AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
Explore advanced physics concepts from thermodynamics to quantum mechanics. Investigate how microscopic particle interactions create observable phenomena like static electricity, nuclear reactions, and atomic emission lines through hands-on laboratory work.
Course Overview
AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based builds upon the foundation established in AP Physics 1, diving into more advanced topics including thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. This inquiry-based course emphasizes the connection between microscopic phenomena and observable macroscopic effects.
Students develop sophisticated scientific reasoning skills through complex laboratory investigations, learning to design multi-variable experiments and analyze data that reveals fundamental physical principles. The course bridges classical and modern physics, preparing students for advanced study in physics, engineering, and related STEM fields.
Course Details
Advanced Physics Skills
Build sophisticated scientific reasoning and analytical skills for complex physical phenomena.
Advanced Representations
Create sophisticated diagrams, graphs, and mathematical models for complex physical phenomena.
Quantitative Analysis
Conduct advanced analyses to derive relationships, calculate values, and predict complex outcomes.
Experimental Investigation
Design complex procedures, analyze multi-variable data, and support claims through evidence.
Course Content & Units
Seven advanced units covering thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics.
Unit 9: Thermodynamics
Study heat, temperature, and thermal energy in systems like heat engines, heat pumps, and refrigerators.
Key Topics:
- Thermodynamic systems and processes
- Pressure, thermal equilibrium, and Ideal Gas Law
- Thermodynamics and forces
- Heat and energy transfer mechanisms
- Thermodynamic collisions and interactions
- Probability, thermal equilibrium, and entropy
Unit 10: Electric Force, Field, and Potential
Explore fundamental electromagnetic concepts including electric charge, forces, and energy.
Key Topics:
- Electric systems and charge distribution
- Friction, conduction, and induction processes
- Electric permittivity and field properties
- Electric forces and free-body diagram analysis
- Gravitational vs electromagnetic forces
- Electric charges, fields, and flux
- Conservation of electric energy
Unit 11: Electric Circuits
Analyze the behavior of charged particles in circuit components and current pathways.
Key Topics:
- Definition and conservation of electric charge
- Resistivity, resistance, and material properties
- Resistance and capacitance in circuits
- Kirchhoff's loop rule applications
- Kirchhoff's junction rule and charge conservation
- Complex circuit analysis
Unit 12: Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Investigate relationships between electric currents and the magnetic forces and fields they generate.
Key Topics:
- Magnetic systems and field sources
- Magnetic permeability and dipole moments
- Vector and scalar field representations
- Monopole and dipole field patterns
- Magnetic fields and force interactions
- Magnetic flux and field analysis
Unit 13: Geometric Optics
Examine how light interacts with materials and how images are formed by mirrors and lenses.
Key Topics:
- Refraction, reflection, and absorption processes
- Image formation by lenses
- Image formation by mirrors
- Optical systems and ray tracing
- Lens and mirror equations
- Real and virtual image analysis
Unit 14: Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics
Study wave phenomena including quantification of waves and light modeled as wave behavior.
Key Topics:
- Periodic wave properties and characteristics
- Electromagnetic wave behavior
- Sound wave propagation and properties
- Doppler Effect in wave motion
- Wave interference and superposition
- Diffraction and wave obstacles
Unit 15: Modern Physics
Explore concepts of modern physics that resolve questions classical Newtonian physics could not answer.
Key Topics:
- Radioactive decay processes and statistics
- Energy in radioactive decay reactions
- Mass-energy equivalence (E = mc²)
- Blackbody radiation and quantum theory
- Wave-particle duality properties
- Photoelectric effect and quantum mechanics
Modern Physics Exploration
AP Physics 2 uniquely introduces students to cutting-edge physics concepts that revolutionized our understanding of the universe in the 20th century.
Quantum Mechanics
Wave-particle duality and photoelectric effect
Nuclear Physics
Radioactive decay and mass-energy equivalence
Electromagnetic Waves
Light as electromagnetic radiation
Thermodynamics
Statistical mechanics and entropy
Historic Physics Breakthroughs
Explore the revolutionary discoveries that shaped modern science: Einstein's mass-energy equivalence, Planck's quantum theory, and the wave-particle duality that challenged classical physics.
Advanced Laboratory Investigations
Sophisticated laboratory work develops advanced experimental skills and deepens understanding of complex physical phenomena through direct investigation.
Thermodynamics Lab
Investigate heat engines, gas laws, and entropy in thermal systems
Electrostatics Investigation
Explore electric fields, potential, and charge distributions
Circuit Analysis Lab
Analyze complex DC and AC circuits with various components
Electromagnetic Fields
Study magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, and field interactions
Optics and Waves
Investigate refraction, interference, and wave phenomena
Modern Physics Lab
Explore photoelectric effect, blackbody radiation, and quantum phenomena
Prerequisites & Preparation
Students should have solid foundation in:
- Kinematics and dynamics
- Energy and momentum conservation
- Rotational motion concepts
- Wave and oscillation basics
- Advanced algebra and trigonometry
- Laboratory investigation skills
- Scientific reasoning abilities
- Graph analysis and interpretation
Success Strategies
🔬 Connect Micro to Macro
Focus on understanding how microscopic phenomena create observable macroscopic effects.
🧮 Master Mathematical Models
Develop proficiency with the mathematical representations of complex physical systems.
⚛️ Embrace Modern Physics
Be prepared to challenge classical thinking with quantum mechanical and relativistic concepts.
📊 Advanced Lab Skills
Develop sophisticated experimental design and data analysis capabilities through practice.
Your Advanced Physics Journey
See how AP Physics 2 advances your physics education and prepares you for specialized STEM study.
Foundation
AP Physics 1 + Precalculus
Current Course
AP Physics 2
Next Steps
College Physics, Engineering, or Specialized STEM Fields
Ready to Explore Advanced Physics?
Take your physics understanding to the next level with AP Physics 2. Investigate thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and modern physics concepts that shape our technological world.
Physics Courses
Algebra-based introduction to mechanics, waves, and basic electricity.
Advanced algebra-based physics including thermodynamics and electromagnetism.
Calculus-based mechanics for engineering-bound students.
Calculus-based electricity and magnetism.
Recommended Tracks
Engineering Track
Life Sciences Track
Get Started
Physics Success
of our AP Physics students score 4 or 5
Lab Experience
Hands-on experiments and practical applications