Understanding AP Physics 2: Key Concepts and Applications

 AP Physics 2 Equation Sheet: Your Comprehensive Guide

AP Physics 2 is a comprehensive course that delves into the fundamental principles of physics, including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. Designed for students with a foundational understanding of physics, this advanced course explores real-world applications of physical laws, offering insights into the workings of the universe. From understanding how buoyancy works in fluids to analyzing electric circuits and the behavior of light through lenses, AP Physics 2 equips learners with problem-solving skills and scientific reasoning.

This guide provides a detailed overview of essential equations, concepts, and practical examples, perfect for students preparing for exams or curious minds diving deeper into the field. Explore the fascinating world of physics and master the key principles with clear explanations and illustrative examples.

Below is an AP Physics 2 equation sheet covering the main topics typically included in the course: fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics.

1. Fluids

• Density:
  $\rho = \frac{m}{V}$
• Pressure:
  $P = \frac{F}{A}$
• Hydrostatic Pressure:
  $P = P_0 + \rho g h$
  
• Buoyant Force:
  $F_B = \rho_{\text{fluid}} V_{\text{displaced}} g$
  
• Continuity Equation:
  $A_1 v_1 = A_2 v_2$
• Bernoulli’s Equation:
  $P + \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 + \rho g h = \text{constant}$
  

2. Thermodynamics

• Ideal Gas Law:
  $PV = nRT$
  
• Average Kinetic Energy (per molecule):
  $K_E=\frac{3}{2}{k}_{B}T$
• First Law of Thermodynamics:
  $\Delta U = Q - W$
  
• Efficiency of Heat Engine:
  $e = \frac{W}{Q_H} = 1 - \frac{Q_C}{Q_H}$

3. Electric Forces and Fields

• Coulomb’s Law:
  $F = k_e \frac{|q_1 q_2|}{r^2}$
• Electric Field:
  $E = \frac{F}{q} = k_e \frac{q}{r^2}$
• Electric Potential Energy:
  $U = k_e \frac{q_1 q_2}{r}$
• Electric Potential (Voltage):
  $V = \frac{U}{q} = k_e \frac{q}{r}$

4. Circuits

• Ohm’s Law:
  $V = IR$
  
• Power in Circuits:
  $P = IV = I^2 R = \frac{V^2}{R}$
• Capacitance:
  $C = \frac{Q}{V}$
• Energy Stored in a Capacitor:
  $U = \frac{1}{2} C V^2$
  
• Resistors in Series:
  $R_{\text{eq}} = R_1 + R_2 + \dots$
  
• Resistors in Parallel:
  $\frac{1}{R_{\text{eq}}} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \dots$
  
• Capacitors in Series:
  $\frac{1}{C_{\text{eq}}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \dots$
  
• Capacitors in Parallel:
  $C_{\text{eq}} = C_1 + C_2 + \dots$
  

5. Magnetism

• Magnetic Force on a Charge:
  $F = qvB \sin \theta$
  
• Magnetic Force on a Current-Carrying Wire:
  $F=ILB\sin \theta$
• Magnetic Flux:
  $\Phi_B = B A \cos \theta$
  
• Faraday’s Law of Induction:
  $\mathcal{E} = - \frac{\Delta \Phi_B}{\Delta t}$
• Ampère’s Law (simplified):
  $\oint B \cdot dl = \mu_0 I_{\text{enc}}$

6. Optics

• Snell’s Law:
  $n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2$
• Lens and Mirror Equation:
  $\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{d_o} + \frac{1}{d_i}$
• Magnification:
  $M = -\frac{d_i}{d_o}$

7. Modern Physics

• Photon Energy:
  $E = hf$
  
• Photoelectric Equation:
  $K_{\text{max}}=hf-\varphi$
• de Broglie Wavelength:
  $\lambda = \frac{h}{p}$
• Einstein’s Mass-Energy Equivalence:
  $E = mc^2$
  

This equation sheet provides a comprehensive overview of the equations needed for AP Physics 2.