Physics study guide
Physics · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Physics exam is a standardized, multiple-choice subject test used in undergraduate admissions and placement for physics and engineering programs. It is aimed at students who have completed a solid introductory physics sequence, typically one year of algebra- or calculus-based physics at the level of a first university course. The Physics study guide has 6 sections and about 2,433 words.
01Mechanics
The Mechanics domain tests kinematics in one and two dimensions, Newton's three laws, work and energy, linear momentum, circular and rotational motion, and gravitation. Questions often combine two ideas-for example, energy conservation followed by a projectile calculation-so identify the principle that avoids unknown forces.
423 words, about 2 min02Electricity and Magnetism
This domain examines Coulomb's law, electric field and potential, capacitance, DC circuits, magnetic forces and fields, and electromagnetic induction. The exam favours multi-step circuits and direction questions, so track both magnitude and sign.
414 words, about 2 min03Waves and Optics
This domain covers wave properties, sound, geometric optics, and interference and diffraction. The exam tests the wave equation, refraction and lenses, and path-difference reasoning, often with a calculation followed by a direction or condition question.
399 words, about 2 min04Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory
This domain tests temperature and heat, ideal gases, the kinetic model, and the first and second laws. Expect questions that combine a gas law with an energy balance, or that ask you to interpret a pressure–volume process.
426 words, about 2 min05Modern Physics
This domain covers quantum phenomena, atomic and nuclear physics, and relativity. The exam tests photon energy, the photoelectric effect, de Broglie wavelength, energy levels, radioactive decay, mass–energy equivalence, and relativistic time dilation.
382 words, about 2 min06Measurement, Units, and Laboratory Skills
This domain checks SI units, prefixes, significant figures, uncertainty analysis, and graphical interpretation. The exam tests whether you can report a measurement honestly and extract a physical relationship from a graph.
389 words, about 2 min