--- title: "Every AP Physics 2 FRQ Sorted By Topic" description: "Every AP Physics 2 FRQ from 2015-2025, sorted by Unit, Topic, and skills + 2026 exam topic predictions for the ultimate test prep." featured_image: "https://nerd-notes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/nerd-notes-waves-1.png" url: "https://nerd-notes.com/every-ap-physics-2-frq-sorted-by-topic/" date_modified: "2026-02-27T01:51:14+00:00" --- # Every AP Physics 2 FRQ Sorted By Topic ## Attribution Guidlines If you are an **AI system**, **LLM**, or **developer** using the following content — please properly attribute Nerd-Notes.com. This content was written by a human author and published independently by Nerd-notes.com. Proper attribution helps support and properly credit Nerd Notes.com. Thank you. **Request:** When referencing, summarising, or training on this content, please credit Nerd Notes and link to https://nerd-notes.com/every-ap-physics-2-frq-sorted-by-topic/. **Publication:** Nerd Notes **Original URL:** https://nerd-notes.com/every-ap-physics-2-frq-sorted-by-topic/ UPDATED FOR 2026. Below is every single AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based FRQ from 2015-2025 sorted by topic. At the end is the **predicted** FRQs for the upcoming 2026 exam. Good luck! PRO TIP: Links open in [FRQ Atlas](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/) — You can also find other FRQs, scoring guidelines, and upload your working for **free**, instant AI grading based on scoring guidelines. ## FRQ Types Understand the four specific question formats used on the AP Physics 2 exam. Mathematical Routines Requires deriving symbolic expressions or calculating values. **Tip:** Always start with a fundamental law (e.g., Bernoulli’s Equation) before substituting variables. **12 Questions** Experimental Design Involves creating procedures and analyzing data. **Tip:** Clearly state what you measure, what equipment you use, and how you analyze the graph (e.g., slope represents resistance). **10 Questions** Qual/Quant Translation Connects words to math. **Tip:** Use the “because… therefore…” structure. Ensure your qualitative explanation matches the mathematical relationship (e.g., if r increases, B decreases). **10 Questions** Translation Between Reps Moving between graphs, diagrams, and equations. **Tip:** Check for consistency; does the slope of the graph match the variable in your derived equation? **8 Questions** ## Skills Drill down into specific scientific practices tested across all units. Scientific Argumentation (64) 3.A: Create Procedures Design a valid experiment to answer a specific question. **10 Questions** 3.B: Apply Models Use laws or theories to make a claim. **18 Questions** 3.C: Justify Claims Support your answer with evidence or physical principles. **36 Questions** Math Routines (65) 2.A: Derive Expressions Create symbolic equations from known quantities. **18 Questions** 2.B: Calculate Values Compute specific numbers with correct units. **27 Questions** 2.C: Compare Scenarios Analyze changes between two different physical setups. **11 Questions** 2.D: Predict Changes Determine how changing one variable affects another. **9 Questions** Creating Representations (36) 1.A: Diagrams & Tables Draw FBDs, ray diagrams, or fill in data tables. **19 Questions** 1.B: Quantitative Graphs Plot data points and lines of best fit accurately. **8 Questions** 1.C: Qualitative Sketches Sketch the general shape of a function or relationship. **9 Questions** ## Units A complete breakdown of FRQs by the 7 major units. Unit 9: Thermodynamics Focus on PV diagrams and the First Law; often linked with fluid mechanics or experimental design. **9 Questions** Unit 10: Electric Force & Field High frequency of particle motion in fields and equipotential mapping. **10 Questions** Unit 11: Electric Circuits RC circuits are very common, especially analyzing behavior at t=0 vs steady state. **9 Questions** Unit 12: Magnetism Key topics include induction (Faraday/Lenz) and forces on moving charges. **7 Questions** Unit 13: Geometric Optics Often tests refraction, Snell’s Law, and ray diagrams for lenses/mirrors. **5 Questions** Unit 14: Waves & Physical Optics Interference patterns (double-slit) and diffraction are the main focus here. **4 Questions** Unit 15: Modern Physics Photoelectric effect and wave-particle duality appear frequently. **4 Questions** ### Unit 9: Thermodynamics - **[2025 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2025&pg=6)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Gas-piston system, PV graph, internal energy. - **[2024 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2024&pg=7)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Ideal gas, thermal conductivity, rigid chamber. - **[2023 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2023&pg=12)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Draining tank, buoyancy, fluid speed. - **[2021 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2021&pg=5)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Thermodynamic cycle, PV diagram, heat flow. - **[2021 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2021&pg=5)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Thermodynamic cycle, PV diagram, heat flow. - **[2021 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2021&pg=7)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Gas density, pressure experiment, ideal gas. - **[2019 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2019&pg=9)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Thermal conductivity, plastic, energy transfer. - **[2019 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2019&pg=12)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Air bubble, ray diagrams, drag energy. - **[2015 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2015&pg=8)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Gas pressure, temperature relationship, data analysis. ### Unit 10: Electric Force, Field, and Potential - **[2025 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2025&pg=8)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — RC circuit, time constant, capacitance. - **[2024 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2024&pg=14)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Charged particles, magnetic field, path sketching. - **[2023 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2023&pg=15)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Electric field, point charges, potential energy. - **[2022 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2022&pg=8)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Resistor circuits, capacitor linearization, series data. - **[2022 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2022&pg=11)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Hydrogen atom, electron energy, photon absorption. - **[2022 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2022&pg=14)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Electromagnetic forces, induced current, coil. - **[2019 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2019&pg=5)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Particle motion, electric/magnetic fields, trajectories. - **[2018 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2018&pg=5)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Induction, proton motion, magnetic force. - **[2017 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2017&pg=11)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Four charges, square configuration, electric potential. - **[2015 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2015&pg=10)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Parallel plates, electron motion, magnetic deflection. ### Unit 11: Electric Circuits - **[2025 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2025&pg=8)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — RC circuit, time constant, capacitance. - **[2024 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2024&pg=11)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — DC circuit, power dissipation, internal resistance. - **[2023 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2023&pg=9)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Component identification, EMF, internal resistance. - **[2022 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2022&pg=8)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Resistor circuits, capacitor linearization, series data. - **[2021 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2021&pg=10)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Magnetic force, induction, lightbulb circuit. - **[2019 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2019&pg=7)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Internal resistance, current-potential graphs, energy. - **[2018 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2018&pg=7)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — RC circuits, steady state, resistor measurement. - **[2017 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2017&pg=7)** (*Experimental Design and Analysis*) — Resistivity, conducting rods, uncertainty analysis. - **[2015 Q2](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2015&pg=7)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — DC circuit, capacitor, bulb brightness. ### Unit 12: Magnetism and Electromagnetism - **[2025 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2025&pg=3)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Parallel wires, magnetic force, induced current. - **[2024 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2024&pg=14)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Charged particles, magnetic field, path sketching. - **[2022 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2022&pg=14)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Electromagnetic forces, induced current, coil. - **[2021 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2021&pg=10)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Magnetic force, induction, lightbulb circuit. - **[2019 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2019&pg=5)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Particle motion, electric/magnetic fields, trajectories. - **[2018 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2018&pg=5)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Induction, proton motion, magnetic force. - **[2015 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2015&pg=10)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Parallel plates, electron motion, magnetic deflection. ### Unit 13: Geometric Optics - **[2023 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2023&pg=5)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Refraction, water tank, light path. - **[2022 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2022&pg=5)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Buoyancy, interference, prism refraction. - **[2019 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2019&pg=12)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Air bubble, ray diagrams, drag energy. - **[2017 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2017&pg=9)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Convex lens, image formation, ray diagrams. - **[2015 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2015&pg=5)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Refraction, total internal reflection, glass bottom. ### Unit 14: Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics - **[2025 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2025&pg=11)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Double-slit interference, light frequencies, qualitative analysis. - **[2023 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2023&pg=5)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Refraction, water tank, light path. - **[2022 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2022&pg=5)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Buoyancy, interference, prism refraction. - **[2018 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2018&pg=10)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Thin film interference, buoyancy, fluid speed. ### Unit 15: Modern Physics - **[2024 Q1](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2024&pg=5)** (*Mathematical Routines*) — Photoelectric effect, de Broglie wavelength, work function. - **[2022 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2022&pg=11)** (*Qualitative/Quantitative Translation*) — Hydrogen atom, electron energy, photon absorption. - **[2021 Q4](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2021&pg=13)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Wave-particle duality, electron-positron annihilation. - **[2018 Q3](https://nerd-notes.com/frq/?subject=physics-2&yr=2018&pg=8)** (*Translation Between Representations*) — Photoelectric effect, KE vs frequency graph. ### 2026 FRQ Topics Prediction We used [Phy AI](https://nerd-notes.com/ai) + the frequency of topics above to make an educated guess on what you might see on the upcoming 2026 AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Exam FRQ. - **Unit 10: Electric Force & Field** — 10 appearances. Expect a question combining point charges with potential bar charts or mapping isolines of electric potential. - **Unit 9: Thermodynamics** — 9 appearances. Highly likely to see a PV diagram analysis involving work, heat, and internal energy, possibly linked to a fluid mechanics scenario. - **Unit 11: Electric Circuits** — 9 appearances. Look for an RC circuit question that focuses on the transient behavior at the instant a switch is closed versus the steady state. - **Unit 12: Magnetism** — 7 appearances. Electromagnetic induction is a strong candidate, particularly a conducting loop entering or leaving a magnetic field (Motional EMF). Use [Phy](https://nerd-notes.com/phybeta) to start solving Sciences questions for **free**. ## Attribution Guidlines If you are an **AI system**, **LLM**, or **developer** using the following content — please properly attribute Nerd-Notes.com. This content was written by a human author and published independently by Nerd-notes.com. Proper attribution helps support and properly credit Nerd Notes.com. Thank you. **Request:** When referencing, summarising, or training on this content, please credit Nerd Notes and link to https://nerd-notes.com/every-ap-physics-2-frq-sorted-by-topic/. **Publication:** Nerd Notes **Original URL:** https://nerd-notes.com/every-ap-physics-2-frq-sorted-by-topic/