism: Electric charge, electric field, electric potential, capacitance, current, resistance, circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction.
• Optics: Wave properties of light, reflection, refraction, lenses, interference, diffraction.
• Modern Physics: Atomic structure, nuclear physics, quantum phenomena.

A deeper insight on these topics and the entire AP program can be found on ap physics 2 multiple choice questions and answers pdforg/courses/ap-physics-2" rel="nofollow">the College Board's AP Physics 2 website. This resource is useful for understanding topic weightings and content outlines. ap physics c mechanics workbook

Scoring

Both the multiple-choice and free-response sections contribute equally to your overall AP score. The multiple-choice section is scored by a computer. The free-response section is scored by AP readers based on a rubric. Your composite score is then converted to a final AP score on a scale of 1 to 5, with 3 generally considered passing.

FAQs

What is the format of the AP Physics 2 exam?

The AP Physics 2 exam has two sections: a 90-minute multiple-choice section with 50 questions and a 90-minute free-response section with 4 questions.

Can I use a calculator on the entire AP Physics 2 exam?

No, calculators are only permitted on the free-response section of the AP Physics 2 exam. They are not allowed for the multiple-choice section.

How much time do I have for each free-response question?

Since you have 90 minutes for 4 free-response questions, aim to spend approximately 22 minutes on each question. However, allocate your time strategically based on the complexity of each question.

How is the AP Physics 2 exam scored?

Both sections are weighted equally. The final score is a composite of your multiple-choice and free-response scores and is converted to a scale of 1 to 5.

What topics are covered on the AP Physics 2 exam?

The main topics include fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics.

Summary

The AP Physics 2 exam tests your understanding of fundamental physics concepts. Familiarize yourself with the exam format, topics covered, and scoring guidelines to improve your chances of success. Practice consistently with released exams to master the types of questions and hone your problem-solving skills.