What is the Difference Between AP Physics 1 and 2?

Choosing between AP Physics courses can be a little stressful. Are you looking through AP courses, wondering if you should take AP Physics 1 or 2? They can sound very similar, but they actually focus on different topics. 

It’s easy to jump into the wrong course without understanding what you’re signing up for. That's frustrating, expensive, and can knock your confidence.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about both courses. We'll compare the content and difficulty, so you can find the one that will help you meet your goals. By the end, you'll know which AP Physics course is right for you.

Key Takeaways

• AP Physics 1 teaches the basics: motion, forces, energy, waves, and simple circuits.

• AP Physics 2 covers new topics like fluids, heat, electricity & magnetism, light, and modern physics.

• Both classes use algebra, not calculus.

• Most students take AP Physics 1 first, then AP Physics 2.

• Your choice depends on your future interests.

What Is AP Physics 1?

AP Physics 1 is an introduction to university-level physics. It's an algebra-based course for students who want to understand how the physical world works without diving into complex calculus. The introductory course covers Newtonian mechanics, energy, power, work, simple circuits, and mechanical waves and sound. 

The course will require that you spend about 25% of your time in the lab. This gives you hands-on experience making observations and predictions, analyzing data, constructing arguments, and conducting experiments in a collaborative setting.

The skills you will learn in AP Physics 1 (opens in a new tab)include:

• Create representations depicting physical phenomena

• Conduct analyzes to derive, estimate, predict, or calculate

• Describe experimental procedures, analyze data, and support your claims

What Is AP Physics 2?

AP Physics 2 picks up where Physics 1 leaves off. It is about the same as a second-semester college physics course. You’ll cover different topics that build on what you learned in AP Physics 1. Like Physics 1, this course is algebra-based. You won't need calculus, though you'll use more sophisticated problem-solving strategies.

Just like the first course, you’ll spend a lot of time working hands-on in the lab. You will need to finish AP Physics 1 before taking AP Physics 2 (opens in a new tab). It’s also recommended that you take precalculus before enrolling, or at least take it at the same time.

You will use the skills you learned in the first Physics class, but you will continue to expand and build on them as you work through the class.

Course Comparison: AP Physics 1 vs 2

Here's how the two courses stack up side by side:

Which Course Is Harder?

It’s difficult to say whether one is harder than the other. Some say AP Physics 1 is harder, because much of it is new to them. AP Physics 2 may seem easier, because you’re building on the foundation laid in the first class. But neither one is “harder,” just different. 

There isn’t a single accurate way to measure how difficult or easy any AP course is. But you can tell a lot about difficulty levels based on pass rates, exam format, and course content. Looking at the most recent College Board AP Score Distributions (opens in a new tab), AP Physics 2 has a higher pass rate, with higher percentages of students making either a 4 or a 5 on the AP Physics 2 exam. This would make it look like AP Physics 1 is slightly more difficult to pass.

Both courses cover challenging material. You can do well on the tests as long as you dedicate yourself to learning and studying the course material. 

Which Should You Take First?

You’ll want to start with AP Physics 1. In fact, it’s a recommended prerequisite to AP Physics 2. The exception would be if you took a comparable introductory physics course. If you want to do well in Physics 2, you’ll need a strong foundation, which you’ll cover in Physics 1. It teaches you how to think like a physicist and approach problems systematically.

The topics you’ll see in Physics 1 appear throughout Physics 2. Understanding forces and energy makes thermodynamics much easier. Knowing about waves helps with optics. The connections run deep.

Jumping straight to Physics 2 will mean you'll miss crucial concepts and struggle unnecessarily. It’s best to take Physics 1 in one year, then Physics 2 the next. Your future self will thank you.

Which Course Is Better for Your Future Goals?

AP Physics 1 and 2 are algebra-based courses, even though they cover different topics. Choosing which to take usually depends on your interests and your future goals.  Both classes provide a great foundation for life sciences, general science, and pre-med majors. You will want to select based on the career field you pursue. 

When to Choose Ap Physics 1

AP Physics 1 covers the basics of mechanics. It’s a strong starting point for most science careers.

• Life Sciences: Provides you with a good understanding of motion and energy.

• Pre-Medicine: Many pre-med programs will accept AP Physics 1credit for their intro physics requirements.

• Applied Sciences: Provides a strong base for mechanics.

• Architecture & Physical Therapy: You’ll need a strong understanding of forces, motion, and structural integrity for these fields.

• General Interest/Non-STEM: AP Physics 1 can fulfil a general science requirement no matter what your major is.

When to Choose AP Physics 2

Physics 2 builds on the principles from Physics 1. It also introduces more advanced and abstract topics, which are relevant in fields that deal with electricity, energy, and matter.

• Medical Physics: The study of modern physics, electricity, and optics is applicable to treatment technologies and medical imaging.

• Materials Science: Understanding thermodynamics and material properties at the molecular level is important for this and related fields.

• Geology or Environmental Science: Thermodynamics and fluid dynamics apply to Earth systems.

• Aerospace Engineering: Basic concepts in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics learned in AP Physics 2 are relevant to this career field. You will want to consider taking AP Physics C if you want to go into engineering.

• Computer Science or Robotics: Physics 2 gives you a great foundation for this field. You’ll learn circuits, electricity, and mechanics which will be very helpful.

Make sure to check with your choice college about entry requirements. Some university physics courses or majors will likely require calculus-based physics. AP Physics 1 and 2 won't typically earn you credit in engineering programs, though they provide valuable preparation.

Can You Take Both AP Physics 1 and 2?

Absolutely. You can take both AP Physics 1 and 2. You need to weigh whether it is worth it for and if it is necessary for helping you reach your academic and career goals. Typically, it’s not recommended since they slightly overlap and are both very demanding courses. 

Taking them consecutively (Physics 1 one year, Physics 2 the next) is the standard approach. You'll build knowledge systematically and have time to absorb each course properly.

Taking them simultaneously is possible but challenging. Some schools offer this option for advanced students. Expect a heavy workload and significant time commitment. This is not recommended for most students unless you have a very strong math background and your teachers suggest it.

Deciding to take both Physics courses can be beneficial. The benefits of taking both courses include comprehensive physics coverage, stronger university applications, and better preparation for calculus-based physics at university.

The drawbacks include less time for other AP courses, potential burnout, and diminishing returns if your intended major doesn't require extensive physics knowledge.

Talk to students who've taken both courses at your school. Their experience will help you gauge whether you can handle the workload.

How to Choose: A Quick Checklist

To choose between AP Physics 1 and Physics 2 think about your previous courses and your career goals.

Take AP Physics 2 if you have already taken AP Physics 1 and have a strong foundation in abstract concepts like thermodynamics and optics. 

When in doubt, start with Physics 1. It's the safer choice and leaves your options open.

Here is a checklist to help you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need To Take AP Physics 1 Before AP Physics 2?

Yes. You should take AP Physics 1 before taking AP Physics 2. Think of Physics 2 as a continuation of the first course. Physics 1 is the same as a first-semester college class. Physics 2 is like a second-semester college class. AP Physics 1 is a prerequisite for AP Physics 2. They build on each other, but 2 will take a deeper dive into advanced topics like magnetism, electricity, and thermodynamics.

Is AP Physics 2 Harder Than Physics 1?

Not necessarily. Students tend to find Physics 1 harder because it introduces entirely new ways of thinking. Physics 2 is challenging in different ways, but you'll already know how to approach physics problems.

Your personal experience will vary based on your strengths. Some students find Physics 2's topics more intuitive than mechanics.

Which AP Physics Course Is Better for Engineering Majors?

Both courses benefit engineering majors and provide a solid foundation. But if you are pursuing a degree in engineering, you’ll want to take AP Physics C. Physics 1 and 2 are algebra-based, but C provides an in-depth look at the mathematics behind physics principles. If possible, take both Physics 1 and 2.

Final Thoughts

AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 teach different parts of physics. Most students should start with Physics 1, then take Physics 2 if they want more advanced topics or plan a STEM major.

Choose the class that fits your goals, your interests, and your comfort with math. And don’t be afraid to ask your teacher for advice. They know your strengths and can help guide you.

Whatever you pick, Save My Exams is here to support your revision journey with comprehensive, exam-focused materials. Good luck with your decision!

References

College Board AP Physics 1 Course Overview (opens in a new tab)

College Board AP Physics 2 Course Overview (opens in a new tab)

College Board AP Score Distributions 2025 (opens in a new tab)