AP® Physics 2: Algebra-Based Cheat Sheet

Last Updated: September 24, 2024

Notes

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.

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Unit 1: Fluids

Density:
- m = mass, V = volume
Pressure: P =
- F = force, A = area
Pascal’s Principle: $P₁ = P₂$ (Pressure applied at any point in an incompressible fluid is transmitted undiminished)
Continuity Equation:
- 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:
- $F_b$ = 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:
- $k_e = 8.99 \times 10^9 \, \text{Nm}^2/\text{C}^2$
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:
- Q = charge, V = voltage
Parallel Plate Capacitor:
- $\epsilon_0$ = 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:
- q = charge, v = velocity, B = magnetic field
Magnetic Force on a Wire:
- 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:
- $\Phi_B$ = 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 = refractive index
Lens/Mirror Equation:
- 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 = fringe spacing, $\lambda$ = wavelength, L = distance to screen, d = slit separation
Diffraction Grating:
- mmm = order of diffraction

Unit 7: Quantum, Atomic, & Nuclear Physics

Photon Energy:
- $h = 6.626 \times 10^{-34}$ J·s (Planck’s constant)
Photoelectric Effect: $K_ₘₐₓ =  <ul> <li>\(\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.