1. Question form:
The AP exam consists of two parts: multiple-choice questions and free answers. These two parts each take 90 minutes, and the score ratio is exactly the same. The SAT2 test is monotonous, containing only 75 single-choice items, 90 minutes, and practical calculators are not allowed.
2. Subject scope:
AP Physics B is mainly composed of Newtonian mechanics (35%) and electromagnetism (25%). As the classic content of physics, these two parts are basically neck and neck, followed by fluid mechanics and thermodynamics (65,438+05%), optics and atomic physics (65,438+00% each), and wave theory accounts for the least proportion (5.
SAT2' s specific gravity structure is quite different from this, with Newtonian mechanics (40%) accounting for the largest share, which is a classic among the classics. "electromagnetism" and "wave and optics" are equal, each accounting for 20%. In addition, there are thermodynamics (8%), modern physics (8%) and comprehensive literacy (4%)
From the above data, we can draw some conclusions:
SAT2 emphasizes the proportion of "wave and optics". In actual combat training, we will frequently encounter the imaging rules of (concave/convex) (surface/transparent) mirrors (including quantitative calculation with formulas); Light refraction (including refraction theorem and Chanel theorem), reflection and diffraction (quantitative calculation of double-slit diffraction experiment); Mechanical wave analysis (including two formulas about propagation speed), the similarities and differences between shear wave and longitudinal wave, spectrum and polarization, and quantitative calculation of Doppler phenomenon. The content of this chapter is complex and detailed, and there are many formulas to remember, some of which are not even involved in AP exam. For ordinary candidates, it is necessary to focus on learning and overcoming.
● SAT2 doesn't involve the chapter of fluid mechanics represented by Bernoulli equation, so candidates don't need to review it, but don't blindly think that the ideal gas state equation belongs to thermodynamics, and SAT2 will still be involved. The rest of the content range, the two exams are the same.
3. Investigation difficulty
The AP exam is only for students taking AP courses. AP course is the most elite course in American high schools, aiming at students who have little mathematics and spare capacity. Its content and difficulty are the same as those of American undergraduate courses, and it can also achieve the purpose of obtaining credits directly without taking corresponding courses after entering undergraduate courses. The SAT2 exam is aimed at all high school students. No matter what course system they take, they can take this exam as a result of applying for undergraduate courses in the United States, but it does not have the function of directly changing credits for the above courses.
It can be seen that the two kinds of exams have different objects and functions, so the difficulty is different. AP Physics B emphasizes the ability of reasoning analysis, logical expression and experimental organization, and its general problem-solving steps are: extracting topic information → information analysis → establishing physical model → calculation → result analysis or improving methods. This process is closer to the analysis and solution process of undergraduate course and more complete. Quantitative calculation is more accurate and qualitative judgment is less. Relatively speaking, the content of SAT2 is simpler, focusing on the original concepts and formulas, which means that the proportion of qualitative judgment is greater. Its general problem-solving steps are: examining questions → calculating a set of formulas → selecting options.
Based on the above three points, I hope I can give some help to AP students, break through the SAT series as soon as possible and realize the American dream!