Physics
The Physics domain of MP PAT tests core mechanics, heat, light, electricity, and measurement through short numericals and concept checks. Most marks come from applying the right formula with consistent SI units.
Mechanics and measurement
- Use SI units and convert cm/g to m/kg before calculating.
- Equations of motion: v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as.
- Newton’s laws, conservation of momentum, work–energy theorem, and power = work/time.
- For vertical motion, take up as positive and use a = −g.
Heat, light, and electricity
- Heat: Q = mcΔT and Q = mL; distinguish specific heat from latent heat.
- Light: lens formula 1/f = 1/v − 1/u with sign convention; refraction obeys Snell’s law.
- Electricity: V = IR; series R = R1 + R2 + …; parallel 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + …; power P = VI = I²R.
Worked example
A ball is thrown vertically upward at 20 m/s. Take g = 10 m/s² and upward positive. At maximum height v = 0, so v² = u² − 2gh gives 0 = 400 − 20h, hence h = 20 m. Time to reach it: v = u − gt gives 0 = 20 − 10t, so t = 2 s. Total flight time back to the launch point is 4 s.
Traps that cost marks
- Dropping the minus sign for g, or squaring incorrectly.
- Mixing cm with m; using diameter as radius in lens/mirror problems.
- Adding resistances in parallel as if they were in series; forgetting to convert mA to A.