Published February 16, 2024

Everything You Need to get a 5 on AP Physics 2: Algebra-based

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Natasha Potter

MSU Alumni, Creative Advertising Major, Marketing Associate at Knowt 😃

No worries at all! This guide is designed to provide you with fantastic strategies and invaluable tips on how to ace the AP Physics 2 exam. I'll reveal all the secrets and equip you with the necessary resources and AP Physics 2 exam tips to confidently aim for that coveted 5 score. Prepare to excel like a pro with the finest approach and top-notch AP Physics 2 exam tips and  advice available. You're fully capable of achieving this! Let's dive in, learn how to prepare for the AP Physics 2 exam and conquer the exam together!

Free AP Physics 2: Algebra-based Resources

No need to fret even if you find yourself cramming for the AP Physics 2 exam at the last minute – it happens to the best of us! Rest assured, you can handle this challenge! If you're seeking guidance on how to pass AP Physics 2 exam with limited time, we've got your back. Take a look at these incredibly helpful tips on how to study for the AP Physics 2 exam from fellow students who've been in your shoes, along with specialized AP Physics 2 test tips and advice tailored for effective last-minute preparation. Equipped with these tools, you're destined to excel and conquer that exam!

What Do I Need to Memorize for the AP Physics 2: Algebra-based exam?

  1. Unit 1: Fluids - Fluid Systems encompass density, pressure, forces, free-body diagrams, buoyancy, conservation of energy in fluid flow, and conservation of mass flow rate. These concepts are crucial for understanding fluid behavior and its applications.

  2. Unit 2: Thermodynamics - Thermodynamic Systems cover various essential topics, including pressure, thermal equilibrium, forces, free-body diagrams, heat and energy transfer, internal energy, elastic and inelastic collisions, thermal conductivity, and probability with entropy. These concepts are crucial for understanding energy, heat, and their interactions within systems.

  3. Unit 3: Electric Force, Field, and Potential - Electric Systems cover electric charge, its conservation, charge distribution methods, electric permittivity, electric forces, free-body diagrams, gravitational-electromagnetic force comparison, vector and scalar fields, electric charges, isolines in electric fields, and conservation of electric energy. These topics provide a comprehensive understanding of electricity and its applications.

  4. Unit 4: Electric Circuits - Electric charge conservation, resistivity, resistance, capacitance, Kirchhoff's loop rule, and Kirchhoff's junction rule are fundamental concepts in electrical systems. They govern the flow of current, energy conservation, and analysis of circuits.

  5. Unit 5: Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction - Magnetic Systems cover magnetic permeability, dipole moment, vector and scalar fields, monopole and dipole fields, magnetic forces, and magnetic flux. These concepts are fundamental in understanding magnetism and its applications.

  6. Unit 6: Geometric and Physical Optics - Waves include electromagnetic waves, periodic waves, and their interactions with materials like refraction, reflection, and absorption. Images formed by lenses and mirrors are a result of wave behavior, while interference and diffraction illustrate wave interactions.

  7. Unit 7: Quantum, Atomic, and Nuclear Physics - In modern physics, fundamental forces are explored alongside concepts like radioactive decay, mass-energy equivalence (E=mc^2), wave-particle properties, the photoelectric effect, and wave functions with probabilities. These ideas provide a comprehensive understanding of the microcosmic world and its mysteries.

What is on the AP Physics 2: Algebra-based Exam?

Unit 

Exam Weight 

Unit 1: Fluids 

10-12%

Unit 2: Thermodynamics 

12-18%

Unit 3: Electric force, field, and potential 

18-22%

Unit 4: Electrical Circuits 

10-14%

Unit 5: Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction

10-12%

Unit 6: Geometric and Physical Optics 

12-14%

Unit 7: Quantum, Atomic, and Nuclear Physics 

10-12%

AP Physics 2 Exam Format

Section and Percentage 

# of Questions 

Time

Multiple choice: 50%

50 (Five are multi-select questions)

1 hr 30 mins 

Free Response: 50%

5

1 hr 30 mins 

What does the AP Physics 2 MCQ look like?

Unit and Practice 

Exam Weight 

  1. Modeling 

28-32%

  1. Mathematical Routines

16-20%

  1. Experimental Method 

2-4%

  1. Data Analysis 

10-12%

  1. Argumentation 

24-28%

  1. Making Connections 

10-16%

Alright, so when it comes to those quiz questions, the single-select ones are pretty straightforward. You get a question, and there are four possible answers, but only one of them is the right one. No brainer, right?

Now, the multi-select questions are a bit trickier. You gotta pick not just one, but two correct answers from the list to get it right. It's like a double challenge! But hey, no worries, just read carefully and choose wisely. These types of questions are used to test your knowledge and understanding in various subjects, so make sure you give it your best shot! Happy quizzing!

What does the AP Physics 2: Algebra-based FRQ look like?

Unit and Practice 

Exam Weight 

  1. Modeling 

22-36%

  1. Mathematical Routines 

17-29%

  1. Experimental Method 

8-16%

  1. Data analysis 

6-14%

  1. Argumentation 

17-29%

  1. Making Connections 

2-9%

Alright, let's talk about the free response section of the exam! This part is a bit different from the multiple-choice questions. You'll encounter five multi-part questions that'll put your problem-solving skills to the test. So, get ready to show your work and write out your solutions – it's all about demonstrating how you arrived at your answers.

Now, here's the cool part – your responses won't be graded by some computer algorithm. Nope, they'll be carefully reviewed and scored by actual high school and college teachers. These awesome educators know their stuff, and they've got guidelines for awarding partial credit. So, even if you don't nail every part of a question, don't worry, you can still earn some points for your efforts.

Remember, the free response section is your chance to shine and showcase your understanding of the subject. So, take your time, think it through, remember you tips for Ap Physics 2, and show off your problem-solving prowess. You got this! Good luck, and may those partial points be ever in your favor! Keep calm and rock those free response questions!

When do AP Physics 2: Algebra-based scores come out?

Mark your calendars! The AP Physics 2 scores are scheduled to be released around mid-July. To stay in the loop and be up-to-date on any changes, make sure to check the official CollegeBoard Annual calendar. The moment you've been waiting for is almost here, so keep an eye out for those results. Best of luck, and may you achieve the success you've worked hard for! Fingers crossed for some great news!

Should I Self Study AP Physics 2: Algebra-based?

The AP Physics 2: Algebra-based exam can be quite challenging, but fear not! With the help of these AP Physics 2 exam tips, tricks, and resources, you'll be well-equipped with the best way to study the AP Physics 2 exam. These valuable insights will guide you on how to study effectively and achieve success on the test. So, embrace these resources and get ready to excel in your AP Physics 2 journey!

Here's a condensed plan on how to study for the AP Physics 2 exam:

The day before the exam, relax, rest, and take care of yourself to ensure you're in the best shape mentally and physically. Prioritize topics you need to work on, and allocate at least 30 minutes daily for review, marking study dates on your calendar. To get familiar with the test format and topics, start by taking a diagnostic test or practice exams from review books. Brush up on difficult concepts using review notes and online lecture videos, focusing on challenging topics first. To gauge progress and manage time effectively, time yourself with a full-length exam. Practice a lot of sample AP questions and use resources like Albert.io for detailed feedback. Throughout the preparation process, reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, fine-tuning your study plan accordingly. By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the AP exam with confidence!

By following this plan, you'll be well-prepared for the AP Physics 2 exam and ready to shine!

Explaining the 2023 AP Physics 2: Algebra-based Scores

Let's analyze the data to answer the question: Is AP Physics 2 Hard?

The score distributions for AP Physics 1 & 2 exams are as follows:

  • Physics 1: 39.8% of test-takers passed, with 4.6% earning a 5.

  • Physics 2: 61.4% of test-takers passed, with 9.5% earning a 5.

The average scores in 2016 were 2.33 for AP Physics 1 and 2.89 for AP Physics 2.

From the data, we can see that Physics 1 has a lower pass rate and a smaller percentage of students scoring a 5 compared to Physics 2. The average scores for both exams are relatively low, indicating that they may present some challenges to students.

Based on this data, it can be inferred that AP Physics 1 & 2 are considered challenging exams. However, it's important to remember that with the right preparation and study strategies, success is attainable.

The scores for AP Physics 1&2 in 2016 were among the lowest on any AP exam, indicating their challenging nature. However, comparing them to the previous AP Physics B scores suggests that the difficulty could be partly due to acclimating to the new exams. AP Physics 2 scores are higher, likely because students have more experience and mastery of concepts after taking AP Physics 1 or another introductory physics class. Planning to take both classes could be beneficial for those interested in learning college-level physics in high school. Even if you don't feel confident taking the AP Physics 1 exam, taking AP Physics 2 might help develop sufficient physics skills to attempt the AP Exam.

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