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100+ Free AP Physics 2 Practice Questions

Pass your AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Why is the total mass of a stable nucleus slightly less than the sum of the masses of its individual protons and neutrons?

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Key Facts: AP Physics 2 Exam

40

multiple-choice questions in Section I (80 minutes)

College Board

4

free-response questions in Section II (100 minutes)

College Board

50/50

weighting of the multiple-choice and free-response sections

College Board

1-5

AP score scale, with 3+ typically earning college credit

College Board

3 hours

total exam time across both sections

College Board

~$99

standard US exam fee per AP exam for 2025-26

College Board

The AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based exam has 40 multiple-choice questions (Section I, 80 minutes, 50% of the score) and 4 free-response questions (Section II, 100 minutes, 50% of the score). Under the current framework (effective Fall 2024), it covers thermodynamics, electric force/field/potential, electric circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction, geometric and physical optics, and modern/quantum/atomic/nuclear physics. The exam is scored 1-5, with a 3 or higher typically earning college credit, and a printed equation sheet is provided. The standard US exam fee is about $99 for 2025-26 (source: College Board, apstudents.collegeboard.org).

Sample AP Physics 2 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AP Physics 2 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to the ideal gas law, if the absolute temperature of a fixed amount of gas at constant volume is doubled, what happens to the pressure?
A.It is halved
B.It stays the same
C.It doubles
D.It quadruples
Explanation: From PV = nRT at constant volume and amount, pressure is directly proportional to absolute temperature. Doubling the absolute temperature doubles the pressure. This is the relationship used in constant-volume gas thermometers.
2A gas is compressed by an external force, and during the process 200 J of work is done on the gas while 50 J of heat is released by the gas. What is the change in the gas's internal energy?
A.An increase of 150 J
B.A decrease of 150 J
C.An increase of 250 J
D.A decrease of 250 J
Explanation: Using the first law, delta-U = Q + W (work done ON the gas is positive). Here Q = -50 J (heat released) and W = +200 J, so delta-U = -50 + 200 = +150 J. The internal energy increases by 150 J.
3In a PV diagram, an ideal gas undergoes an isothermal expansion. Which statement is true about this process?
A.The temperature of the gas remains constant
B.The internal energy of the gas increases
C.No heat is exchanged with the surroundings
D.The pressure of the gas remains constant
Explanation: An isothermal process occurs at constant temperature by definition. For an ideal gas, internal energy depends only on temperature, so internal energy stays constant and the heat absorbed equals the work done by the gas during expansion.
4The average kinetic energy of the molecules in an ideal gas is most directly related to which quantity?
A.The gas pressure
B.The gas volume
C.The absolute temperature
D.The number of molecules
Explanation: Kinetic theory shows the average translational kinetic energy per molecule equals (3/2)kT, which depends only on the absolute temperature. Higher temperature means faster average molecular motion regardless of pressure, volume, or molecule count.
5A heat engine absorbs 800 J of heat from a hot reservoir and exhausts 600 J to a cold reservoir each cycle. What is the engine's efficiency?
A.12.5%
B.133%
C.75%
D.25%
Explanation: Efficiency = work output / heat input = (800 - 600)/800 = 200/800 = 0.25, or 25%. The work done equals the difference between heat absorbed and heat exhausted.
6Which statement best expresses the second law of thermodynamics?
A.Energy is always conserved in any process
B.The internal energy of a gas depends only on temperature
C.Heat always flows from cold to hot spontaneously
D.The total entropy of an isolated system tends to increase over time
Explanation: The second law states that the total entropy of an isolated system never decreases and tends to increase for spontaneous processes. This sets the direction of natural processes and limits the efficiency of heat engines.
7An ideal gas expands at constant pressure of 200 Pa, increasing its volume from 0.1 m^3 to 0.4 m^3. How much work does the gas do on its surroundings?
A.60 J
B.20 J
C.80 J
D.100 J
Explanation: At constant pressure, work done by the gas equals P times delta-V = 200 x (0.4 - 0.1) = 200 x 0.3 = 60 J. On a PV diagram this is the rectangular area under the isobaric path.
8Two identical blocks at different temperatures are placed in thermal contact and isolated from the surroundings. What ultimately happens?
A.Heat flows until both reach the same temperature
B.The hotter block continues to gain heat
C.The colder block continues to lose heat
D.No heat flows because they are isolated
Explanation: Heat flows from the hotter block to the colder block until both reach a common temperature, called thermal equilibrium. At equilibrium there is no net heat transfer because their temperatures are equal.
9During an adiabatic compression of an ideal gas, what happens to the gas's temperature?
A.It decreases because work is done on the gas
B.It depends only on the change in pressure
C.It stays constant because no heat is exchanged
D.It increases because work is done on the gas with no heat loss
Explanation: In an adiabatic process Q = 0, so the first law gives delta-U = W. Work done on the gas during compression raises its internal energy and therefore its temperature, since no heat can escape.
10If the absolute temperature of an ideal gas sample is increased while keeping its pressure constant, what happens to its volume?
A.It decreases proportionally
B.It stays the same
C.It increases proportionally
D.It increases as the square of temperature
Explanation: At constant pressure, the ideal gas law gives V proportional to absolute temperature (Charles's law). Raising the temperature increases the volume in direct proportion. Hot air balloons rise because heated air expands and becomes less dense.

About the AP Physics 2 Exam

AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based is a college-level, algebra-based physics course covering thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. The exam has two equally weighted sections: Section I has 40 multiple-choice questions in 80 minutes, and Section II has 4 free-response questions in 100 minutes. Scores range from 1 to 5, and many colleges grant credit for a 3 or higher.

Questions

40 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours total (80 min multiple-choice + 100 min free-response)

Passing Score

Scored 1-5; a 3 or higher typically earns college credit

Exam Fee

About $99 per exam in the US (2025-26) (College Board)

AP Physics 2 Exam Content Outline

~15-18%

Thermodynamics

Kinetic theory, ideal gas law, the first and second laws, PV diagrams, heat engines, and entropy.

~15-18%

Electric Force, Field, and Potential

Coulomb's law, electric fields, electric potential and potential energy, charging, and equipotential surfaces.

~15-18%

Electric Circuits

Ohm's law, series and parallel resistors, Kirchhoff's rules, power, and capacitors.

~12-15%

Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction

Magnetic forces on charges and currents, fields from wires, magnetic flux, Faraday's law, and Lenz's law.

~12-15%

Geometric and Physical Optics

Reflection, refraction, Snell's law, mirrors and lenses, interference, and diffraction.

~12-15%

Modern, Quantum, Atomic, and Nuclear Physics

Photoelectric effect, photon energy, wave-particle duality, atomic energy levels, and nuclear decay.

How to Pass the AP Physics 2 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scored 1-5; a 3 or higher typically earns college credit
  • Exam length: 40 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours total (80 min multiple-choice + 100 min free-response)
  • Exam fee: About $99 per exam in the US (2025-26)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AP Physics 2 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the structure of the provided equation sheet so you can find relationships quickly instead of recalling every formula from scratch.
2Practice translating between representations — graphs, ray diagrams, circuit diagrams, and PV diagrams — since the free-response section tests this directly.
3Master proportional reasoning: many questions ask how one quantity changes when another doubles or halves, with no numbers to plug in.
4Draw a free-body or field diagram for force, field, and circuit problems before writing any equations.
5Review units and orders of magnitude so your numerical answers stay physically reasonable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the AP Physics 2 exam and how long is it?

The AP Physics 2 exam has two sections taking 3 hours total: Section I is 40 multiple-choice questions in 80 minutes, and Section II is 4 free-response questions in 100 minutes. Each section counts for 50% of the score.

How is the AP Physics 2 exam scored?

AP exams are scored on a 1-to-5 scale. A 3 is generally considered passing, and most colleges grant credit or placement for a 3, 4, or 5, though policies vary by institution.

Is a calculator and equation sheet allowed on AP Physics 2?

Yes. A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is permitted on both sections, and the College Board provides a printed table of equations and constants for use during the entire exam.

What units does AP Physics 2 cover?

Under the current framework (effective Fall 2024), AP Physics 2 covers thermodynamics, electric force/field/potential, electric circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction, geometric and physical optics, and modern/quantum/atomic/nuclear physics. Fluids was moved to AP Physics 1.

How much does the AP Physics 2 exam cost?

The standard AP exam fee in the United States is about $99 per exam for 2025-26. Fee reductions are available for eligible students, and fees may differ for schools outside the US.

What math does AP Physics 2 require?

AP Physics 2 is algebra-based, so it uses algebra, geometry, and trigonometry rather than calculus. Strong skills with proportional reasoning, ratios, and rearranging equations are essential.