AP Physics 2 Complete Study Guide (2026 Exam)
Master AP Physics 2 for May 2026: electricity, magnetism, optics, thermodynamics, modern physics — exam format, unit weights, and study plan.
Short answer: The 2026 AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based exam is Thu, May 7, 2026 (8 AM Local) — 40 MCQs, 180 minutes total, hybrid digital (MCQ in Bluebook, paper FRQs).
The 2026 AP Physics 2 exam is Thursday, May 7, 2026 (8 AM local). Covers thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, waves, and modern physics — all algebra-based.
Exam Structure
Hybrid digital — 3 hours.
| Section | Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Section I (MCQ) | 40 | 50% |
| Section II (FRQ) | 4 | 50% |
Unit Weights
| Unit | Topic | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thermodynamics | 12–18% |
| 2 | Electric Force, Field, Potential | 15–19% |
| 3 | Electric Circuits | 15–19% |
| 4 | Magnetism and EM Induction | 12–18% |
| 5 | Geometric Optics | 12–15% |
| 6 | Waves, Sound, Physical Optics | 12–15% |
| 7 | Modern Physics | 12–15% |
Units 2–4 (electricity and magnetism) together are ~42–56% — prioritize circuit analysis and Gauss's-law-style reasoning.
FRQ Tips
- Draw circuit diagrams and label known/unknown quantities.
- For optics: ray diagrams for mirrors and lenses.
- For modern physics: explain photoelectric effect and nuclear decay qualitatively before calculating.
Study Plan
Weeks 1–2: Units 2–3 (E&M fundamentals + circuits).
Weeks 3–4: Unit 4 (magnetism) + Unit 1 (thermo).
Weeks 5–6: Units 5–7 (optics, waves, modern).
Week 7: Mock exam + Physics 2 score calculator.
Free Resources
Related Guides and Tools
Sources: College Board AP Physics 2 Course and Exam Description (apcentral.collegeboard.org). Verified July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Physics 1 before Physics 2?
College Board recommends Physics 1 first. Physics 2 covers entirely different topics (E&M, optics, thermo, modern) — not a continuation of mechanics.
Is AP Physics 2 harder than Physics 1?
Pass rates are similar (~72% in 2025). Physics 2 content is broader but the algebra level is comparable.
What is the exam format?
40 MCQs (50%) + 4 FRQs (50%), hybrid digital, 3 hours. Calculator allowed throughout.