AP Physics 2

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AP Physics 2 continues algebra-based physics into thermodynamics, electric force, field and potential, circuits, magnetism, geometric optics, waves and physical optics, and modern physics. It assumes the mechanics of Physics 1 rather than repeating it.

Fields are invisible, and the exam knows it. Questions ask what happens to a quantity when something else changes — double the separation, insert a dielectric, reverse the current — and to justify it without computing a number.

Learn each relationship as a proportionality, not just a formula. That is what makes those questions tractable.

Unit-by-unit notes cover fluids, thermodynamics, electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, optics and modern physics, with diagrams for the parts that are hard to picture. The library holds the released past papers; Physics 2 leans heavily on explaining in words why something happens, so practise writing the reasoning and not only the number.

Train all vocabulary

Past Papers

9
Thermodynamics
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- 9.1 Kinetic Theory of Temperature and Pressure
- 9.2 The Ideal Gas Law
- 9.3 Thermal Energy Transfer and Equilibrium
- 9.4 The First Law of Thermodynamics
- 9.5 Specific Heat and Thermal Conductivity
- 9.6 Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
- 9.6 Practice
- 9.6 Answers
- 9.6 Exam tips
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10
Electric Force, Field, and Potential
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- 10.1 Electric Charge and Electric Force
- 10.2 The Process of Charging
- 10.3 Electric Fields
- 10.4 Electric Potential Energy
- 10.5 Electric Potential
- 10.6 Capacitors
- 10.7 Conservation of Electric Energy
- 10.7 Practice
- 10.7 Answers
- 10.7 Exam tips
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11
Electric Circuits
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- 11.1 Electric Current
- 11.2 Simple Circuits
- 11.3 Resistance, Resistivity, and Ohm's Law
- 11.4 Electric Power
- 11.5 Compound DC Circuits
- 11.5 Measuring Current and Voltage
- 11.6 Kirchhoff's Loop Rule
- 11.7 Kirchhoff's Junction Rule
- 11.8 RC Circuits
- 11.8 Practice
- 11.8 Answers
- 11.8 Exam tips
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12
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
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- 12.1 Magnetic Fields
- 12.2 Magnetism and Moving Charges
- 12.3 Magnetism and Current-Carrying Wires
- 12.4 Electromagnetic Induction and Faraday's Law
- 12.4 Lenz's law, step by step
- 12.4 Motional emf
- 12.4 Practice
- 12.4 Answers
- 12.4 Exam tips
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13
Geometric Optics
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- 13.1 Reflection
- 13.2 Images Formed by Mirrors
- 13.3 Refraction
- 13.4 Images Formed by Lenses
- 13.4 Signs decide the answer
- 13.4 Practice
- 13.4 Answers
- 13.4 Exam tips
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14
Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics
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- 14.1 Properties of Wave Pulses and Waves
- 14.2 Periodic Waves
- 14.3 Boundary Behavior and Polarization
- 14.4 Electromagnetic Waves
- 14.5 The Doppler Effect
- 14.6 Wave Interference and Standing Waves
- 14.7 Diffraction
- 14.8 Double-Slit Interference and Diffraction Gratings
- 14.9 Thin-Film Interference
- 14.9 Practice
- 14.9 Answers
- 14.9 Exam tips
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15
Modern Physics
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- 15.1 Quantum Theory and Wave-Particle Duality
- 15.2 The Bohr Model of Atomic Structure
- 15.3 Emission and Absorption Spectra
- 15.4 Blackbody Radiation
- 15.5 The Photoelectric Effect
- 15.6 Compton Scattering
- 15.7 Fission, Fusion, and Nuclear Decay
- 15.8 Types of Radioactive Decay
- 15.8 Practice
- 15.8 Answers
- 15.8 Exam tips
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