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Free Response Questions (FRQs) account for 50% of the AP Physics 2 exam score, yet they’re where most U.S. students lose the most points. With only 16% of U.S. high school students earning a 4 or 5, mastering FRQ structure, justification, and scoring rubrics is essential for earning college credit at U.S. universities
Unlike multiple-choice questions, FRQs require precise physics language, correct equation setup, and clear reasoning. With the right strategies and consistent practice, students can turn FRQs from their biggest weakness into their strongest scoring advantage.
| Resource Title | Description | Download |
| Official College Board Released FRQs (2015-2024) | Real exam questions with official scoring guidelines and sample responses | Download PDF |
| AP Physics 2 FRQ Practice Set #1 | 20 practice FRQs organized by topic with detailed solutions | Download PDF |
| AP Physics 2 FRQ Practice Set #2 | 20 additional FRQs with step-by-step scoring rubrics | Download PDF |
| Experimental Design FRQ Guide | Complete guide to the 12-point experimental design question | Download PDF |
| Qualitative/Quantitative Translation FRQs | Practice with the unique paragraph-length response format | Download PDF |
| FRQ Scoring Rubric Guide | Learn exactly what earns points on each FRQ type | Download PDF |
| Thermodynamics FRQ Practice | Specialized practice with PV diagrams and heat engines | Download PDF |
| Circuits & E&M FRQ Collection | Multi-loop circuits, Faraday’s Law, and magnetism FRQs | Download PDF |
| Optics & Modern Physics FRQs | Lens/mirror problems, interference, photoelectric effect questions | Download PDF |
| FRQ Writing Templates | Sentence starters and justification frameworks for common 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:
| FRQ Type | Points | Time to Spend | What It Tests |
| Experimental Design | 12 points | ~25 minutes | Designing procedures, identifying variables, analyzing data, evaluating results |
| Qualitative/Quantitative Translation | 12 points | ~25 minutes | Connecting physics concepts to mathematics, explaining relationships, justifying with reasoning |
| Short Answer #1 | 7 points | ~20 minutes | Problem-solving with equations, showing work, including units |
| Short Answer #2 | 7 points | ~20 minutes | Problem-solving with equations, showing work, including units |
| Total Section II | 38 points | 90 minutes | Comprehensive physics understanding and communication |
| Point Category | What Earns the Point | Example |
| Correct Equation | Writing the appropriate formula for the situation | “Using ( PV = nRT ) for an ideal gas…” (1 point) |
| Substitution | Showing values correctly plugged into the equation | ( PV = nRT \rightarrow (1.01 \times 10^5)(0.002) = n(8.31)(300) ) (1 point) |
| Answer with Units | Final numerical answer with correct units | ( n = 0.081 ,\text{mol} ) (1 point) |
| Justification | Explaining why using physics principles | “The gas undergoes isothermal expansion, so temperature remains constant and ( PV = ) constant applies.” (1–2 points) |
| Diagram / Graph | Correct, clearly labeled diagram or graph | 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, first law applications, entropy | Understanding state changes, calculating (Q) and (W), efficiency |
| Fluid Mechanics | Buoyancy, Bernoulli’s equation, pressure at depth | Force analysis, energy conservation in fluids |
| Electrostatics | Electric field and potential, Coulomb’s Law, capacitors | Vector addition, energy calculations |
| Circuits | Multi-loop circuits with Kirchhoff’s rules, RC circuits | Systematic equation setup, time constants |
| Magnetism | Magnetic force on charges/wires, electromagnetic induction | Right-hand rules, Faraday’s Law applications |
| Optics | Ray diagrams, Snell’s Law, interference and diffraction | Geometry, wave properties, sign conventions |
| Modern Physics | Photoelectric effect, nuclear reactions, photon energy | Quantum concepts, mass–energy conversions |
Download the free resources now.
Use this proven framework for explanation-based FRQ responses:
P – Physics Principle: State the relevant law or concept
Example: “According to Faraday’s Law of electromagnetic induction…”
E – Equation: Write the applicable equation
Example: “ε = -N(ΔΦ_B/Δt)”
A – Application: Explain how it applies to this specific scenario
Example: “As the magnetic flux through the loop decreases, the induced EMF opposes this change…”
R – Result: State the outcome with justification
Example: “Therefore, a clockwise current is induced, creating a magnetic field in the same direction as the decreasing external field.”
| Mistake | Why It Costs Points | How to Fix It |
| Writing only final answers | No work shown = 0 points even if answer is correct | Always show: equation → substitution → answer |
| Missing units | Automatic point deduction per College Board rubric | Write units next to every number, always |
| Vague explanations | “It increases” without physics reasoning earns 0 points | State WHY using specific physics principles |
| Not using physics vocabulary | Generic language doesn’t earn justification points | Use terms: conservation, force, field, potential, flux, etc. |
| Skipping diagram labels | Unlabeled diagrams earn partial or no credit | Label all forces, distances, angles, variables |
| Poor time management | Running out of time means unanswered questions = 0 points | Practice with 22-minute timer per FRQ |
| Not answering all parts | Each sub-question (a, b, c) is worth points | Check that you’ve addressed every part |
| Messy handwriting | Scorers can’t read = can’t award points | Write clearly; if you make a mistake, cross out neatly |
| Timeline | FRQ Practice Strategy |
| September-December | After learning each unit, practice one or two FRQs each week. |
| January-February | Boost to 3–4 FRQs a week, concentrating on weak subjects |
| March | Every week, finish one complete FRQ section (4 questions) under time constraints. |
| April | Review all previous errors and practice two to three complete FRQ sections each week. |
| May 1-7 | Just light practice; go over scoring guidelines and common errors. |
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 TestprepKart
TestprepKart is a U.S.-focused AP exam preparation platform supporting high school students enrolled in College Board–authorized AP courses. Our AP Physics 2 FRQ resources are written to reflect official scoring guidelines, point allocation rules, and expectations used by AP exam readers
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