AP® Physics 2: Algebra-Based Cheat Sheet
Master AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based with this cheat sheet from Examples.com. It covers key concepts and formulas in fluids, thermodynamics, circuits, optics, and more, perfect for exam preparation and quick reference.
Download Physics 2 Cheat Sheet – Pdf
Unit 1: Fluids
- Density: \(\rho = \frac{m}{V}\)
- m = mass, V = volume
- Pressure: P = \(\frac{F}{A}\)
- F = force, A = area
- Pascal’s Principle: \(P₁ = P₂\) (Pressure applied at any point in an incompressible fluid is transmitted undiminished)
- Continuity Equation: \(A_1v_1 = A_2v_2\)
- A = cross-sectional area, v = fluid velocity
- Bernoulli’s Equation: \(P_1 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2 + \rho gh_1 = P_2 + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2 + \rho gh_2\)
- Archimedes’ Principle: \(F_b = \rho_{fluid} \cdot V_{displaced} \cdot g\)
- \(F_b\) = buoyant force
Unit 2: Thermodynamics
- Temperature Conversion:
- T(K)=T(°C)+273.15
- Ideal Gas Law: PV=nRT
- P = pressure, V = volume, n = number of moles, R = ideal gas constant, T = temperature
- Kinetic Theory: \(\frac{3}{2} k_B T = \frac{1}{2} mv_{rms}^2\)
- First Law of Thermodynamics: ΔU = Q − W
- Q = heat added, W = work done by the system
- Heat Transfer: Q=mcΔT
- Q = heat, m = mass, c = specific heat, ΔT = change in temperature
- Heat Engine Efficiency: \(\eta = \frac{W_{out}}{Q_{in}}\)
Unit 3: Electric Force, Field, and Potential
- Coulomb’s Law: \(F_e = k_e \frac{|q_1q_2|}{r^2}\)
- \(k_e = 8.99 \times 10^9 \, \text{Nm}^2/\text{C}^2\)
- Electric Field: \(E = \frac{F_e}{q} = k_e \frac{|q|}{r^2}\)
- Electric Potential Energy: \(U = k_e \frac{q_1q_2}{r}\)
- Electric Potential: \(V = \frac{U}{q} = k_e \frac{q}{r}\)
- Capacitance: \(C = \frac{Q}{V}\)
- Q = charge, V = voltage
- Parallel Plate Capacitor: \(C = \frac{\epsilon_0 A}{d}\)
- \(\epsilon_0\) = permittivity of free space, A = area, d = separation between plates
Unit 4: Circuits
- Ohm’s Law: V = IR
- V = voltage, I = current, R = resistance
- Resistors in Series: \(R_{eq} = R_1 + R_2 + \cdots\)
- Resistors in Parallel: \(\frac{1}{R_{eq}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \cdots\)
- Power: \(P = IV = I^2R = \frac{V^2}{R}\)
- Kirchhoff’s Rules:
- Junction Rule: \(\sum I_{in} = \sum I_{out}\)
- Loop Rule: \(\sum \Delta V = 0\)
- Capacitors in Series: \(\frac{1}{C_{eq}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \cdots\)
- Capacitors in Parallel: \(C_{eq} = C_1 + C_2 + \cdots\)
Unit 5: Magnetism & Electromagnetic Induction
- Magnetic Force on a Charge: \(F_B = qvB \sin \theta\)
- q = charge, v = velocity, B = magnetic field
- Magnetic Force on a Wire: \(F_B = ILB \sin \theta\)
- I = current, L = length of wire, B = magnetic field
- Ampère’s Law: \(\oint \vec{B} \cdot d\vec{l} = \mu_0 I_{enc}\)
- Faraday’s Law: \(\mathcal{E} = -\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}\)
- \(\Phi_B\) = magnetic flux
- Lenz’s Law: The induced emf always opposes the change in magnetic flux
- Inductance: \(V = L \frac{dI}{dt}\)
Unit 6: Geometric & Physical Optics
- Snell’s Law: \(n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2\)
- n = refractive index
- Lens/Mirror Equation: \(\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{d_o} + \frac{1}{d_i}\)
- f = focal length, \(d_o\) = object distance, \(d_i\) = image distance
- Magnification: \(M = -\frac{d_i}{d_o}\)
- Critical Angle: \(\sin \theta_c = \frac{n_2}{n_1}\) (for total internal reflection)
- Young’s Double-Slit Experiment:
- \(x = \frac{\lambda L}{d}\)
- x = fringe spacing, \(\lambda\) = wavelength, L = distance to screen, d = slit separation
- \(x = \frac{\lambda L}{d}\)
- Diffraction Grating: \(d \sin \theta = m\lambda d\)
- mmm = order of diffraction
Unit 7: Quantum, Atomic, & Nuclear Physics
- Photon Energy: \(E = hf = \frac{hc}{\lambda}\)
- \(h = 6.626 \times 10^{-34}\) J·s (Planck’s constant)
- Photoelectric Effect: \(K_ₘₐₓ =
- \(\phi\) = work function
- de Broglie Wavelength: \(\lambda = \frac{h}{p}\)
- ppp = momentum
- Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle: \(\Delta x \cdot \Delta p \geq \frac{h}{4\pi}\)
- Radioactive Decay:
- \(N(t) = N_0 e^{-\lambda t}\)
- \(\lambda = \text{decay constant}\)
- Mass-Energy Equivalence: \(E = mc^2\)
FRQ Tips
- Show All Work: Even if the final answer is incorrect, partial credit can be given for correct procedures.
- Use Units: Always include units in your answers.
- Simplify Expressions: If you’re stuck, simplify the problem using symmetry or limiting cases.
- Graph Sketching: For graph-based questions, label axes, and indicate critical points like maximums, minimums, and intercepts.
- Equation Manipulation: Keep track of all variables and constants during equation manipulation to avoid mistakes.