AP Physics
2 (Algebra)
A continuation of Physics 1. Covers fluids, thermodynamics, electricity-magnetism, optics, and modern physics — still algebra-based (no Calculus). Redesigned for 2024-25 with 7 units. Suited to students who have completed Physics 1 and want to build a profile for Pre-Med, Bio-Eng, or Materials Science.
Before you start, understand how the College Board scores.
After the 2024-25 redesign, AP Physics 2 has a balanced structure: MCQ (40 questions, 50% of the score) + FRQ (4 questions, 50% of the score). The new FRQ format also includes the QQT (Quantitative/Qualitative Translation) question type — combining calculations + qualitative explanation + graphing, applied to thermo, E&M, and optics. Understanding the structure helps your child allocate study time to the right focus areas.
Score 5/5 distribution in 2024
According to College Board data, 15.9% of students worldwide achieve a 5 on AP Physics 2 — twice as high as Physics 1 because students are already familiar with the AP format. However, most lose points on optics (lens equations) and modern physics (photoelectric effect, atomic models). Our students reach a score-5 rate 1.5–2 times higher by practicing all 7 units to the rubric standard.
MCQ — Multiple Choice
40 questions · 80 minutes
FRQ — Free Response
4 questions · 100 minutes
Total Exam
3 hours 15 minutes
7 units aligned with the College Board CED 2024.
Our learning track closely follows the College Board’s official 2024-25 (redesigned) CED. AP Physics 2 is organized into 7 units: Thermodynamics, Electric Force/Field/Potential, Electric Circuits, Magnetism & Electromagnetic Induction, Geometric Optics, Waves & Physical Optics, Modern Physics. Click each unit for details.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 7 units of AP Physics 2 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, circuits, field-line diagrams, and ray diagrams (optics) — not just memorizing formulas.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 7 units of AP Physics 2 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, circuits, field-line diagrams, and ray diagrams (optics) — not just memorizing formulas.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 7 units of AP Physics 2 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, circuits, field-line diagrams, and ray diagrams (optics) — not just memorizing formulas.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 7 units of AP Physics 2 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, circuits, field-line diagrams, and ray diagrams (optics) — not just memorizing formulas.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 7 units of AP Physics 2 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, circuits, field-line diagrams, and ray diagrams (optics) — not just memorizing formulas.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 7 units of AP Physics 2 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, circuits, field-line diagrams, and ray diagrams (optics) — not just memorizing formulas.
Unit Details
Refer to the College Board’s official Course and Exam Description for the full list of topics.
This is one of the 7 units of AP Physics 2 (redesigned 2024-25). Our team guides students to continually connect physics concepts, circuits, field-line diagrams, and ray diagrams (optics) — not just memorizing formulas.
Full learning track: ~26 weeks (20–28 weeks depending on student level) · Materials: AP Classroom + Gia Su AP internal materials · Source: Official College Board CED
Target score distribution for our Physics 2 students — May 2026 season.
Track goal: 75%+ of students score a 5, and 95%+ score a 4-5. Compare with the global score distribution so you and your child can clearly see the target position.
Gia Su AP Target — Physics 2 (Algebra) (2026 Season)
Global Average
Seven competencies our team helps your child master.
The College Board scores AP Physics 2 across the same 7 "Science Practices" as Physics 1 (Modeling Phenomena, Mathematical Routines, Scientific Questioning, Experimental Methods, Data Analysis, Argumentation, Theoretical Relationships). Our track ensures students master all 7.
Creating Physical Representations
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Scientific Reasoning
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Experimental Analysis
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Data Analysis
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Quantitative Problem Solving
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Reasoning from Physical Principles
One of 6 core competencies assessed by the College Board throughout the course.
Sample question — RC Circuit Charging.
This is a typical FRQ for AP Physics 2 after the 2024-25 redesign — from the Electric Circuits unit. Students must draw the circuit, apply Kirchhoff’s law, and analyze the capacitor’s charging process.
Context: A circuit consists of an EMF source ε = 12 V, a resistor R = 100 Ω, and a capacitor C = 50 μF in series with a switch S. Initially, the switch is open and the capacitor is uncharged. At t = 0, switch S is closed.
Answer all 4 parts below:
- Draw the circuit diagram with current direction and standard symbols (battery, R, C, S) (2 points).
- Calculate the initial current I₀ immediately after the switch is closed (at t = 0⁺), when the capacitor is still uncharged (3 points).
- Sketch a graph of the current I(t) versus time from t = 0 to t = 5τ (where τ = RC). Label the axes fully with I₀ and τ values (4 points).
- Explain qualitatively: As t → ∞, what happens to the current in the circuit? Why? How is the energy supplied by the battery divided? (3 points).
Part (a) — 2 points: A correct series circuit with current flowing from the + terminal through R, C, S, back to the − terminal. Use standard symbols for each component (battery as long/short line pair, capacitor as two parallel lines, R as a rectangle).
Part (b) — 3 points: At t = 0⁺, V_C = 0 (capacitor uncharged) → the entire EMF drops across R. Applying Kirchhoff: ε − I₀·R = 0 → I₀ = ε/R = 12/100 = 0.12 A = 120 mA.
Part (c) — 4 points: The graph is an exponential decay: I(t) = I₀·e^(−t/τ) with τ = RC = 100·50×10⁻⁶ = 5 ms = 0.005 s. At t = τ: I = 0.37·I₀; at t = 2τ: I = 0.135·I₀; at t = 5τ: I ≈ 0. x-axis: t (s), y-axis: I (A). Clearly mark I₀ = 0.12 A and τ = 0.005 s.
Part (d) — 3 points: As t → ∞: I → 0 because V_C gradually rises to ε, leaving no voltage to drive electrons. The battery’s energy splits into two parts: (1) half stored in the capacitor U_C = ½·C·ε² = 3.6 mJ; (2) half dissipated as heat in R = 3.6 mJ. This result is independent of R — always 50/50.
→ Our tip: for RC circuits, always remember τ = RC is the characteristic time constant. After 5τ, the capacitor is considered fully charged. Especially for part (d) — the fact "50% heat + 50% in capacitor" is a key insight that many students miss.
12 Physics 2 tutors — carefully selected by our team.
Each of our tutors must pass an internal exam equivalent to the May exam — scoring a minimum of 90% correct. All have strong backgrounds in Physics / Engineering and extensive experience teaching circuits, optics, and modern physics — the toughest topics of Physics 2.
Tutors Currently Being Selected
Our team is currently in the process of selecting and verifying AP Physics 2 tutor profiles — all have strong Physics / Engineering backgrounds and experience teaching 1-on-1 to Vietnamese students. To be matched with a tutor suited to your child’s goals, you can book a free consultation.
Register to Be Introduced to a TutorPublic tutor profiles expected: Q3 2026
Four pricing plans, based on your child’s goals.
The four packages above are a reference framework to help you and your child choose easily. Our team will recommend the most suitable plan based on current level, target score, and time remaining before the May exam.
* Pricing does not include VAT.
* Listed prices are for reference and may be adjusted based on target score.
* Pricing applies to 1-on-1 online classes; in-person sessions at our office cost more.
Our Physics 2 students are now at top schools worldwide.
Below are our most recent students who have completed the AP Physics 2 track with our team. Many are now in Pre-Med at UCLA, Duke, or Johns Hopkins, or in Bio-Engineering / Materials Science at MIT, CMU, or Northwestern.
Student success stories will be published after the May 2026 AP exam, with official written consent from students and parents.
Common questions from parents and students.
A roundup of the questions you and your child ask most often. If you need personalized advice, you can book a free consultation with one of our advisors.
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