📅 Tuesday, May 5, 2026
12:00 PM Local Time • 3 Hours Total

📊 More AP Score Calculators

All Score Calculators AP Physics 1 AP Biology AP Chemistry AP US History 2026 AP Exam Dates
1
Predicted AP Score
0
MCQ Points
0
FRQ Points
0
Composite /100
Section I: Multiple Choice (90 min)
Correct Answers (50 questions) 0 / 50
Section II: Free Response (90 min)
Q1: Mathematical Routines (10 pts) 0 / 10
Q2: Translation (12 pts) 0 / 12
Q3: Experimental Design (10 pts) 0 / 10
Q4: Qual/Quant Analysis (8 pts) 0 / 8
AP Score Thresholds (Composite Points)
5
70-100
4
54-69
3
40-53
2
25-39
1
0-24

Score Conversion Chart

Composite Range AP Score Qualification Typical Credit
70-100 5 Extremely Well Qualified Full credit (3-4 hrs)
54-69 4 Well Qualified Full credit (3-4 hrs)
40-53 3 Qualified Partial credit (varies)
25-39 2 Possibly Qualified Rarely credit
0-24 1 No Recommendation No credit

Note: Thresholds based on 2022-2025 data. Physics 2 has a smaller exam population than Physics 1.

How AP Physics 2 Scoring Works

  • Section I (MCQ): 50 questions, 90 minutes → 50% of composite (scaled to 50 points)
  • Section II (FRQ): 4 questions, 90 minutes → 50% of composite (scaled to 50 points)
  • Q1: Mathematical Routines (10 points) — quantitative problem solving
  • Q2: Translation (12 points) — translate between representations
  • Q3: Experimental Design (10 points) — design and analyze experiments
  • Q4: Qualitative/Quantitative Analysis (8 points) — explain and calculate
  • Total Raw FRQ: 40 points, scaled to 50 composite points
  • Total Composite: 100 points maximum

Tips to Score a 5

🌊 Fluids & Thermodynamics

  • Master pressure relationships: P = ρgh, Pascal's principle
  • Understand buoyancy and Archimedes' principle
  • Know thermodynamic laws and PV = nRT applications
  • Practice heat transfer: Q = mcΔT, phase changes

⚡ Electricity & Magnetism

  • Draw electric field lines and equipotential surfaces
  • Master Coulomb's Law: F = kq₁q₂/r²
  • Understand capacitors: C = Q/V, energy = ½CV²
  • Practice magnetic field problems: F = qvB sin θ

💡 Optics & Modern Physics

  • Know refraction: n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂
  • Understand lens/mirror equations: 1/f = 1/do + 1/di
  • Practice photoelectric effect and E = hf
  • Know atomic models and nuclear physics basics

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the AP Physics 2 exam scored?
Section I (MCQ) has 50 questions worth 50% of your score. Section II (FRQ) has 4 questions worth 50%: mathematical routines (10 pts), translation (12 pts), experimental design (10 pts), and qualitative/quantitative analysis (8 pts). Total = 100 composite points → 1-5 scale.
What is a good AP Physics 2 score?
3 or higher is passing. A 5 is extremely well qualified (about 14-16% of students). Physics 2 has higher 5 rates than Physics 1 due to self-selection of motivated students.
Can I use a calculator on AP Physics 2?
Yes, unlike Physics 1, calculators ARE allowed on AP Physics 2 for both the MCQ and FRQ sections. Scientific or graphing calculators are permitted.
When is the 2026 AP Physics 2 exam?
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 12:00 PM local time. The exam lasts 3 hours total. Late testing available May 18-22, 2026.
What topics are covered?
7 units: Fluids (10-12%), Thermodynamics (12-18%), Electric Force/Field (18-22%), Electric Circuits (10-14%), Magnetism (10-12%), Optics (12-14%), and Modern Physics (10-12%).
Is there an equation sheet?
Yes, AP Physics 2 provides an equation sheet and table of constants. Know when to apply each formula—the sheet helps, but understanding is key.
How does Physics 2 compare to Physics 1?
Physics 2 covers different topics: fluids, thermo, E&M, optics, modern physics. Physics 2 allows calculators. Physics 2 generally has higher pass rates due to self-selection.
What is the hardest unit?
Many students struggle with Unit 3: Electric Force, Field, and Potential. Practice drawing field lines, calculating potential, and understanding superposition.
How long are FRQ responses?
Section II is 90 minutes total for 4 FRQs. Allocate about 22 minutes per question, but adjust based on point values (12-pt Q2 may need more time).
How accurate is this calculator?
Within ±1 point for most students. Uses averaged score distributions from 2022-2025 exams. Actual scores depend on College Board's scaling for your specific exam year.
Do colleges accept a 3 for credit?
Many do, especially for non-STEM majors. Engineering/physics programs often require 4 or 5. Check specific college AP policies.
What's the passing rate?
About 60-65% earn a 3+. Around 14-16% earn a 5, 18-20% earn a 4, and 25-28% earn a 3—higher than Physics 1.
Is guessing penalized?
No penalty for wrong answers. Answer every question. Use process of elimination before guessing.
What formulas should I memorize?
Key ones: PV = nRT, F = qE, V = kQ/r, C = Q/V, n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂, E = hf. Others are on equation sheet.
How should I study the last week?
Review past FRQs and rubrics. Practice with calculator. Focus on weak topics. Refresh key formulas and their applications. Don't cram new material.
Can I retake AP Physics 2?
Yes, but only once per year. You can retake in a future year. Both scores are reported unless you request cancellation.
What's the difference between Physics 2 and C?
Physics 2 is algebra-based; Physics C uses calculus. Physics 2 covers broader topics (fluids, thermo, optics, modern). Physics C has two exams: Mechanics and E&M.