AP Physics B was a long-standing, algebra-based physics course offered by the College Board that was discontinued and replaced in 2015. The course was known for being heavily computational and covering a broad range of physics topics. Its successor courses, AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2, were introduced to provide a more focused and conceptually driven learning experience.
The Evolution of AP Physics Courses
The transformation of AP Physics B into two distinct courses reflected a shift in educational philosophy, emphasizing deeper understanding and inquiry-based learning over broad content coverage and rote problem-solving.
Key Changes and Replacements
The College Board replaced AP Physics B with two new, separate courses:
- AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based: This course focuses on fundamental principles of mechanics, rotational motion, gravitation, and simple harmonic motion. It emphasizes conceptual understanding and problem-solving through inquiry-based labs.
- AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based: Building on Physics 1, this course covers topics such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and nuclear physics. Like Physics 1, it prioritizes conceptual reasoning and experimental design.
Both AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 are designed to be more concept-focused compared to their predecessor. While AP Physics B was an algebra-based course that heavily emphasized computation, the new courses aim to develop a deeper, more qualitative understanding of physics principles, alongside quantitative skills.
Comparison: AP Physics B vs. AP Physics 1 & 2
The table below outlines the primary distinctions between the discontinued AP Physics B and its modern counterparts:
| Feature | AP Physics B | AP Physics 1 & AP Physics 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Course Nature | Single, broad course | Two distinct, sequential courses |
| Mathematical Basis | Algebra-based, heavily computational | Algebra-based |
| Pedagogical Focus | Wide content coverage, formula application | Deeper conceptual understanding, inquiry-based |
| Discontinuation | 2015 | Introduced in 2015 |
| Topics Covered | Mechanics, E&M, Fluids, Optics, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics (all in one course) | Physics 1: Mechanics, Rotational Motion, Waves, Circuits Physics 2: Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, E&M, Optics, Modern Physics |
This restructuring aimed to better align the AP Physics curriculum with current best practices in science education, providing students with a more robust foundation in physics concepts before potentially pursuing advanced studies. The shift encourages students to engage with physics as a process of scientific inquiry, rather than just a set of equations to memorize. Students can now choose to take one or both of the new courses depending on their interests and academic goals.
