The exam
The AP Physics 2 exam
AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Exam Thursday, May 6, 2027
Format
| Section | Questions | Time | Share of score |
|---|---|---|---|
| I: Multiple Choice | 42 | 85 minutes | 50% |
| II: Free Response | 4 | 95 minutes | 50% |
A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is allowed on both sections of the exam. College Board provides a table of equations and constants on exam day, in Bluebook and on paper.
The 4 free-response questions
- Question 1. Mathematical Routines. Use mathematics to analyze a scenario: derive relationships between variables, calculate values, draw a representation that guides the analysis, and justify a claim or prediction about the scenario.
- Question 2. Translation Between Representations. Connect representations of one scenario: draw a diagram, derive equations, draw graphs, and then explain whether two of your answers agree or use them to predict a change.
- Question 3. Experimental Design and Analysis. Design a procedure for a typical school lab that varies one quantity and measures its effect on another, then plot given data and use the graph's slope or intercept to answer a question.
- Question 4. Qualitative/Quantitative Translation. Make and justify a claim about a scenario, derive an equation for it, and then show that the two agree or use them to predict what would change.
The four questions appear in this order, one of each type.
Multiple-choice weighting by unit
| Unit | Approximate weighting |
|---|---|
| Unit 9: Thermodynamics | 15–18% |
| Unit 10: Electric Force, Field, and Potential | 15–18% |
| Unit 11: Electric Circuits | 15–18% |
| Unit 12: Magnetism and Electromagnetism | 12–15% |
| Unit 13: Geometric Optics | 12–15% |
| Unit 14: Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics | 12–15% |
| Unit 15: Modern Physics | 12–15% |
Ranges as printed in College Board's AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Course and Exam Description.