Adding a resistor in parallel to an ideal source causes total resistance to
Correct answer: Decrease
Why: A new parallel path increases conductance and lowers equivalent resistance.
AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Practice Questions
Answer original AP-style diagnostic questions, review explanations, and identify the next unit to study.
AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based diagnostic practice set
These are original practice questions, not copied College Board items. Use official released questions for final calibration.
Question 1 of 3
Review the reasoning after you finish
The interactive set keeps answers hidden while you work. This review section remains crawlable and gives every student a complete correction path after the attempt.
A converging lens produces a real image when the object is
Correct answer: Beyond the focal length
Why: An object beyond f produces converging rays and a real image.
For an ideal gas, internal energy depends on
Correct answer: Temperature
Why: Ideal-gas internal energy is a function of temperature.
Practise each section under its own calculator rule
Practising with a calculator you will not be handed is the most common way a practice score stops predicting an exam score. Set each practice block up to match the section it rehearses.
| Section or part | What you may use | What that means for your work |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice | Four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator | Allowed throughout. Most items reward proportional reasoning over calculation. |
| Free response | Four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator | Needed for circuits and optics numbers; derivations still want symbols. |
| Provided for the whole exam | Equations and constants table | Both sections. Practise locating the right relationship on the sheet in under ten seconds. |
How practice should cover the complete course
Thermodynamics
Ideal gases, energy transfer, laws
Required: practice one recognition question, one direct application, and one mixed prompt that requires you to choose this unit without being told.
Electric Force, Field, and Potential
Charge interactions and energy
Required: practice one recognition question, one direct application, and one mixed prompt that requires you to choose this unit without being told.
Electric Circuits
DC circuits, power, capacitors
Required: practice one recognition question, one direct application, and one mixed prompt that requires you to choose this unit without being told.
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Forces, fields, induction
Required: practice one recognition question, one direct application, and one mixed prompt that requires you to choose this unit without being told.
Geometric Optics
Reflection, refraction, lenses
Required: practice one recognition question, one direct application, and one mixed prompt that requires you to choose this unit without being told.
Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics
Interference and wave models
Required: practice one recognition question, one direct application, and one mixed prompt that requires you to choose this unit without being told.
Modern Physics
Quantum, atomic, and nuclear models
Required: practice one recognition question, one direct application, and one mixed prompt that requires you to choose this unit without being told.
Use the result to focus your AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based review
Read the score as a map, not a verdict
Each answer shows a relationship between course knowledge and an exam decision. A miss may mean that a definition is unclear, a representation was misread, or the right method was not selected. Compare each miss with these AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based priorities before choosing the next unit or practice set.
- Field versus potential
- Circuit reasoning before arithmetic
- Thermodynamic sign conventions
- Ray diagrams
- Modern-physics proportional reasoning
Next steps after the AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based diagnostic
Use a four-step correction cycle
- Write the rule or idea behind every miss.
- Solve a second problem of the same type without looking back.
- Mix that skill with two older units tomorrow.
- Complete official released questions under authentic timing.
Questions about AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based exam practice
How many questions are on the AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based exam?
The published format is 42 questions on multiple choice and 4 questions on free response. Multiple choice — About 2 minutes each. Circuit questions are faster if you redraw the circuit before calculating anything. Free response — About 24 minutes each. Expect an experimental design question that asks what you would measure and how.
Which AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based units should I practise first?
This course publishes no percentage weightings, so practise by course priority: Field versus potential; Circuit reasoning before arithmetic; Thermodynamic sign conventions. Then mix those with the units you have not touched in a fortnight.
Can I use a graphing calculator while I practise for AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based?
Only where the exam allows one, and practising otherwise builds the wrong habit. Multiple choice: Allowed throughout. Most items reward proportional reasoning over calculation. Free response: Needed for circuits and optics numbers; derivations still want symbols. Provided for the whole exam: Both sections. Practise locating the right relationship on the sheet in under ten seconds.
What is the most common way students lose points on AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based?
Mixing up electric field and electric potential. Field is a vector and potential is a scalar; the field can be zero where the potential is not, and the other way round.
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