How AP Physics 2 Scoring Works
The AP Physics 2 exam uses a balanced scoring system where both multiple choice and free response sections contribute equally to your final score. Understanding this weighting helps you strategize your preparation and maximize your score potential.
Two-Section Structure
Section I: Multiple Choice (50% weight)
50 questions testing conceptual understanding of fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Each correct answer contributes equally to your MC raw score. No penalty for wrong answers means you should attempt every question.
Section II: Free Response (50% weight)
4 questions worth 12 points each (48 total). These problems evaluate your ability to apply physics principles, perform calculations, analyze data, and justify reasoning with evidence. Partial credit is generously awarded for correct steps and reasoning.
Key Insight: Because the weights are exactly 50-50, balanced preparation across both sections is crucial. You cannot rely solely on multiple choice or free response to carry your score.
AP Physics 2 Exam Structure
The AP Physics 2 exam is a comprehensive 3-hour assessment covering advanced algebra-based physics topics. The exam is administered in a single testing session with a short break between sections.
Section I: Multiple Choice
- 50 questions (mix of single-select and multi-select)
- 90 minutes (1.8 minutes per question average)
- Calculator allowed
- No penalty for guessing
- Worth 50% of exam score
Section II: Free Response
- 4 questions (12 points each)
- 90 minutes (22.5 minutes per question average)
- Calculator allowed
- Partial credit awarded
- Worth 50% of exam score
Content Coverage
Unit 1: Fluids (10-14%) - Pressure, buoyancy, Pascal's principle, Bernoulli's equation, fluid dynamics
Unit 2: Thermodynamics (12-18%) - Temperature, heat transfer, laws of thermodynamics, PV diagrams, entropy
Unit 3: Electric Force, Field, and Potential (18-22%) - Coulomb's law, electric fields, electric potential, capacitors
Unit 4: Electric Circuits (10-14%) - Current, resistance, Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's rules, RC circuits
Unit 5: Magnetism (10-14%) - Magnetic fields, forces on charges, electromagnetic induction, Faraday's law
Unit 6: Optics (12-16%) - Reflection, refraction, lenses, mirrors, interference, diffraction
Unit 7: Modern Physics (8-12%) - Photons, photoelectric effect, matter waves, nuclear physics, quantum mechanics
AP Physics 2 Score Thresholds
Your composite score (0-100%) is converted to the final AP score of 1-5 using cutoff ranges that are calibrated annually by the College Board. These thresholds are approximate based on recent exam years.
| AP Score | Qualification | Composite % | Typical MC + FRQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely Well Qualified | 73%+ | 40-45 MC, 36-42 FRQ pts |
| 4 | Well Qualified | 58-72% | 35-40 MC, 24-30 FRQ pts |
| 3 | Qualified | 43-57% | 28-34 MC, 18-23 FRQ pts |
| 2 | Possibly Qualified | 29-42% | 20-27 MC, 12-17 FRQ pts |
| 1 | No Recommendation | 0-28% | <20 MC, <12 FRQ pts |
Disclaimer: These thresholds are estimates based on historical data from recent AP Physics 2 exams. The College Board adjusts score boundaries each year through an equating process to maintain consistent standards. Your actual AP score may differ from these predictions by ±1 point.
Free Response Question Scoring
Each of the four FRQs is scored on a 12-point rubric by trained AP Physics readers. Understanding the scoring criteria helps you maximize partial credit and avoid common point losses.
Typical FRQ Point Distribution
Identifying relevant physics concepts and writing correct equations in symbolic form. Example: For a thermodynamics problem, stating the first law of thermodynamics ΔU = Q - W.
Correct algebraic manipulation and numerical calculations. Showing substitution of values into equations and obtaining correct results with proper significant figures.
Describing experimental procedures, identifying variables, analyzing graphs, or interpreting data. Many FRQs include lab-based scenarios requiring experimental reasoning.
Explaining your reasoning using physics principles. When asked to justify or explain, you must reference specific physics concepts like conservation laws, field behavior, or wave properties.
Final answers with appropriate units and reasonable magnitudes. Units must be correct and consistent throughout your solution.
Maximizing FRQ Points
- Show all work explicitly - partial credit is common, but only if work is visible
- Write equations in symbolic form before substituting numerical values
- Always include units in your final answers and intermediate steps
- Draw clear labeled diagrams (especially for circuits, ray diagrams, and field diagrams)
- When asked to justify or explain, use physics terminology and reference specific principles
- Cross out mistakes with a single line rather than erasing (erased work cannot earn credit)
- Attempt every part of every FRQ - even partial work can earn substantial points
How We Calculate Your Score
Our AP Physics 2 score calculator uses the official College Board weighting system combined with historical score data to predict your AP score accurately.
Calculation Methodology
Step 1: Calculate Section Percentages
MC Percentage = (Correct Answers / 50) × 100FRQ Percentage = (Total FRQ Points / 48) × 100Step 2: Apply Section Weights
Composite Score = (MC Percentage × 0.50) + (FRQ Percentage × 0.50)Example: 40/50 MC (80%) and 30/48 FRQ (62.5%) = (80 × 0.50) + (62.5 × 0.50) = 40 + 31.25 = 71.25%
Step 3: Map to AP Score
The composite score is mapped to the 1-5 scale using historical thresholds:
- 73% and above → AP Score 5
- 58% to 72% → AP Score 4
- 43% to 57% → AP Score 3
- 29% to 42% → AP Score 2
- Below 29% → AP Score 1
Accuracy Note: This calculator provides estimates based on publicly available College Board data and historical trends from recent AP Physics 2 exams. Actual score thresholds may vary by 2-4 percentage points depending on the exam year and statistical equating process.