AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Course Outline
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to AP Physics 2! This algebra-based course expands on the concepts from AP Physics 1, exploring fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. You'll develop a deep understanding of physical principles and learn to apply mathematical models to solve increasingly complex physics problems.
Ideal Gas Law Calculator
Unit 1: Fluids
This unit explores the physics of fluids at rest and in motion. You'll learn about fluid density, pressure, buoyancy, and flow, developing the ability to analyze and predict the behavior of liquids and gases in various situations.
Unit 2: Thermodynamics
This unit explores the physics of heat, temperature, and energy transfer. You'll learn about thermal systems, the ideal gas law, heat transfer mechanisms, and the principles that govern energy exchanges in thermodynamic processes.
Unit 3: Electric Force, Field, and Potential
This unit explores electrostatics in depth. You'll study electric charges, forces, fields, and potential, developing a comprehensive understanding of how electrical interactions operate and can be analyzed quantitatively.
Unit 4: Electric Circuits
This unit builds upon electrostatics to explore circuits with moving charges. You'll study resistance, capacitance, and circuit analysis techniques, developing the ability to analyze both series and parallel circuits using Kirchhoff's Rules.
Unit 5: Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction
This unit explores magnetic fields and forces, and how changing magnetic fields induce electric currents. You'll study the properties of magnets, the forces they exert on moving charges, and the principles of electromagnetic induction.
Unit 6: Geometric and Physical Optics
This unit explores the behavior of light and its interaction with matter. You'll study both the ray model (geometric optics) for reflection and refraction, and the wave model (physical optics) for interference and diffraction phenomena.
Unit 7: Quantum, Atomic, and Nuclear Physics
This culminating unit explores physics at the quantum scale. You'll study the wave-particle duality of matter and light, the photoelectric effect, atomic structure, and fundamental concepts of nuclear physics including radioactive decay.
Study Tips for AP Physics 2
Problem-Solving Strategies
- Sketch Every Scenario: Create visual representations for all problems, including field lines, ray diagrams, or circuit schematics
- Identify Principles First: Before calculating, determine which physics principles apply to the situation
- Use Multiple Approaches: Try solving problems using different methods (energy, forces, fields) to check your understanding
- Dimensional Analysis: Verify that your equations are dimensionally consistent before calculating
- Connect to AP Physics 1: Build on your prior knowledge by explicitly relating new concepts to foundational principles
Conceptual Understanding
- Focus on Field Concepts: Develop strong intuition for electric, magnetic, and gravitational fields
- Compare Analogous Systems: Recognize parallels between fluid, thermal, and electromagnetic phenomena
- Build Micro-Macro Connections: Relate microscopic models (atoms, molecules) to macroscopic observations
- Embrace Visualization: Practice "seeing" invisible phenomena like fields, waves, and quantum probability
- Write Explanations: Practice articulating concepts in clear language, as required on the AP exam's free-response section