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.

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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
• 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.