It is intended to proxy a second-semester algebra-based university course in thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics.
The College Board released a "Curriculum Framework" which includes the 7 principles on which AP Physics 2 would be based on as well as smaller "Enduring Understanding" concepts.
In order to ensure accurate results in the future, the course materials will be more difficult and in-depth.
In February 2024, College Board announced that there would be changes in curricula for their AP Physics classes for the 2025 exams.
The unit covering electric circuits was changed to be more comprehensive, and Blackbody radiation and Compton scattering were added to Modern Physics as well.