AP Physics B Crash Course

by Howell, Rebecca

• ISBN13: 9780738609348
• ISBN10: 073860934X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-01-18
• Publisher: Research & Education Assn

Summary

REA's NEW AP Physics B Crash Course Gets You a Higher AP Score in Less Time REA's Crash Course is perfect for the time-crunched student, the last-minute studier, or anyone who wants a refresher on the subject. Are you crunched for time? Have you started studying for your AP Physics B exam yet? How will you memorize everything you need to know before the test? Do you wish there was a fast and easy way to study for the exam AND boost your score?If this sounds like you, don't panic. REA's Physics B Crash Courseis just what you need. Our Crash Coursegives you: Targeted, Focused Review Study Only What You Need to Know The Crash Courseis based on an in-depth analysis of the AP Physics B course description outline and actual AP test questions. It covers only the information tested on the exam, so you can make the most of your valuable study time. Our easy-to-read format gives you a crash course in: mechanics, kinetic theory, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, and modern physics. Expert Test-taking Strategies Our experienced AP Physics B teacher shares detailed question-level strategies and explains the best way to answer the multiple-choice and free-response questions you'll encounter on test day. By following our expert tips and advice, you can boost your overall point score! Take REA's Online Practice Exam After studying the material in the Crash Course, go online and test what you've learned. Our free practice exam features timed testing, diagnostic feedback, detailed explanations of answers, and automatic scoring analysis. The exam is balanced to include every topic and type of question found on the actual AP exam, so you know you're studying the smart way. Whether you're cramming for the test at the last minute, looking for extra review, or want to study on your own in preparation for the exam this is one study guide every AP Physics B student must have. When it's crucial crunch time and your AP exam is just around the corner, you need REA's Physics B Crash Course.

Table of Contents

About This Book	p. v
About Our Author	p. vi
Author Acknowledgments	p. vi
Acknowledgments	p. vi
Introduction
Keys for Success on the AP Physics B Exam	p. 3
Mechanics
Motion	p. 11
Newton's Laws of Motion and Force	p. 25
Work and Energy	p. 33
Momentum	p. 45
Circular Motion	p. 53
Fluid Mechanics, Kinetic Theory, And Thermodynamics
Fluid Mechanics	p. 67
Thermal Physics	p. 79
Electricity And Magnetism
Static Electricity	p. 97
Current Electricity	p. 113
Magnetism	p. 129
Waves And Optics
Oscillations and Waves	p. 149
Light and Optics	p. 169
Modern Physics
Atomic and Nuclear Physics	p. 191
major Concepts	p. 205
astering Multiple-Choice Questions	p. 209
Strategies for Answering the
	p. 219
essential Equations	p. 225
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

ABOUT THIS BOOK

ThisAP Physics B Crash Courseis the first book of its kind for the last-minute studier or any AP student who wants a quick refresher on the course. REA’sCrash Courseis based on a careful analysis of the AP Physics B Course Description outline and actual AP test questions.Written by an AP Physics B expert, our easy-to-read format gives students a crash course in the basic knowledge of physics, including theories and techniques, concepts, and general principles. The targeted review chapters prepare students for the exam by focusing only on the topics tested on the AP Physics B exam.Part One, the introduction, discusses the keys for success and shows you strategies to help you build your overall point score. Part Two is an overview of mechanics and covers Newton’s laws of motion and force, circular motion, momentum, and work and energy. In Part Three, the author highlights information on fluid mechanics, kinetic theory, and thermodynamics. Part Four is devoted to electricity and magnetism, and Part Five covers waves and optics. Part Six closes out the content review with a chapter devoted to modern physics.Part Seven gives you general AP test-taking strategies and teaches you how to master the multiple-choice and free-response sections of the exam. A chapter on essential equations is also included for added study.

No matter how or when you prepare for the AP Physics B exam, REA’sCrash Coursewill show you how to study efficiently and strategically, so you’ll be ready for the exam.To check your test readiness for the AP Physics B exam, either before or after studying thisCrash Course, take ourFREE online practice exam. To access your free practice exam, visitwww.rea.com/crashcourseand follow the on-screen instructions. This true-to-format test features automatic scoring and detailed explanations of all answers, and it will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses so you’ll be ready on exam day!

Good luck on your AP Physics B exam!

Keys for Success on the AP Physics B Exam

Taking any Advanced Placement exam can be a daunting experience. The AP Physics B exam is no exception. After all, the exam is based on a college-level introductory physics course, and you’re still in high school! Don’t panic . . . relax. ThisCrash Courseis going to guide you to success on the exam.The AP Physics B course and exam require you to develop your critical-thinking skills, along with developing an in-depth understanding of the discipline of physics, including theories and techniques, concepts, and general principles of the subject.OurCrash Coursewas designed to help you be more pragmatic in your approach to studying for the AP Physics B exam—in a streamlined outline format.Understand the Structure of the Exam
The AP Physics B exam consists of both multiple-choice questions as well as free-response questions.
Section I, the multiple-choice section of the exam, is worth 50 percent of your score. Section II, the free-response section, represents the remaining 50 percent of your score. The multiple-choice answers are scored electronically, and you are not penalized for incorrect answers. Therefore, it makes sense to guess if you don’t know an answer.Using Calculators on the AP Physics B Exam
Calculators cannot be used on the multiple-choice section of the AP Physics B exam. However, you may use a graphing or programmable calculator during the free-response section. Visit the College Board website (www.collegeboard.org) for more information on what calculators are allowed.Understand the AP Physics B Topical Outline
Many students believe that members of the AP Physics B exam development committee have the freedom to write any question they wish. This is not true. AP Physics B test writers use a detailed topical outline that tells them what they can ask and what they cannot ask.Every question on the AP Physics B exam can be linked to a specific point in the topical outline. The approximate percentages of questions devoted to each major category that you’ll find on the exam are also noted. Familiarize yourself with this outline before studying for the exam and you’ll know where to focus your study time.

The major topics found on the Physics B exam are:I. Newtonian Mechanics (35%)A. KinematicsB. Newton’s Laws of MotionC. Work, Energy, PowerD. Systems of Particles, Linear MomentumE. Circular Motion and RotationF. Oscillations and GravitationII. Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics (15%)A. Fluid MechanicsB. Temperature and HeatC. Kinetic Theory and ThermodynamicsIII. Electricity and Magnetism (25%)A. ElectrostaticsB. Conductors, Capacitors, DielectricsC. Electric CircuitsD. Magnetic FieldsE. ElectromagnetismIV. Waves and Optics (15%)A. Wave MotionB. Physical OpticsC. Geometric OpticsV. Atomic and Nuclear Physics (10%)A. Atomic Physics and Quantum EffectsB. Nuclear PhysicsUnderstand How the Exam Is Scored
The College Board reports your combined multiple-choice score and your total free-response score or a five-point scale:

5 Extremely well-qualified4 Well-qualified3 Qualified2 Possibly qualified1 No recommendationMany colleges give course credit with a score of 3 or better; other colleges take nothing below a 4, while still others give college credit only for the top score, a 5. Find out the AP policies of the colleges to which you are seeking admission. Also, be aware that colleges and universities can change their AP acceptance policies whenever they want.