AP Physics 2 2027: Study Guide, Units & Practice
AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based second-course physics sequence covering thermodynamics, electric interactions, circuits, magnetism, optics, waves and modern physics. This hub connects all 7 units and 46 topic lessons to the equation library, laboratory reasoning, 1,932 topic MCQs, 184 topic FRQs and five full model exams.
What is AP Physics 2?
AP Physics 2 is an algebra-based physics course that extends introductory mechanics into thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, optics, waves and modern physics. The fastest way to study it is to connect every equation to a physical model, every model to a representation, and every representation to evidence from problems or experiments.
Choose the resource that matches your current problem
Do not read the whole site linearly if you already know what is weak. Use the shortest path to the skill you need.
Need an equation?
Search 138 relationships by unit, concept, variable or use case, with SI units and model conditions.
Need to learn a topic?
Go directly to one of 46 lessons with same-page definitions, examples, models and experimental reasoning.
Need focused practice?
Every topic has exactly 42 MCQs plus a separate four-FRQ bank.
Need exam simulation?
Use five complete model exams only after repairing topic-level weaknesses.
The 7 AP Physics 2 units
Each unit has a different dominant model and representation. The percentages below are the current multiple-choice emphasis ranges used for planning.
Thermodynamics
Connect microscopic particle motion to temperature, pressure, energy transfer, thermal processes, and entropy.
Electric Force, Field, and Potential
Build a field-and-energy model for electric interactions, charging, potential, capacitors, and electric-energy conservation.
Electric Circuits
Analyze current, resistance, power, compound DC networks, Kirchhoff rules, and RC transients.
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Relate magnetic fields to moving charge and current, then connect changing flux to induced emf.
Geometric Optics
Use reflection, refraction, mirrors, and lenses to predict ray paths and images.
Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics
Study wave propagation, sound, polarization, interference, diffraction, and wave optics.
Modern Physics
Use photons, matter waves, atomic energy levels, radiation models, and nuclear processes.
What changes from one unit to the next
Use this map to know what kind of representation, calculation and experiment should feel natural in each unit.
| Unit | Core model | Representations to master | High-value experimental/data skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 · Thermodynamics | particle motion, state variables, energy transfer | P–V diagrams, heating/cooling graphs, energy flow | calorimetry, gas-state measurements, thermal conductivity |
| 10 · Electric interactions | charge, field, potential and energy | field vectors, equipotentials, energy diagrams | field mapping, capacitance and charging behavior |
| 11 · Circuits | charge flow + energy conservation | circuit schematics, I–V graphs, RC curves | ohmic tests, equivalent resistance, RC time constant |
| 12 · Magnetism | magnetic force, flux and induction | field direction, force vectors, flux diagrams | induced emf vs changing flux |
| 13 · Geometric optics | ray model of light | ray diagrams, image geometry, sign conventions | focal length and index-of-refraction measurements |
| 14 · Waves & physical optics | superposition and phase | wave graphs, standing modes, interference patterns | wave speed, resonance, diffraction/interference spacing |
| 15 · Modern physics | photons, matter waves, energy levels and nuclei | spectra, energy-level diagrams, decay graphs | Planck-style graphing, spectra and half-life models |
Turn one situation into four consistent representations
Strong answers keep the physical model unchanged while moving between words, diagrams, graphs, equations and evidence.
- 1 · Define the system: decide what is inside the model and what interactions matter.
- 2 · Represent it: draw the field, circuit, ray path, wave, graph or energy picture that exposes the physics.
- 3 · Choose the relationship: use an equation only when its assumptions match the situation.
- 4 · Test the result: check units, sign, limiting behavior and physical reasonableness.
- 5 · Explain with evidence: connect the result or graph feature back to the physical principle.
Same physics, different representation
Words
What changes? What is held fixed?
Visual
Diagram, field, circuit, ray or wave.
Math
Relationship, graph and proportionality.
Claim
State what the evidence means.
Build accuracy before endurance
The site separates topic repair from full-exam simulation so a low score always tells you what to do next.
1,932 Topic MCQs
Exactly 42 questions for each of the 46 topics, with explanations tied back to models and assumptions.
Written reasoning184 Topic FRQs
Four FRQs for every topic: mathematical, representation, experimental and qualitative/quantitative reasoning.
Self-assessmentFRQ Self-Grader
Check whether your response actually contains the evidence each task type needs.
Exam simulation5 Full Model Exams
Five complete 42-MCQ + 4-FRQ simulations for mixed-course practice.
InteractiveScore Calculator
Combine MCQ and FRQ practice performance into a transparent readiness estimate.
Experimental skills15 Full Interactive Labs
All 15 investigations include student-controlled variables, repeatable trials, data tables, model-appropriate analysis, uncertainty and evidence-based conclusions.
Do not memorize 138 relationships as 138 separate facts
Most equations become easier when grouped by the physical question they answer: state, force, energy, rate, field, wave, image or quantum transition.
Use the formula page as a decision tool
- Search the target quantity or concept, not only a symbol.
- Read the variables and SI units before substituting numbers.
- Check the “use when” condition so you do not apply the right equation to the wrong model.
- Compare a numerical answer with the expected sign, scale and limiting behavior.
High-frequency reference intents
The same resource is designed to answer equation sheet, formula sheet and reference sheet searches without splitting one intent across duplicate pages.
It includes formulas, constants, unit symbols, model assumptions, unit-by-unit counts and a searchable relationship library.
One unit per week, then mixed practice
This is a default route, not a rule. Your question-level errors should decide where extra time goes.
Connect microscopic particle motion to temperature, pressure, energy transfer, thermal processes, and entropy.
Build a field-and-energy model for electric interactions, charging, potential, capacitors, and electric-energy conservation.
Analyze current, resistance, power, compound DC networks, Kirchhoff rules, and RC transients.
Relate magnetic fields to moving charge and current, then connect changing flux to induced emf.
Use reflection, refraction, mirrors, and lenses to predict ray paths and images.
Study wave propagation, sound, polarization, interference, diffraction, and wave optics.
Use photons, matter waves, atomic energy levels, radiation models, and nuclear processes.
Quick answers before you start
Use the dedicated pages when you need the full explanation or interactive tool.
What topics are in AP Physics 2?
Thermodynamics; electric force, field and potential; circuits; magnetism and electromagnetic induction; geometric optics; waves, sound and physical optics; and modern physics. The system contains 46 topic lessons across those seven units.
How many questions are on the 2027 exam?
The current structure uses 42 multiple-choice questions in 85 minutes and four free-response questions in 95 minutes. Each section contributes half of the total score.
Should I memorize every formula?
No. Learn the physical meaning, variables, units, assumptions and functional dependence. The formula sheet is most useful as a model-selection reference, not a memorization checklist.
What should I study first?
If you are learning the course, start with Unit 9 and move in order. If you are reviewing, use topic practice first and let your errors identify the unit to repair.
Is AP Physics 2 harder than AP Physics 1?
It usually feels broader because it adds thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, optics, waves and modern physics. The better question is whether your algebra, graphs, proportional reasoning and Physics 1 foundations are ready.
How should I use the model exams?
Do topic-level practice first. Use full model exams after you can identify and repair specific weaknesses; otherwise a mixed score tells you less about what to fix.
Everything connected from one hub
Each resource has one primary search intent so the cluster strengthens itself instead of competing with itself.
Equation & Formula Sheet
Search 138 relationships, constants, units, conditions and examples.
Course mapUnits & Topics
All 7 unit hubs and 46 topic lessons.
Experimental skillsLabs & Investigations
Fifteen full interactive investigations with manual or automatic data collection, model-appropriate analysis, uncertainty and evidence-based conclusions.
ExamExam Format 2027
Section structure, pacing and FRQ task modes.
Practice5 Model Exams
Five complete 42-MCQ + 4-FRQ simulations.
1,932 MCQsMCQ Practice
42 focused questions for every topic.
184 FRQsFRQ Practice
Four reasoning-mode FRQs for every topic.
InteractiveScore Calculator
Combine MCQ and FRQ practice into a readiness estimate.
DefinitionsPhysics Glossary
Immediate definitions plus links to the deeper topic lesson.
ReviewReview Hub
Mixed review after topic-level repair.
PlanningStudy Plans
Long, 30-day, one-week and last-minute routes.
ComparisonPhysics 1 vs Physics 2
Compare scope, prerequisites and progression.
Expanded study guide, verified course scope.
AP Physics 2: a connected seven-unit study path
Physics 2 extends algebra-based physics into thermodynamics, electric charge, electric circuits, magnetism, geometric and physical optics, and quantum/atomic/nuclear physics. Strong solutions connect qualitative models with conservation laws, accurate units and scientific evidence.
Worked electrical power example
A 12 V source drives 2 A through an ideal resistive load. Electrical power is P=IV=24 W. Over 30 seconds the energy transferred is E=PΔt=720 J. Power is energy per unit time, not the total energy. For a real source, internal resistance and circuit details may affect the voltage across the load.
Check a thermodynamic model
If a gas receives 500 J of heat while doing 200 J of work on the surroundings, the first law with the convention ΔU=Q−W gives ΔU=300 J. State the sign convention before substituting numbers.
AP exam practice
The 2027 exam has 42 multiple-choice questions in 85 minutes (50%) and four free-response questions in 95 minutes (50%). Students should practice translating between graphs, equations, vector diagrams and experimental observations; the four FRQ types include mathematical routines, representation translation, experimental design, and qualitative/quantitative reasoning.
Independent teaching examples; not official College Board questions.