AP®︎ Physics 2 Unit 15: Notes & Study Guide

Prepare for your quiz, test, or the AP exam with a comprehensive review on Unit 15 of AP Physics 2 – Modern Physics.

Exam weight: 12%–15%
8 Topics

Unit 15: Modern Physics

How quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality, and nuclear physics resolve questions that classical physics could not.

Begin with Topic 15.1: Quantum Theory and Wave-P...

To review Unit 15, go through each of the 8 topics below.

Everything you actually need to know for your Unit 15 test, pulled directly from the AP® Physics 2 curriculum.

Topic 15.1
~6 min
Review
Quantum Theory and Wave-Particle Duality
Quantum Theory and Wave-Particle Duality
  • What quantum theory says about matter and light
  • Light as photons
  • Matter as waves
Review
Topic 15.2
~6 min
Review
The Bohr Model of Atomic Structure
The Bohr Model of Atomic Structure
  • What an Atom Is
  • The Bohr Model
  • Electric Force Provides Centripetal Force
Review
Topic 15.3
~6 min
Review
Emission and Absorption Spectra
Emission and Absorption Spectra
  • What Atomic Energy Levels Are
  • How Atoms Absorb and Emit Photons
  • Emission Spectra vs. Absorption Spectra
Review
Topic 15.4
~7 min
Review
Blackbody Radiation
Blackbody Radiation
  • What Blackbody Radiation Is
  • The Blackbody Spectrum and Why Classical Physics Failed
  • Wien’s Law
Review
Topic 15.5
~7 min
Review
The Photoelectric Effect
The Photoelectric Effect
  • What the Photoelectric Effect Is
  • Threshold Frequency and Work Function
  • The Photoelectric Equation and Electron Energy
Review
Topic 15.6
~6 min
Review
Compton Scattering
Compton Scattering
  • What Compton Scattering Is
  • The Photon–Electron Collision Model
  • The Compton Wavelength Equation
Review
Topic 15.7
~6 min
Review
Fission, Fusion, and Nuclear Decay
Fission, Fusion, and Nuclear Decay
  • What Governs Nuclear Reactions
  • Binding Energy and Why Energy Is Released
  • Fusion and Fission
Review
Topic 15.8
~6 min
Review
Types of Radioactive Decay
Types of Radioactive Decay
  • What Radioactive Decay Is
  • Particles Emitted in Radioactive Decay
  • The Four Types of Radioactive Decay
Review

Notes

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