AP Physics B is an advanced placement science course that is separated into nine 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 administered in two sections, a seventy (70) question multiple choice section and a six to eight (6 to 8) question free response section[1]. Each section must be completed within a 90 minute time limit. 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 as well as a list of common formulae. 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 categories:[2]
- Newtonian Mechanics (35%)
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics (15%)
- Electricity and Magnetism (25%)
- Waves and Optics (15%)
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics (10%)
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."[3] Additionally, students who receive a certain score (usually 3 or above) on the AP Exam may have the opportunity to bypass the preliminary physics course at the college they choose to attend, depending on that institution's policy [4][5][6][7] However, students are cautioned to check with their intended college or university, as acceptance policies vary widely. Some schools require a higher score (4 or 5) in order to receive credit, while others will only give credit for a lower level physics course. It is the intention of the College Board, however, for this class to be taken by those students wishing to challenge themselves in a physics class but have no desire to pursue a rigorously science based college major or career. [8][9][10].
Grade distribution
In the 2007 administration, 54,890 students took the exam at 4,316 schools. The mean score was a 2.88.
The grade distribution[11] for 2007 was:
| Score |
Percent |
| 5 |
16.2% |
| 4 |
16.9% |
| 3 |
27.2% |
| 2 |
18.6% |
| 1 |
21.1% |
References
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