AP Physics B

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This article is part of the
Advanced Placement Program
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AP Physics B is an advanced placement science course that is separated into five different sections of study: Newtonian Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics, Waves and Optics, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics.


Contents

[edit] The Exam

The exam is configured in two categories, a seventy (70) question multiple choice section and a six to eight (6 to 8) question free response section[1]. In order to test knowledge as well as skills, the multiple choice section is taken without a calculator. The free response section permits the use of a calculator. The test is weighted such that each section is worth fifty percent (50%) of the final score. Overall, the exam is configured to approximately cover a set percentage of each of the five target categories:[2]

  • Newtonian Mechanics (35%)
  • Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics (15%)
  • Electricity and Magnetism (25%)
  • Waves and Optics (15%)
  • Atomic and Nuclear Physics (10%)

[edit] 2005 Statistics

46,971 Students[3]

Score Percent
5 14.0%
4 18.3%
3 27.7%
2 15.2%
1 24.9%

The mean score was 2.81.

[edit] Purpose

According to the College Board web site, "the B course provides a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, premedicine, and some applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science."[4]

[edit] References