The Basics
Both AP Physics 1 and 2 are algebra-based physics courses that won’t require algebra knowledge higher than Algebra II (while Physics C courses are calculus-based). However, AP Physics 2 was designed as a second year physics course. Typically, students should take AP Physics 1 or a comparable physics course before attempting AP Physics 2.
AP Physics 1 is an introductory-level college course focused on mechanics, tackling topics like force and falling or raising objects. Students learn a base understanding of physics, both theoretical and hands on through lab work. Physics 1 can feel more accessible because it deals with the concepts behind what we experience and see everyday in our lives.
However, Physics 2 goes beyond what we see in the world around us, investigating intangible topics like electric and magnetic fields. The abstract nature of Physics 2 is one of the primary reasons students find it more difficult.
The Exam
The AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 exams only differ from one another slightly. However, there are significant differences between the paper and digital versions of each exam.
Physics 1 Paper
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Multiple choice: 50 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes. [50% of score]
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Questions are either discrete or connected to a data set.
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5 questions are multiselect (2 correct answers)
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Free Response: 5 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes. [50% of score]
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1 experimental design
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1 qualitative/quantitative translation
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1 short answer: paragraph argument
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2 short answer
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Physics 1 Digital
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Multiple choice: 50 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes. [50% of score]
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Questions are either discrete or connected to a data set.
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5 questions are multiselect (2 correct answers)
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Multiple Choice and Free Response [50% of score]
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Multiple Choice: 25 questions in 45 minutes
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Free Response: 2 questions in 45 minutes
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1 qualitative/quantitative translation
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1 short answer: paragraph argument
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AP Physics 2 Paper
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Multiple choice: 50 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes. [50% of score]
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Questions are either discrete or connected to a data set.
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5 questions are multiselect (2 correct answers)
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Free Response: 4 questions in 1 hour and 30 minutes. [50% of score]
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1 experimental design
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1 qualitative/quantitative translation
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1 short answer: paragraph argument
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1 short answer
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AP Physics 2 Digital
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Multiple choice: 50 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes. [50% of score]
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Questions are either discrete or connected to a data set.
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5 questions are multiselect (2 correct answers)
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Multiple Choice and Free Response [50% of score]
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Multiple Choice: 25 questions in 45 minutes
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Free Response: 2 questions in 45 minutes
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1 qualitative/quantitative translation
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1 short answer: paragraph argument
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The Statistics*
AP Physics 1
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161,071 students took the AP Physics 1 exam in 2019.
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Of those students who took the exam, 45.4% scored a 3 or higher.
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The mean score was a 2.51.
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6.7% scored a 5 (8.8% in 2020).
AP Physics 2
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23,802 students took the AP Physics 2 exam in 2019.
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Of those students who took the exam, 65.4% scored a 3 or higher.
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The mean score was a 3.06.
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14.2% scored a 5 (14% in 2020).
As you can see, AP Physics 1 has one of the lowest score percentages of 5s (alongside Biology, English Literature, and Italian Language). Physics is by definition a difficult, math-based course, and both AP Physics 1 and 2 have similarly difficult math-based exams. Physics 2 has a slightly better percentage of 5s because Physics 2 is most often taken as a second physics course, so students are overall more comfortable with the concepts. AP Physics 1, on the other hand, is generally taken as a first experience with physics, which can lead to less confidence in test taking and thus the lower scores.
Don’t be disheartened though! Even though 5s are hard to come by, the passing percentages for both AP Physics 1 and 2 are comparable to other science exams.
*All statistics are sourced from College Board 2019 & 2020 score distributions
Additional Course Facts
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AP Physics 1 is more likely to be taken in Junior year, and Physics 2 is more likely to be taken as a Senior. Not all schools will offer both classes, so make sure to check in with your teachers and guidance counselor for course listings.
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Some colleges will accept a passing AP score as college credit, which can decrease college costs. Some colleges will require proof of your lab work, so hold on to those notes!
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College Board is introducing some changes to most AP Exams in 2021, so make sure you’re looking at the new formats (and whether your test is paper or digital) when you’re practicing!
Why should you take either of these courses?
AP Physics 1 and 2 have a huge range of benefits. The work is hard, but the rewards are worth it. If you like understanding the reasons behind why and how things work, then Physics 1 is a great class to take. Physics 1 offers a great foundation for a student interested in pursuing engineering or other sciences in college. If you enjoyed Physics 1 or are just really curious about why a magnet acts the way it does, Physics 2 would be a good fit for you.
Note: Some schools also offer AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism (for which you would have already had to take calculus): we’ll discuss these further in another post.
If you do decide to take Physics 1, 2, or even C, as always, we are here to help with any and all of your physics needs