AP Physics Revisions (2024-25 School Year)

The College Board has updated the frameworks and exams for all four AP Physics courses — AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C: Mechanics, and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism — to better align with introductory college courses and clarify expectations for students and teachers.

These revisions take effect in the 2024-25 academic year, with changes reflected in the May 2025 AP exams.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the updates:

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Course Changes

• Expanded from 7 units to 8:
  • Fluids (previously in AP Physics 2) is now Unit 8 in AP Physics 1.

• New topics added:
  • Connections between rotational and translational motion.
  • Learning objectives related to power.
  • Equations of motion for simple harmonic motion.

• Framework flexibility:
  • Science practices are now decoupled from specific learning objectives, allowing any combination to be tested.

Exam Updates

• Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
  • Reduced from 50 to 40 MCQs.
  • Multiselect questions removed.
  • Time reduced from 90 to 80 minutes.

• Section II: Free-Response Questions (FRQs):
  • Reduced from 5 to 4 FRQs.
  • New FRQ types:
    • Mathematical routines
    • Translation between representations
    • Experimental design and analysis
    • Qualitative/quantitative translation
  • Time increased from 90 to 100 minutes.

AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based

Course Changes

• Fluids removed (moved to AP Physics 1).

• Expanded waves coverage, now including:
  • Mechanical waves, standing waves, sound waves, and the Doppler effect.

• Optics split into two units:
  • Geometric Optics (Unit 13) and Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics (Unit 14).

• New topics:
  • Blackbody radiation connecting thermodynamics and modern physics.
  • Compton scattering.
  • Enhanced circuits coverage.

• Science practices are decoupled from specific learning objectives for more question variety.

Exam Updates

• Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
  • Reduced from 50 to 40 MCQs.
  • Multiselect questions removed.
  • Time reduced from 90 to 80 minutes.

• Section II: Free-Response Questions (FRQs):
  • New FRQ types:
    • Mathematical routines
    • Translation between representations
    • Experimental design and analysis
    • Qualitative/quantitative translation
  • Time increased from 90 to 100 minutes.

AP Physics C: Mechanics

Course Changes

• Improved language consistency across all AP Physics courses.

• Clearer definitions for topics like:
  • Gravitational forces within an extended mass.
  • Physical pendulums.

• Stronger alignment between essential knowledge, learning objectives, and science practices.

Exam Updates

• Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
  • Increased from 35 to 40 MCQs.
  • Time increased from 45 to 80 minutes.
  • All questions now have 4 options instead of 5.

• Section II: Free-Response Questions (FRQs):
  • Increased from 3 to 4 FRQs.
  • New FRQ types:
    • Mathematical routines
    • Translation between representations
    • Experimental design and analysis
    • Qualitative/quantitative translation
  • Time increased from 45 to 100 minutes.

• The exam is now a full session and no longer shares a time slot with AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism.

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

Course Changes

• Improved language consistency across AP Physics courses.

• Clearer definitions for:
  • Dielectrics and their properties.
  • LC circuits.

• Units renumbered starting at Unit 8, following AP Physics C: Mechanics.

Exam Updates

• Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
  • Increased from 35 to 40 MCQs.
  • Time increased from 45 to 80 minutes.
  • All questions now have 4 options instead of 5.

• Section II: Free-Response Questions (FRQs):
  • Increased from 3 to 4 FRQs.
  • New FRQ types:
    • Mathematical routines
    • Translation between representations
    • Experimental design and analysis
    • Qualitative/quantitative translation
  • Time increased from 45 to 100 minutes.

• The exam is now a full session and no longer shares a time slot with AP Physics C: Mechanics.

Summary Table of Exam Changes

Key Takeaways for Teachers and Students

• Courses now feature streamlined content, better alignment, and clearer expectations.
• New exam formats emphasize flexibility and skill application.
• The full-session exams for AP Physics C courses allow more focused assessments.