AP Physics 2 is the second algebra-based physics course after AP Physics 1, and it also does not require calculus. The course covers thermodynamics, electric fields and circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction, geometric and physical optics, and modern physics. Its range is wider than Physics 1, but the mathematical depth of each topic is similar.
What AP Physics 2 Covers
The seven units are weighted fairly evenly, and none can be skipped. Thermodynamics, electric force, field, and potential, and electric circuits each carry 15% to 18%, slightly higher than the rest. Magnetism and electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics each carry 12% to 15%. This distribution means review cannot focus only on a few topics; it must cover everything.
Where Students Struggle in AP Physics 2
- The abstraction of electricity and magnetism: The relationships among electric field, electric potential, and circuits are where students most often get confused, especially the difference between electric potential and electric potential energy.
- Modern physics: The concepts in the photoelectric effect, atomic models, and nuclear reactions break from the classical physics that comes before. Students need to build a separate framework for them.
- Experiments and data analysis: As in Physics 1, free response includes many questions that require written explanation, and answers must show the reasoning.
How EDUBUS Teaches AP Physics 2
The course moves unit by unit. Electricity receives extra class hours, and step-by-step practice with circuit diagrams and equivalent resistance builds the habit of modeling. Each unit includes lab data analysis practice, so students learn to read physical relationships from charts and graphs. In spring, an online small class opens for full timed practice exams and free-response grading by question type.
How AP Physics 2 Differs from AP Physics C
AP Physics 2 uses algebra to cover electricity and magnetism and modern physics, and its range is wide. AP Physics C uses calculus to cover mechanics and electricity and magnetism. It goes deeper but covers a narrower range, and it is split into two separate exams. Students applying in STEM usually choose Physics C first. Students who want complete coverage of high school physics topics, or whose school course path is set up this way, choose Physics 2. For the prerequisite course, see AP Physics 1. For support in school courses, see high school science.
AP Physics 2 Class Formats
6 to 8 student seminars with homework, 32 weeks, no spring break, ending before the AP exam; also 1-on-1, online or in person.
How to Start AP Physics 2 at EDUBUS
Start with a placement assessment. We use it to set the level and class, then confirm the year plan with the family. For schedules, tuition, and bundle offers, request the 2026-27 program guide through the form below.
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Contact a course advisorHow the AP Physics 2 Exam Is Built
Sections drawn to their share of the score; the wider the block, the more practice it deserves.
| Section | Questions | Time | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice | 42 | 1 hr 25 min | 50% |
| Free response | 4 | 1 hr 35 min | 50% |
AP Physics 2 Units and Exam Weighting
Each ruler segment equals the unit’s midpoint exam weight. The yellow unit carries the most points and gets the most class time.
- 1Thermodynamics15–18%
- 2Electric Force, Field, and Potential15–18%
- 3Electric Circuits15–18%
- 4Magnetism and Electromagnetism12–15%
- 5Geometric Optics12–15%
- 6Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics12–15%
- 7Modern Physics12–15%
AP Physics 2 Global Score Distribution 2026
Out of every 100 test takers.
AP Physics 2 at Irvine Public High Schools
Whether each school offers it, which grades can enroll, the gate, and last year’s results. Updates with the school guides.
Northwood High School
Not offered · self-study exam possiblePortola High School
Not offered · self-study exam possibleUniversity High School
IUSD Course-Selection Rules for AP Physics 2
Which grade can take this AP at each school, what the prerequisites are, and how weighted GPA is calculated. Confirm with the school's current course catalog before choosing.
- Northwood High School: No AP courses are offered in grade 9. Grade 10 is limited to four: AP Art History, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Music Theory, and AP Precalculus, assigned as seats allow. The remaining AP courses are concentrated in grades 11 and 12, and most require a current teacher's signed recommendation on the course request form.
- Portola High School: Grade 10 has a single AP option, AP Human Geography, which the school calls the "grade 10 choice." The large majority of AP courses are for grades 11 and 12. AP Precalculus, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Computer Science A open from grade 10 subject to math prerequisites. Restricted to grade 12 are AP Physics C, AP English Language, AP United States Government together with Honors Political Economy, AP 3-D Design, and Honors Engineering Design and Development. Grade 9 students may not sit an AP exam at the school unless they have taken the course or the Irvine Unified School District GATE office approves it on the basis of existing preparation.
- University High School: No AP courses are offered in grade 9. From grade 10, students may take AP Precalculus, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Statistics, and AP Cybersecurity. AP United States History is offered in grade 10 on the condition that the student earned Honors Distinction in both semesters of World History. Most AP courses are concentrated in grades 11 and 12.
AP Physics 2: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Irvine students need Physics 1 before Physics 2?
In practice, yes. AP Physics 1 builds the force, energy, and data-analysis methods that Physics 2 assumes. Physics 2 covers thermodynamics, electric fields, circuits, magnetism, geometric optics, waves and physical optics, and modern physics, with each of the seven units at 12 to 18 percent.
How does Physics 2 differ from Physics C?
Physics 2 is algebra-based and broad; AP Physics C is calculus-based and narrow. Physics 2 includes thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics, which Physics C does not cover. Physics C goes far deeper on mechanics and electromagnetism and requires calculus.
What does the exam look like?
The exam runs 3 hours, with 42 multiple choice questions and 4 free response questions each worth 50 percent, and a calculator is allowed. This subject uses a hybrid format: students read the questions in the Bluebook application and write answers in a paper booklet.
How do Irvine public high school students score?
In 2026, 72 percent scored 3 or higher and 20 percent scored 5 worldwide, higher than the 68 percent on AP Physics 1. School-by-school rates at Irvine public high schools appear above. One reason is that Physics 2 students have almost all completed Physics 1, so the group starts from a more even base.
How does EDUBUS teach Physics 2 in Irvine?
6 to 8 student seminars over 32 weeks with no spring break, ending before the AP exam, plus an online section in spring. EDUBUS is headquartered in Irvine and serves mostly local students. 1-on-1 is available online or in person on an hours package, with placement set by assessment.
