This post was previously posted on mrsapphysics.com on Feb. 06, 2024, and has been updated since then.
Exciting news! AP Physics is getting a makeover for the 2024-25 school year, and we've got the inside scoop on what's changing and how it might impact you if you plan on taking any of these courses next school year.
Why the Revamp?
The College Board periodically updates course frameworks to ensure they align with college courses and provide clear guidelines on content and skills. Since the launch of AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2, feedback has poured in, and now, it's time for a refresh.
Harmony Across Courses
Big news – AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C: Mechanics, and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism are all getting a facelift together. The goal? Align content, language, and skills across the board, offering more transparent and sequential frameworks for teachers and students.
What's Changing in AP Physics 1?
Unit Expansion: Now with eight units instead of seven. Unit 8: Fluids is moving from AP Physics 2 to AP Physics 1.
Connections: More emphasis on linking rotational and translational motion.
New Objectives: Introduction of specific learning objectives related to power.
Equations of Motion: Added for objects in simple harmonic motion.
Flexible Links: Removal of specific links between learning objectives and science practices, allowing a broader range of questions.
Exam Updates for AP Physics 1:
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): 45-50 MCQs with multi-select questions removed.
Section I Time: Remains at 90 minutes.
Free-Response Questions (FRQs): Reduced to 4 (from 5) with new question types.
New FRQ Types: Math routines, Translation between representations, Experimental design, Qualitative/quantitative translation.
Section II Time: Remains at 90 minutes.
What's Changing in AP Physics 2?
Fluid Dynamics Shift: Unit 8: Fluids moves from AP Physics 2 to AP Physics 1.
Wave Treatment: Full coverage of waves, including standing waves and sound waves.
Circuit Exploration: A comprehensive treatment of circuits.
Thermodynamics Link: Inclusion of blackbody radiation connecting thermodynamics and modern physics.
Flexible Links: Similar to AP Physics 1, specific links between learning objectives and science practices are removed.
Exam Updates for AP Physics 2:
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): 45-50 MCQs with multi-select questions removed.
Section I Time: Remains at 90 minutes.
Free-Response Questions (FRQs): 4 FRQs with new question types.
New FRQ Types: Math routines, Translation between representations, Experimental design, Qualitative/quantitative translation.
Section II Time: Remains at 90 minutes.
What About AP Physics C: Mechanics?
While there are no major content changes, the course framework gets a makeover to match the revisions in AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2.
Exam Updates for AP Physics C: Mechanics:
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Increased from 35 to 45-50, with 4-option choices.
Section I Time: Jumps from 45 minutes to 90 minutes.
Free-Response Questions (FRQs): Up from 3 to 4 with new question types.
New FRQ Types: Math routines, Translation between representations, Experimental design, Qualitative/quantitative translation.
Section II Time: Shifts from 45 minutes to 90 minutes.
What About AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism?
Similar to AP Physics C: Mechanics, no major content changes, but the framework aligns with the revisions in AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2.
Exam Updates for AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism:
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Increased from 35 to 45-50, with 4-option choices.
Section I Time: Extends from 45 minutes to 90 minutes.
Free-Response Questions (FRQs): Up from 3 to 4 with new question types.
New FRQ Types: Math routines, Translation between representations, Experimental design, Qualitative/quantitative translation.
Section II Time: Shifts from 45 minutes to 90 minutes.
What's on the Horizon?
February 2024: AP Summer Institute consultants get trained on the revised frameworks.
March 2024: The revised course and exam descriptions (CEDs) will be released.
Summer 2024: AP Summer Institutes start training with the new frameworks. AP Classroom resources get an update, including progress checks, topic questions, AP Daily videos, and an updated question bank.
Fall 2024: AP Physics teachers begin implementing the revised frameworks in their classrooms.
May 2025: Students will take AP Physics exams aligning with the refreshed frameworks.
Our team at Erudigo is already busy getting ready for these changes! If you have any questions or thinking about taking any of these classes next year, do not hesitate to contact us for a 15-minute free consultation. Your path to AP success starts now!
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