AP Physics 2 is the algebra-based second-year physics course — the sequel to Physics 1 — covering thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. No calculus required. The exam pairs 40 multiple-choice questions with 4 free-response questions, split evenly in weight, and like Physics 1 it rewards reasoning — especially deriving symbolic relationships — over formula-plugging. A recent redesign moved fluids out to Physics 1 and expanded the optics and modern physics coverage. This guide breaks the whole exam down: the two sections, the seven units and how they’re weighted, the free-response skill types, scoring, and how it differs from Physics 1.
The essentials: the AP Physics 2 exam has two equally-weighted sections and runs about 3 hours. Section I = 40 multiple-choice in 80 minutes (50%) — single-select, four answer choices, done digitally in Bluebook. Section II = 4 free-response in 100 minutes (50%), handwritten, each testing a different science-practice skill (mathematical routines, translating representations, experimental design, qualitative-quantitative translation). It’s algebra-based (no calculus), covering seven units: thermodynamics, electricity & magnetism, circuits, optics, waves, and modern physics — fluids has moved out to Physics 1. A calculator and equation sheet are provided on both sections; MCQ has no wrong-answer penalty; FRQ gives partial credit. It’s hybrid digital, scored 1–5, and rewards symbolic reasoning over formula recall. Here’s the full breakdown.
Once you know the sections and weights, run your practice numbers through the AP score calculator to see your likely 1–5. Took Physics 1 first? Compare with the AP Physics 1 exam guide, and see how long the exam is.
What this guide covers
The AP Physics 2 exam at a glance
Start with the overall shape, because AP Physics 2’s structure is identical to Physics 1’s — it’s the content that’s different. Two equal sections, about three hours.
The AP Physics 2 exam is built around two sections of equal weight: Section I is 40 multiple-choice questions (50%) and Section II is 4 free-response questions (the other 50%), for a total testing time of about 3 hours. Several defining characteristics: it’s an algebra-based course — using algebra and trigonometry, not calculus — and it’s the second-year physics course, the sequel to AP Physics 1, covering the topics that come after mechanics. It’s a hybrid digital exam: you answer multiple-choice questions on a computer in the Bluebook app, but handwrite your free-response answers in a paper booklet. Like Physics 1, it’s conceptual and reasoning-focused — but with a Physics-2 flavor: the real demand is often symbolic reasoning, meaning deriving relationships between quantities and predicting how one changes when another does, rather than heavy computation. The content covers thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics, organized into seven units. A calculator is permitted on both sections and an equation sheet is provided, so success hinges on understanding, symbolic manipulation, and reasoning rather than recall or advanced math. The most important framing up front: AP Physics 2 has the same exam structure as Physics 1 but covers entirely different (second-semester) content, and it leans even more on deriving symbolic relationships. The sections below break down each part — starting with exactly how it differs from Physics 1.
The core point: AP Physics 2 = 40 multiple-choice (80 min, 50%) + 4 free-response (100 min, 50%), about 3 hours, algebra-based (no calculus). Same format as Physics 1, but it covers second-semester content — thermodynamics, E&M, optics, and modern physics (fluids has moved out to Physics 1). Calculator and equation sheet provided; it rewards symbolic reasoning over formula-plugging.
How AP Physics 2 differs from Physics 1
Since most students take Physics 2 after Physics 1, the key question is what actually changes — and the answer is the content, not the format. Same test, new topics.
AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 are both algebra-based introductory physics courses, taken in sequence, and since the redesign they share the identical exam format (40 multiple-choice, 4 free-response, 3 hours, equally weighted, hybrid digital). What differs is the content. AP Physics 1 covers mechanics — motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations — plus fluids, and is essentially first-semester college physics. AP Physics 2 covers the second-semester topics: thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Physics 1 is functionally a prerequisite for Physics 2 — which is exactly why, in the recent redesign, the AP Physics 2 units were renumbered to continue consecutively after Physics 1, starting at Unit 9 (Physics 1 ends at Unit 8). Two redesign-driven content shifts matter: fluids moved out of Physics 2 into Physics 1 (so fluids is no longer a Physics 2 topic), and in exchange, Physics 2’s optics coverage was expanded into two units, circuits became more comprehensive, and modern physics was updated (adding blackbody radiation and Compton scattering). So if you took Physics 1, you’ll find Physics 2 structurally familiar but covering all-new content, generally regarded as a bit more abstract (electric fields, magnetism, and modern physics are less tangible than blocks and ramps). The takeaway: same exam shape, different and somewhat more abstract content. For the full Physics 1 picture, see the AP Physics 1 exam guide.
The multiple-choice section
Half your score rides on the multiple-choice section, which tests reasoning across the full breadth of the course. 40 questions, 80 minutes.
Section I is 40 multiple-choice questions in 80 minutes, worth 50% — about 2 minutes per question. Each question is single-select (one correct answer) with four answer choices; the old multiselect questions have been removed in the redesign. Questions come as discrete questions or in sets sharing a stimulus (a scenario, circuit diagram, graph, ray diagram, or data table). Like Physics 1, the section emphasizes conceptual understanding and data analysis — applying physics principles to situations, interpreting representations, and reasoning through problems — but with Physics 2’s content, you’ll be reasoning about circuits, fields, optics, gases, and modern-physics phenomena rather than mechanics. Two practical points. First, the section is fully digital (answered in Bluebook), so practicing physics on a screen — reading circuit and ray diagrams on a display — is worth doing beforehand. Second, and importantly, there’s no penalty for wrong answers: your score is the number correct, so answer every question, using elimination and guessing when unsure. Because many questions require reasoning rather than a quick calculation, pacing matters — if you’re stuck, flag it and return. For how to drill it, see the AP Physics 2 practice guide.
The free-response section
The other half of your score comes from four handwritten questions, each targeting a specific science-practice skill. Show reasoning, derive relationships.
Section II is 4 free-response questions in 100 minutes — about 25 minutes each — worth the other 50%. You view the prompts on screen but handwrite your answers in a paper booklet scored by trained AP Readers. As on Physics 1, the four questions each test a different science-practice skill: Mathematical Routines (deriving and applying symbolic relationships and doing calculations), Translation Between Representations (moving among words, equations, graphs, diagrams, and circuit/ray diagrams), Experimental Design and Analysis (designing a procedure, identifying variables, and analyzing data, often with graphing), and Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (connecting conceptual reasoning with math and justifying claims). Each question is multi-part and scored with partial credit for correct steps, reasoning, and work — so showing your full process is essential, and you should attempt every sub-part. A distinctive Physics-2 emphasis: because the exam rewards symbolic reasoning, the Mathematical Routines question often asks you to derive a relationship in symbols (not just plug in numbers), so practice algebraic derivation. Several habits pay off: a calculator, straightedge, and the equation sheet are allowed — use them; label parts clearly; graph carefully (labeled axes and units); justify your claims with evidence; and include units on numerical answers, since missing units is a common way to lose points. For practice strategy, see the practice guide.
The seven units and how they’re weighted
Knowing the units — and their consecutive 9-to-15 numbering — helps you see how Physics 2 picks up where Physics 1 leaves off. Seven units, E&M-heavy.
The redesigned AP Physics 2 course has seven units, numbered 9 through 15 to continue consecutively after AP Physics 1’s eight units (a deliberate signal that Physics 1 is a prerequisite). They are: Unit 9 Thermodynamics, Unit 10 Electric Force, Field, and Potential, Unit 11 Electric Circuits, Unit 12 Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction, Unit 13 Geometric Optics, Unit 14 Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics, and Unit 15 Modern Physics. Note that fluids — previously the first unit of Physics 2 — is no longer part of the course (it moved to Physics 1). In the redesign, the optics content was expanded into two units (13 and 14), circuits coverage became more comprehensive, and modern physics was updated to include blackbody radiation and Compton scattering. On weighting: thermodynamics, electric force and field, and electric circuits are typically among the more heavily weighted units, while magnetism and modern physics are often considered the more abstract and challenging ones (worth extra study time even if their weight is moderate). The chips below show the seven units. The practical implication: while all seven are tested, prioritize the higher-weighted units — especially the electricity topics — and give the abstract units (magnetism, modern physics) extra time to click. Confirm the current weights in the official framework. For where to find that, see the practice guide.
Scoring and logistics
Pulling the structure together into the score and the practical exam-day details completes the picture. Weighted 50/50, scored 1–5.
Scoring is on the 1 to 5 scale, with the two sections weighted equally at 50% each. The 40 multiple-choice questions are computer-scored — each correct answer earns a point, no penalty for wrong answers — while the 4 free-response questions are hand-scored by trained AP Readers using rubrics, with partial credit for correct steps, reasoning, and work (including symbolic derivations). The two combine into a composite score converted to a 1–5 using that year’s cut points, set through the College Board’s standard-setting process. On logistics: it’s a hybrid digital exam, so you’ll need a charged device with the Bluebook app (and a power cord), plus photo ID, pencils and pens (black or dark blue ink) for the paper booklet, and an approved calculator. The equation/reference sheet is provided. Two strategy takeaways follow from the scoring: because there’s no wrong-answer penalty, always answer every multiple-choice question; and because free response awards partial credit, attempt every part, show all your work, and include units. To turn your own section performance into a predicted score, use the AP score calculator; for the full mechanics of AP scoring, see how AP exams are scored, and for what to bring, AP exam day essentials.
| Section | Questions | Time | Weight | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I — Multiple choice | 40 | 80 min | 50% | Digital (Bluebook) |
| Section II — Free response | 4 | 100 min | 50% | Handwritten (paper) |
| Total | 44 | ~3 hours | 100% | Hybrid |
Algebra-based; calculator and equation sheet provided; no penalty for wrong MCQ answers; FRQ scored with partial credit. Reflects the current redesigned exam — the MCQ count and timing change for May 2027. Confirm with the College Board.
The redesign and what’s changing next
AP Physics 2 changed recently and is set to change again, so it’s important to know which format applies to you. A recent redesign, plus more coming.
AP Physics 2 has been through a significant redesign, and there’s another change on the way. The redesign, introduced starting with the 2024–25 school year, made both content and structural changes now reflected in the current exam. On content: it removed the fluids unit (moved to AP Physics 1), expanded optics into two units, made circuits more comprehensive, added blackbody radiation and Compton scattering to modern physics, and renumbered the units to 9–15 to follow Physics 1. On structure: multiple choice went from 50 to 40 questions with the section shortened to 80 minutes, multiselect questions were removed, answer choices went to four (from five), and the free-response section became 4 questions (from 5) with new types and more time (100 minutes). On top of that, the College Board has announced that the number of multiple-choice questions and the timing for each section will be updated again starting with the May 2027 exam. What this means for you: the format described throughout this guide reflects the current redesigned exam — but if you’re testing in May 2027 or later, confirm the updated question count and timing on the College Board’s official page. It also means older prep materials may show the pre-redesign format (with fluids and 5 free-response questions) — and importantly, old released free-response exams no longer match the current structure — so make sure any practice resources are updated for the current exam. As always, the most reliable source is the College Board’s official AP Physics 2 page and Course and Exam Description. For confirming timing specifically, see how long the AP Physics 2 exam is.
Note on changes: AP Physics 2 was recently redesigned (fluids moved to Physics 1, optics and modern physics expanded, units renumbered 9–15, 40 MCQ, 4 FRQ), and the College Board has announced that the number of multiple-choice questions and the timing will be updated again starting with the May 2027 exam. The format here reflects the current exam. If testing in May 2027 or later, confirm the updated MCQ count and timing on the College Board’s official AP Physics 2 page, and make sure any older prep materials (especially released FRQs) match the current format.
AP Physics 2 exam: frequently asked questions
What is on the AP Physics 2 exam?
Two equally weighted sections, about 3 hours total. Section I is 40 multiple-choice questions in 80 minutes, worth 50%, single-select with four answer choices, done digitally in Bluebook. Section II is 4 free-response questions in 100 minutes, also 50%, handwritten. AP Physics 2 is the algebra-based second-year physics course (no calculus), covering seven units: thermodynamics, electric force field and potential, electric circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction, geometric optics, waves and physical optics, and modern physics. Fluids is no longer part of AP Physics 2, since it moved to AP Physics 1 in the redesign. The four free-response questions each test a different science-practice skill: mathematical routines, translating between representations, experimental design and analysis, and qualitative-quantitative translation. A calculator and equation sheet are provided. It’s scored 1 to 5 and, like Physics 1, emphasizes reasoning, especially deriving symbolic relationships, over plugging into formulas.
What is the difference between AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2?
Both are algebra-based introductory physics courses, but they cover different content and are taken in sequence. AP Physics 1 covers mechanics, motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations, plus fluids, and is essentially first-semester college physics. AP Physics 2 covers the second-semester topics: thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Physics 1 is functionally a prerequisite for Physics 2, which is why in the recent redesign the AP Physics 2 units were renumbered to continue consecutively after Physics 1, starting at Unit 9. In the redesign, fluids moved from Physics 2 into Physics 1, and Physics 2’s optics and modern physics coverage was expanded. Both exams now have the identical format (40 multiple-choice, 4 free-response, 3 hours, equally weighted) and both are conceptual and reasoning-focused. The main difference is the content: Physics 1 is mechanics-focused, while Physics 2 covers thermodynamics, E&M, optics, and modern physics.
Is AP Physics 2 calculus-based?
No, AP Physics 2 is algebra-based. Like AP Physics 1, it uses algebra and trigonometry, so you don’t need calculus. This distinguishes it from the AP Physics C courses (Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism), which are calculus-based. That said, AP Physics 2 does demand strong symbolic reasoning: the real challenge is often deriving relationships between quantities and predicting how one quantity changes when another does, rather than doing heavy computation. A precalculus background helps, especially for topics like exponential decay in modern physics and wave relationships. A calculator (four-function, scientific, or graphing) is allowed on both sections, and an equation sheet is provided, so the difficulty lies in conceptual understanding and symbolic manipulation rather than advanced math or memorizing formulas. Comfort with rearranging equations, working with ratios and proportions, and reading graphs is important.
What units are on the AP Physics 2 exam?
The redesigned course has seven units, numbered 9 through 15 to continue consecutively after AP Physics 1’s eight units, reflecting that Physics 1 is a prerequisite. The units are: Unit 9 Thermodynamics; Unit 10 Electric Force, Field, and Potential; Unit 11 Electric Circuits; Unit 12 Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction; Unit 13 Geometric Optics; Unit 14 Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics; and Unit 15 Modern Physics. Fluids, which used to be the first unit of Physics 2, is no longer part of the course, having moved to Physics 1. In the redesign, the optics content was expanded into two units, circuits coverage became more comprehensive, and modern physics was updated to include blackbody radiation and Compton scattering. Thermodynamics, electric force and field, and electric circuits are typically among the more heavily weighted units, while magnetism and modern physics are often considered the more abstract, challenging ones. All seven units are tested.
How is the AP Physics 2 exam scored?
On the 1 to 5 scale, with the multiple-choice and free-response sections weighted equally at 50% each. The 40 multiple-choice questions are computer-scored, with each correct answer earning a point and no penalty for wrong answers, so answer every question. The 4 free-response questions are hand-scored by trained AP Readers using rubrics, with partial credit for correct steps, reasoning, and work, so showing your full process, including symbolic derivations, matters. The two sections combine into a composite converted to a 1 to 5 using that year’s cut points, set through the College Board’s standard-setting process. Because there’s no wrong-answer penalty, guessing on multiple choice is always worthwhile, and because free response gives partial credit, attempt every part of every question. As with Physics 1, clearly showing your reasoning and including units on numerical answers helps you earn the maximum partial credit.
Is the AP Physics 2 exam changing?
AP Physics 2 was recently redesigned, and another change is on the way. The redesign, from the 2024-25 school year, removed the fluids unit (which moved to AP Physics 1), expanded optics into two units, made circuits more comprehensive, added blackbody radiation and Compton scattering to modern physics, and renumbered the units to 9 through 15. It also changed the structure: multiple choice went from 50 to 40 questions with the section shortened to 80 minutes, multiselect was removed, answer choices went to four, and free response became 4 questions with new types and more time (100 minutes). On top of that, the College Board has announced that the number of multiple-choice questions and the timing for each section will be updated again starting with the May 2027 exam. So confirm which format applies to your exam year. The format described here reflects the current redesigned exam. Older prep materials may show the pre-redesign format (with fluids and 5 free-response questions), so make sure any practice resources match the current structure.
The quick version
The AP Physics 2 exam has two equally-weighted sections and runs about 3 hours. Section I is 40 multiple-choice questions in 80 minutes (50%), single-select with four answer choices, done digitally in Bluebook. Section II is 4 free-response questions in 100 minutes (50%), handwritten, each testing a different science-practice skill: mathematical routines, translating between representations, experimental design and analysis, and qualitative-quantitative translation. It’s algebra-based (no calculus), the second-year sequel to Physics 1, covering seven units — thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, circuits, optics, waves, and modern physics — numbered 9 to 15 to follow Physics 1. Fluids is no longer part of Physics 2 (it moved to Physics 1). A calculator and equation sheet are provided; there’s no penalty for wrong multiple-choice answers, and free response gives partial credit. It’s a hybrid digital exam, scored 1 to 5, and it rewards reasoning — especially deriving symbolic relationships — over formula-plugging.
Ready to see where you stand? Estimate your score with the free AP score calculator, drill with AP Physics 2 practice resources, check how long the exam is, and see whether AP Physics 2 is hard. Compare with AP Physics 1, browse the hardest AP exams, or all education calculators.
Accuracy note: AP Physics 2 exam format, section timing, scoring, unit content and weightings, and calculator policy are set by the College Board and can change (the exam was recently redesigned, and the multiple-choice count and timing update again for May 2027). The information here reflects the current exam for general informational purposes only. Always confirm the exact current format, timing, scoring, unit weightings, and approved-calculator list on the College Board’s official AP Physics 2 page and Course and Exam Description before relying on any specific detail.
The College Board’s AP Physics 2 exam page details the current format, sections, timing, calculator policy, and reference materials. AP Physics 2 exam →
The College Board’s AP Students page covers the course, the exam, and the seven units. AP Physics 2 for students →