What physics topics are essential to learn before learning these topics and why? Thermodynamics
~10–16Class
Periods 15–18% AP Exam
Weighting
1
2
3
9.1 Kinetic Theory of
Temperature and
Pressure
1
2
3
9.2 The Ideal Gas Law
1
2
3
9.3 Thermal Energy
Transfer and
Equilibrium
1
2
3
9.4 The First Law of
Thermodynamics
1
2
3
9.5 Specific Heat and
Thermal Conductivity
1
2
3
9.6 Entropy and the
Second Law of
Thermodynamics
Progress Check 9
Multiple-choice: ~18 questions
Free-response: 4 questions
Mathematical Routines
Translation Between Representations
Experimental Design and Analysis
Qualitative/Quantitative Translation
UNIT
10
Electric Force,
Field, and
Potential
~14–21 Class
Periods 15–18% AP Exam
Weighting
1
2
3
10.1 Electric Charge and
Electric Force
1
2
3
10.2 Conservation of
Electric Charge and the
Process of Charging
1
2
3
10.3 Electric Fields
1
2
3
10.4 Electric Potential
Energy
1
2
3
10.5 Electric Potential
1
2
3
10.6 Capacitors
1
2
3
10.7 Conservation of
Electric Energy
Progress Check 10
Multiple-choice: ~24 questions
Free-response: 4 questions
Mathematical Routines
Translation Between Representations
Experimental Design and Analysis
Qualitative/Quantitative Translation
Return to Table of Contents
© 2024 College Board
| 15
UNIT
11 Electric Circuits
~12–20Class
Periods 15–18% AP Exam
Weighting
1
2
3
11.1 Electric Current
1
2
3
11.2 Simple Circuits
1
2
3
11.3 Resistance, Resistivity,
and Ohm’s Law
1
2
3
11.4 Electric Power
1
2
3
11.5 Compound Direct
Current (DC) Circuits
1
2
3
11.6 Kirchhoff’s Loop Rule
1
2
3
11.7 Kirchhoff’s Junction
Rule
1
2
3
11.8 Resistor-Capacitor (RC)
Circuits
Progress Check 11
Multiple-choice: ~24 questions
Free-response: 4 questions
Mathematical Routines
Translation Between Representations
Experimental Design and Analysis
Qualitative/Quantitative Translation
UNIT
12 Magnetism and
Electromagnetism
~10–13Class
Periods 12–15% AP Exam
Weighting
1
2
3
12.1 Magnetic Fields
1
2
3
12.2 Magnetism and Moving
Charges
1
2
3
12.3 Magnetism and
Current-Carrying Wires
1
2
3
12.4 Electromagnetic
Induction and
Faraday’s Law
Progress Check 12
Multiple-choice: ~18 questions
Free-response: 4 questions
Mathematical Routines
Translation Between Representations
Experimental Design and Analysis
Qualitative/Quantitative Translation
UNIT
13
Geometric
Optics
~8–12Class
Periods 12–15% AP Exam
Weighting
1
2
3
13.1 Reflection
1
2
3
13.2 Images Formed by
Mirrors
1
2
3
13.3 Refraction
1
2
3
13.4 Images Formed by
Lenses
Progress Check 13
Multiple-choice: ~18 questions
Free-response: 4 questions
Mathematical Routines
Translation Between Representations
Experimental Design and Analysis
Qualitative/Quantitative Translation
Return to Table of Contents
© 2024 College Board
| 16
AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Course and Exam Description
Waves, Sound,
and Physical
Optics
UNIT
14
~14–23Class
Periods 12–15% AP Exam
Weighting
1
2
3
14.1 Properties of Wave
Pulses and Waves
1
2
3
14.2 Periodic Waves
1
2
3
14.3 Boundary Behavior of
Waves and Polarization
1
2
3
14.4 Electromagnetic Waves
1
2
3
14.5 The Doppler Effect
1
2
3
14.6 Wave Interference and
Standing Waves
1
2
3
14.7 Diffraction
1
2
3
14.8 Double-Slit
Interference and
Diffraction Gratings
1
2
3
14.9 Thin-Film Interference
Progress Check 14
Multiple-choice: ~30 questions
Free-response: 4 questions
Mathematical Routines
Translation Between Representations
Experimental Design and Analysis
Qualitative/Quantitative Translation
UNIT
15 Modern Physics
~14–22 Class
Periods 12–15% AP Exam
Weighting
1
2
3
15.1 Quantum Theory and
Wave-Particle Duality
1
2
3
15.2 The Bohr Model of
Atomic Structure
1
2
3
15.3 Emission and
Absorption Spectra
1
2
3
15.4 Blackbody Radiation
1
2
3
15.5 The Photoelectric
Effect
1
2
3
15.6 Compton Scattering
1
2
3
15.7 Fission, Fusion, and
Nuclear Decay
1
2
3
15.8 Types of Radioactive
Decay