AP Physics B is an advanced placement science course that is separated into five different sections of study: Newtonian Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics, Waves and Optics, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics.
The Exam
The exam is configured in two catagories, a seventy (70) question multiple choice section and a six to eight (6 to 8) question free response section[1]. In order to test knowledge as well as skills, the multiple choice section is taken without a calculator. The free response section permits the use of a calculator. The test is weighted such that each section is worth fifty percent (50%) of the final score. Overall, the exam is configured to approximately cover a set percentage of each of the five target catagories:[2]
- Newtonian Mechanics (35%)
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics (15%)
- Electricity and Magnetism (25%)
- Waves and Optics (15%)
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics (10%)
2005 Statistics
46,971 Students[3]
| Score | Percent |
|---|---|
| 5 | 14.0% |
| 4 | 18.3% |
| 3 | 27.7% |
| 2 | 15.2% |
| 1 | 24.9% |
Purpose
According to the College Board web site, "the B course provides a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, premedicine, and some applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science."[4]
References
- ^ http://collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/physics_b/exam.html?physicsb
- ^ http://collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/physics_b/topic.html?physicsb
- ^ http://collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/physics_b/dist.html?physicsb
- ^ http://collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/ap/students/physics/ap-cd-physics-0607.pdf