The discussion provides essential strategies for achieving high scores on the AP Physics Exams, specifically AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2. Key recommendations include completing assigned problem sets, practicing additional problems, and utilizing online resources from the College Board. The exams cover distinct topics: Physics 1 focuses on mechanics and electrostatics, while Physics 2 encompasses thermodynamics and electricity. Participants are advised to familiarize themselves with the exam structure and available practice materials to enhance their preparation.
PREREQUISITESStudents preparing for the AP Physics Exams, educators seeking effective teaching strategies, and self-study learners aiming to enhance their understanding of physics concepts.
master_333 said:Do you have any tips for getting high marks on AP Physics Tests and getting a high score on the AP Physics Exam. For example, you may know material that can help you while doing the course.
Redbelly98 said:Since the Physics 1 and 2 courses are just in their 2nd year, it is not clear if a book like Princeton Review will have practice problems that are well-matched to these new courses, or are still in the old "Physics B" mode that did not emphasize conceptual understanding so much. Many people found the Physics 1 and 2 exams to be more challenging than the Physics B exams, which are no longer given. You might consider just taking 1 exam this year, to improve your chances of passing at least one test.
Physics 1 covers:
mechanics, including rotational motion
electrostatics and simple circuits (resistors and batteries, but NOT capacitors)
"mechanical" waves: sound and waves on a string, but no light waves or optics
Physics 2 covers
thermodynamics
fluids
electricity and magnetism
more advanced circuits
optics
introductory quantum, atomic, and nuclear/particle physics
You can find practice problems online at the College Board website, who own the AP Physics courses and tests:
1. At this website: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/descriptions/index.html
Find "AP Physics 1", and click on "Full Course Description"
Practice problems start on p. 155 for Physics 1, and p. 189 for Physics 2. Both multiple-choice and free-response questions are included.
The information and equations that will be provided on the exam are on pages 227-228 for Physics 1, and 229-231 for Physics 2
WARNING: do NOT worry about the stuff on pages 13-141. That is meant for teachers.
A list of topics is on page 142. Do NOT worry about the "Big Ideas" listed, that is more important for teachers.
2. Last year's free-response (but NOT multiple-choice) questions, and solutions, can be found here:
Physics 1 at http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/225288.html
Physics 2 at http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/225439.html
You seem to be doing this as a self-study. Does your school have an AP Physics teacher? He or she may have access to the practice exam that College Board only shares with teachers. You wouldn't be allowed to keep this exam or take it home, but the teacher might let you sit and try it out after school for practice.