ap-physics-2-course-and-exam-description

AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Course and Exam Description

Overview

  • Effective Fall 2024.

  • Includes course framework, instructional sections, and sample exam questions.

AP Course Updates

  • AP Course and Exam Descriptions are periodically updated. Check AP Central for the most recent version.

Principles of AP

  1. Clarity and Transparency

    • Clear expectations for teachers and students based on public course frameworks and assessments.

  2. Evidence Exploration

    • AP courses encourage independent thinking and evidence-based discussions.

  3. Censorship Opposition

    • Required topics must not be banned; courses will lose AP designation if they omit essential content.

  4. Indoctrination Opposition

    • Students should analyze diverse perspectives without bias toward any specific viewpoint.

  5. Cultural Studies

    • Emphasis on the study of various cultures and histories through primary sources.

  6. Respect for Student Voices

    • All students' contributions should be welcomed in AP discussions, fostering a respectful environment.

  7. Choice of Enrollment

    • Participation in AP courses is voluntary for students and parents, ensuring informed choices.

Course and Exam Description Contents

  • Acknowledgments

  • About AP

  • AP Resources and Supports

  • Instructional Model

  • AP Physics 2 Course Information

  • Course Framework

  • Laboratory Investigations

  • Instructional Approaches

  • Exam Information

Course Structure

Course Framework

  • Details science practices and course content organized into commonly taught units.

  • Units include:

    • Thermodynamics

    • Electric Force, Field, and Potential

    • Electric Circuits

    • Magnetism and Electromagnetism

    • Geometric Optics

    • Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics

    • Modern Physics

Lab Requirements

  • Emphasis on hands-on laboratory work constituting 25% of instructional time.

  • Inquiry-based investigations to demonstrate foundational physics principles.

Instructional Approaches

  • Strategies to enrich physics learning, including guided inquiry, discussions, experimental design, and representation analysis.

  • Scaffolding inquiry to enhance learning experiences.

  • Encouraging student voice and collaboration in discussions.

Exam Structure

  • Exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions (50% of total score) and 4 free-response questions (50% of total score).

  • Scientific calculator is allowed.

Multiple-Choice Section Weighting

  • Thermodynamics: 15–18%

  • Electric Force, Field, and Potential: 15–18%

  • Electric Circuits: 15–18%

  • Magnetism and Electromagnetism: 12–15%

  • Geometric Optics: 12–15%

  • Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics: 12–15%

  • Modern Physics: 12–15%

Free-Response Question Types

  1. Mathematical Routines

  2. Translation Between Representations

  3. Experimental Design and Analysis

  4. Qualitative/Quantitative Translation

Important Scientific Task Verbs for Exam

  • Calculate, Compare, Derive, Describe, Determine, Draw, Estimate, Indicate, Justify, Label, Plot, Rank, Sketch, Verify.

Laboratories

  • Importance of hands-on labs for skill development and understanding physics concepts.

  • Labs can vary from short demonstrations to complex investigations.

  • Laboratories aimed at reinforcing inquiry-based learning, promoting student ownership of knowledge, and fostering analytical skills.

Key Concepts and Skills Reinforcement

  • Encourage students to relate classroom learning to their investigations and inquiry-based experiences.

  • Assessment of students’ ability to apply physics concepts to real-world situations and problems.

Unit-Specific Instructional Focus

  • Each unit emphasizes the development of specific science practices, outlined with suggested skills and essential knowledge.

Conclusion

  • AP Physics 2 prepares students for college-level physics through active inquiry, collaborative learning, and rigorous examination of scientific principles.