AP Physics 2 Exam Format

Hey folks! I'm thinking about taking the AP Physics 2 exam but I'm not really sure what the format is like. Can anyone break down the structure of the exam for me and give me an idea of what to expect?

Sure, I'd be happy to help! The AP Physics 2 exam is designed to test your understanding of various core Physics topics, including fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. The exam is divided into two sections: Section I (multiple-choice questions) and Section II (free-response questions).

Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions

- Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

- Number of Questions: 50

- Percentage of total score: 50%

In this section, you'll answer 50 multiple-choice questions that cover the breadth of the AP Physics 2 curriculum. Some questions will be standalone, while others will be part of a set based on a common stimulus (like a diagram or passage).

Section II: Free-Response Questions

- Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

- Number of Questions: 4

- Percentage of total score: 50%

In this section, you'll answer 4 free-response questions, which typically include:

1. Experimental Design question: You'll design an experiment to test a hypothesis or solve a problem.

2. Quantitative/Qualitative Translation question: You'll deal with a physics scenario that requires solutions using both calculations and conceptual explanations.

3. Short-Answer questions (two): Each will require a paragraph-length response.

For both sections of the exam, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the topics covered and be able to apply critical reasoning skills. Make sure you're familiar with scientific notation, unit conversion, and basic algebraic and trigonometric manipulation, as well as calculus concepts where applicable. Also, familiarize yourself with the AP Physics 2 equation sheet, as it will be provided during the exam.