AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
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About the Exam
Important Update
2021 AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Exams will be offered on paper in early May and late May, and as a digital exam in early June. Both the paper and digital versions of the AP Physics 2 Exam will be full length and measure the full range of skills and knowledge specified in the course and exam description (CED), giving you the opportunity to qualify for college credit and placement.
The paper exams will follow the typical multiple-choice and free-response format given in the CED. The digital exam will take the same amount of time, but will contain more multiple-choice questions, and fewer free-response questions. On the digital exam, you will answer free-response questions with a keyboard, rather than by hand. The digital exam app will include any symbols you would need to use to type responses—rather, these skills may be assessed by asking to provide explanations about given diagrams or other stimuli . No handwritten or photographed work will be accepted.
You will be able to practice answering a representative sample of multiple-choice and free-response questions within the 2021 digital exam app, available in early April. The best practice for the digital version of the 2021 AP Physics 2 Exam remains the existing multiple-choice and free-response questions.
There are differences between the paper and digital versions of some 2021 AP Exams, and those variations differ by course. The information below applies to AP Physics 2 only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
Learn more about 2021 testing.
2021 AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Exams will be offered on paper in early May and late May, and as a digital exam in early June. Both the paper and digital versions of the AP Physics 2 Exam will be full length and measure the full range of skills and knowledge specified in the course and exam description (CED), giving you the opportunity to qualify for college credit and placement.
The paper exams will follow the typical multiple-choice and free-response format given in the CED. The digital exam will take the same amount of time, but will contain more multiple-choice questions, and fewer free-response questions. On the digital exam, you will answer free-response questions with a keyboard, rather than by hand. The digital exam app will include any symbols you would need to use to type responses—rather, these skills may be assessed by asking to provide explanations about given diagrams or other stimuli . No handwritten or photographed work will be accepted.
You will be able to practice answering a representative sample of multiple-choice and free-response questions within the 2021 digital exam app, available in early April. The best practice for the digital version of the 2021 AP Physics 2 Exam remains the existing multiple-choice and free-response questions.
There are differences between the paper and digital versions of some 2021 AP Exams, and those variations differ by course. The information below applies to AP Physics 2 only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
Learn more about 2021 testing.
The AP Physics 2 Exam will test your understanding of the scientific concepts covered in the course units, including your ability to use algebra when solving problems related to quantum, atomic, and nuclear physics.
You can use a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator throughout the exam, and you will be provided with tables of commonly used physics equations and formulas.
Exam Duration
3hrs
3hrs
Exam Dates
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Fri, May 7, 2021,
12 PM LocalPaper, In SchoolAP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Exam
This is the Administration 1 date for the AP Physics 2 Exam.
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Tue, May 25, 2021,
12 PM LocalPaper, In SchoolAP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Exam
This is the Administration 2 date for the AP Physics 2 Exam.
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Thu, Jun 10, 2021,
4 PM EDTDigital, In School and At HomeAP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Exam
This is the Administration 3 date for the AP Physics 2 Exam.
Exam Components
Note on 2021 Exams
There are differences between the paper and digital versions of some 2021 AP Exams, and those variations differ by course. The information below applies to AP Physics 2 only. View a summary of all 2021 AP Exam formats.
The AP Physics 2 digital exam will include:
- More multiple-choice questions than the paper exam
- Fewer free-response questions than the paper exam
Free-response questions will consist of familiar tasks that could appear on a traditional AP Exam, but they will be answerable with a regular computer keyboard and won’t require drawing or graphing. The digital exam app will include any symbols you would need to type your responses. All responses must be typed directly into the exam app. No handwritten or photographed work will be accepted.
You will be able to practice multiple-choice and free-response questions within the 2021 digital exam app, available in early April.
| Early May and Late May Exams (Paper) | Early June Exam (Digital) |
|---|---|
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Section 1: Multiple Choice
This section contains multiple-choice questions that include:
Questions may test your ability to:
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Section 1: Multiple Choice
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Section 2: Free Response
For the free-response section, credit for answers depends on the quality of the solutions and explanations shown, so be sure to show your work.
This section includes these types of questions:
Questions may test your ability to:
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Section 2: Multiple Choice and Free Response
This section includes 25 multiple choice questions and two free-response questions. Free-response questions will be written so that you can type all your answers into the digital exam app. The app will include any symbols you’ll need. You cannot hand-write your answers.
Multiple Choice:
Free Response: This section contains 2 free-response questions of the following types:
Questions may test your ability to:
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Exam Essentials
Exam Preparation
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AP Classroom Resources
Once you join your AP class section online, you’ll be able to access AP Daily videos, any assignments from your teacher, and your personal progress dashboard in AP Classroom. Sign in to access them.
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AP Physics 2 Equation Tables
This document supplies equations commonly used in physics as well as constants, conversion factors, unit symbols, and more. This document or one like it will be provided to you on exam day for the AP Physics 2 Exam.
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2019 AP Physics 2 Free-Response Questions and Scoring Guidelines
Review the released free-response questions and the scoring guidelines.
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AP Physics 2 Free-Response Questions and Scoring Information Archive
Review free-response questions, sample student responses, and scoring guidelines from 2018 and earlier.
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The Paragraph-Length Response in AP Physics 1 and 2
Get guidance on how to tackle the exam questions that require a paragraph-length response.
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The Analysis of Experimental Uncertainty in AP Physics 1 and 2
Get information on expectations for the depth of understanding of experimental uncertainty that will be assessed on the exam and the expectations for laboratory work to be presented to colleges and universities.
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