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One of the most crucial sections for high school students in the United States is the Free Response Questions (FRQs), which account for half of the AP Physics 2 exam score. In contrast to multiple-choice questions, FRQs demand that students write equations, clearly justify their answers, and explain physics reasoning. Students’ AP scores frequently increase dramatically when they use FRQ structure and scoring rubrics.
| FRQs Released by the Official College Board (2015-2024) | Actual exam questions with sample answers and official scoring guidelines | Download PDF |
| FRQ Practice Set #1 for AP Physics 2 | 20 practice FRQs with thorough answers arranged by topic | Download PDF |
| FRQ Practice Set #2 for AP Physics 2 | Twenty more FRQs with detailed scoring guidelines | Download PDF |
| FRQ Guide for Experimental Design | A comprehensive manual for answering the 12-point experimental design question | Download PDF |
| FRQs for Qualitative and Quantitative Translation | Practice using the special response format of one paragraph. | Download PDF |
| Guide to the FRQ Scoring Rubric | Find out exactly what each FRQ type earns points for. | Download PDF |
| FRQ Practice in Thermodynamics | specialized knowledge of heat engines and PV diagrams | Download PDF |
| E&M FRQ Collection & Circuits | Faraday’s Law, magnetism, and multi-loop circuits FRQs | Download PDF |
| FRQs in Optics and Modern Physics | Issues with lenses and mirrors, interference, and the photoelectric effect | Download PDF |
| Templates for FRQ Writing | Justification frameworks and sentence starters for typical question types | Download PDF |
The College Board’s Free Response section consists of 4 questions worth 50% of your total exam score. Each FRQ type tests different skills:
| RQ Type | Points | Time to Spend | What It Tests |
| Experimental Design | 12 points | ~25 minutes | Making plans, finding variables, looking at data, and judging results |
| Qualitative/Quantitative Translation | 12 points | ~25 minutes | Linking ideas in physics to ideas in math, explaining how they are related, and giving reasons for why they are true |
| Short Answer #1 | 7 points | ~20 minutes | Solving problems with equations, showing your work, and using units |
| Short Answer #2 | 7 points | ~20 minutes | Using equations to solve problems, showing work, and including units |
| Total Section II | 38 points | 90 minutes | A full understanding of physics and the ability to talk about it |
| Point Category | What Earns the Point | Example |
| Correct Equation | Putting together the right formula for the job | “Using ( PV = nRT ) for an ideal gas…” (1 point) |
| Substitution | Showing the right values plugged into the equation | ( PV = nRT \rightarrow (1.01 \times 10^5)(0.002) = n(8.31)(300) ) (1 point) |
| Answer with Units | Final answer with the right numbers and units | ( n = 0.081 ,\text{mol} ) (1 point) |
| Justification | Telling why using physics ideas | “The gas undergoes isothermal expansion, so temperature remains constant and ( PV = ) constant applies.” (1–2 points) |
| Diagram / Graph | Correct diagram or graph with clear labels | Properly labeled free-body diagram showing all forces (1–2 points) |
Good News for U.S. Students: On FRQs, the College Board grants substantial partial credit:
| Physics Unit | Common FRQ Topics | Key Skills Tested |
| Thermodynamics | PV diagram analysis, heat engines, applications of the first law, and entropy | Knowing how to change states, figure out (Q) and (W), and be efficient |
| Fluid Mechanics | Pressure at depth, buoyancy, and Bernoulli’s equation | Force analysis and saving energy in fluids |
| Electrostatics | Coulomb’s Law, electric field and potential, and capacitors | Adding vectors and figuring out energy |
| Circuits | RC circuits and multi-loop circuits that follow Kirchhoff’s rules | Setting up systematic equations and time constants |
| Magnetism | Electromagnetic induction and the magnetic force on charges and wires | Applications of Faraday’s Law and right-hand rules |
| Optics | Ray diagrams, Snell’s Law, diffraction, and interference | Properties of waves, geometry, and sign conventions |
| Modern Physics | Photon energy, nuclear reactions, and the photoelectric effect | Quantum ideas, changes in mass and energy |
Download the free resources now.
Use this proven framework for explanation-based FRQ responses:
P—Physics Principle: Say the law or idea that is important
For example, “Faraday’s Law of electromagnetic induction says…”
E – Equation: Write down the right equation
For example, “ε = -N(ΔΦ_B/Δt)”
A – Application: Describe how it relates to this particular situation.
“As the magnetic flux through the loop goes down, the induced EMF fights this change…”
R – Result: Say what happened and why it happened
For example, “This causes a clockwise current to flow, which makes a magnetic field that goes in the same direction as the outside field that is getting weaker.”
| Mistake | Why It Costs Points | How to Fix It |
| Writing only definitive responses | Even if the response is right, there is no work displayed, so 0 points | Show: equation → substitution → answer every time. |
| Absence of units | In accordance with the College Board rubric, automatic point deduction | Always write units next to each number. |
| Vague explanations | Without using physics reasoning, “it increases” receives zero points. | Explain WHY by using specific physics ideas |
| Not utilizing terms related to physics | Justification points are not awarded for generic language. | Use words like conservation, force, field, potential, flux, and so on. |
| Ignoring labels in diagrams | Diagrams without labels receive little or no credit. | Put labels on all the angles, distances, forces, and variables. |
| Ineffective time management | When time runs out, unanswered questions receive zero points. | Practice with a 22-minute timer for each FRQ |
| Not responding to every section | Points are awarded for each of the sub-questions (a, b, and c). | Make sure you’ve covered everything |
| Handwriting that is messy | Points cannot be awarded by scorers who are illiterate. | Write clearly, and if you make a mistake, cross it out neatly. |
| Timeline | FRQ Practice Strategy |
| September-December | Practice one or two FRQs every week after mastering each unit. |
| January-February | Increase to three to four FRQs per week, focusing on weak subjects. |
| March | Complete one full FRQ section (four questions) each week while adhering to time constraints. |
| April | Every week, practice two to three full FRQ sections and go over all of your prior mistakes. |
| May 1-7 | Just a little practice; review scoring rules and typical mistakes. |
1. How many FRQs are on the AP Physics 2 exam?
One Experimental Design question (12 points), one Qualitative/Quantitative Translation question (12 points), and two Short Answer questions (7 points each) make up the four Free Response questions, which add up to 38 points, or half of your exam score.
2. How much time do I have for AP Physics 2 FRQs?
For Section II (all four FRQs), you have ninety minutes. Set aside 20 to 25 minutes for each question, giving the 12-point questions a little extra time.
3. Can I use a calculator on AP Physics 2 FRQs?
Yes. The entire AP Physics 2 exam, including all FRQs, permits the use of calculators. College Board allows any scientific calculator (graphing is not necessary).
4. Do I need to show work on FRQs to get credit?
Absolutely. Writing only final answers earns zero points. You must show: equation selection, variable substitution, calculations, units, and physics justification to earn full credit.
5. What happens if I make a math error on an FRQ?
Partial credit is given by the College Board. Even with arithmetic errors, you can still receive the majority of points if your equation setup and reasoning are sound. For this reason, presenting all of your work is essential.
About the Author
Daniel Carter, M.S. Physics
Daniel Carter is an AP Physics educator with over 10 years of experience helping U.S. high school students prepare for AP Physics exams. His teaching focuses on FRQ strategy, conceptual physics understanding, and exam preparation aligned with standards set by the College Board.
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