ILTS Science: Physics (243) study guide
ILTS Science: Physics (243) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Science: Physics (243) is the discipline-specific content test in the Illinois Licensure Testing System, used to judge whether a candidate has the physics knowledge and scientific-inquiry skill expected of a beginning physics teacher in Illinois. Candidates typically take it at the end of an educator-preparation program, while adding a physics designation to an existing certificate, or after an out-of-state or career-change route. The ILTS Science: Physics (243) study guide has 6 sections and about 1,914 words.
01Nature of Science and Scientific Inquiry
The Nature of Science and Scientific Inquiry domain tests how well you can design, critique, and interpret investigations rather than simply recall facts. Expect items on hypothesis formation, variable control, measurement uncertainty, data representation, and the social processes - peer review, replication, ethics - that make a claim scientific.
347 words, about 2 min02Mechanics
Mechanics covers kinematics, Newton's laws, momentum, energy, circular motion, and gravitation - the largest quantitative share of the exam. Items reward clean free-body diagrams and conservation reasoning over formula hunting.
331 words, about 2 min03Electricity and Magnetism
This domain draws on electrostatics, direct-current circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetic induction. The exam favors multi-step circuit problems and qualitative reasoning about fields and induced currents.
330 words, about 2 min04Waves and Optics
Waves and Optics covers wave properties, sound, geometric optics, and interference. Questions often combine a conceptual check with a short calculation, so units and the small-angle approximation matter.
313 words, about 2 min05Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics covers temperature and heat, calorimetry, gas laws, the first and second laws, and engine efficiency. Expect calorimetry calculations and PV-diagram reasoning.
314 words, about 2 min06Modern Physics
Modern Physics covers special relativity, quantization, atomic energy levels, and nuclear decay. Items usually pair one calculation with a conceptual claim about photons or reference frames.
279 words, about 1 min