Physics: content knowledge

The Praxis® Study Companion

Physics: Content Knowledge
5265

www.ets.org/praxis


Welcome to the Praxis® Study Companion

Welcome to The Praxis®Study Companion
Prepare to Show What You Know
You have been working to acquire the knowledge and skills you need for your teaching career. Now you are
ready to demonstrate your abilities by taking a Praxis® test.
Using the Praxis® Study Companion is a smart way to prepare for the test so you can do your best on test day.
This guide can help keep you on track and make the most efficient use of your study time.
The Study Companion contains practical information and helpful tools, including:
• An overview of the Praxis tests
• Specific information on the Praxis test you are taking
• A template study plan
• Study topics
• Practice questions and explanations of correct answers
• Test-taking tips and strategies
• Frequently asked questions
• Links to more detailed information
So where should you start? Begin by reviewing this guide in its entirety and note those sections that you need
to revisit. Then you can create your own personalized study plan and schedule based on your individual needs
and how much time you have before test day.
Keep in mind that study habits are individual. There are many different ways to successfully prepare for your
test. Some people study better on their own, while others prefer a group dynamic. You may have more energy
early in the day, but another test taker may concentrate better in the evening. So use this guide to develop the

approach that works best for you.
Your teaching career begins with preparation. Good luck!

Know What to Expect
Which tests should I take?
Each state or agency that uses the Praxis tests sets its own requirements for which test or tests you must take for
the teaching area you wish to pursue.
Before you register for a test, confirm your state or agency’s testing requirements at www.ets.org/praxis/states.

How are the Praxis tests given?
Praxis tests are given on computer. Other formats are available for test takers approved for accommodations (see
page 39).

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Welcome to the Praxis® Study Companion

What should I expect when taking the test on computer?
When taking the test on computer, you can expect to be asked to provide proper identification at the test
center. Once admitted, you will be given the opportunity to learn how the computer interface works (how to
answer questions, how to skip questions, how to go back to questions you skipped, etc.) before the testing time
begins. Watch the What to Expect on Test Day video to see what the experience is like.

Where and when are the Praxis tests offered?
You can select the test center that is most convenient for you. The Praxis tests are administered through an
international network of test centers, which includes Prometric® Testing Centers, some universities, and other
locations throughout the world.

Testing schedules may differ, so see the Praxis web site for more detailed test registration information at www.
ets.org/praxis/register.

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents
The Praxis® Study Companion guides you through the steps to success
1. Learn About Your Test.....................................................................................................5
Learn about the specific test you will be taking
2. F
 amiliarize Yourself with Test Questions.................................................................... 11
Become comfortable with the types of questions you’ll find on the Praxis tests
3. Practice with Sample Test Questions.......................................................................... 15
Answer practice questions and find explanations for correct answers
4. Determine Your Strategy for Success.......................................................................... 22
Set clear goals and deadlines so your test preparation is focused and efficient
5. Develop Your Study Plan.............................................................................................. 25
Develop a personalized study plan and schedule
6. Review Study Topics..................................................................................................... 29
Review detailed study topics with questions for discussion
7. Review Smart Tips for Success..................................................................................... 37
Follow test-taking tips developed by experts
8. Check on Testing Accommodations............................................................................ 39
See if you qualify for accommodations to take the Praxis test
9. Do Your Best on Test Day.............................................................................................. 40

Get ready for test day so you will be calm and confident
10. Understand Your Scores............................................................................................. 42
Understand how tests are scored and how to interpret your test scores
Appendix: Other Questions You May Have .................................................................... 44

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Step 1: Learn About Your Test

1. Learn About Your Test
Learn about the specific test you will be taking

Physics: Content Knowledge (5265)

Test at a Glance
Test Name

Physics: Content Knowledge

Test Code 5265
Time

2.5 hours

Number of Questions125
Format

Selected-response questions; calculator use prohibited

Test Delivery

Computer delivered



Content Categories






VI
V

I

IV

Approximate Approximate
Number of
Percentage of
Questions Examination

I.Mechanics

40

32%

II. Electricity and Magnetism

24

19%

III. Optics and Waves

16

13%

IV. Heat, Energy, and Thermodynamics

15

12%

15

12%

15

12%

V.

II
III

VI.


Modern Physics, and Atomic and
Nuclear Structure
Scientific Inquiry, Processes, and Social
Perspectives

About This Test
The Physics: Content Knowledge test is designed to measure the knowledge and competencies necessary for
a beginning teacher of secondary school Physics. Examinees have typically completed or nearly completed a
bachelor’s degree program with appropriate coursework in Physics and education. This test may contain some
questions that will not count towards your score.
The development of the test questions and the construction of the test reflect the National Science Education
Standards (NSES) and the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) standards and recognize that there
are conceptual and procedural schemes that unify the various scientific disciplines. These fundamental
concepts and processes (systems; models; constancy and change; equilibrium; form and function) are useful in
understanding the natural world. Insofar as possible, then, the test questions will have the primary objective of
evaluating the content areas by using questions that focus on conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and
problem solving in science. The test content is developed and reviewed in collaboration with practicing high
school Physics teachers, teacher-educators, and higher education content specialists to keep the test updated
and representative of current standards.

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Step 1: Learn About Your Test

The 125 selected-response questions include
concepts, terms, phenomena, methods, applications,
data analysis, and problem solving in Physics, and
include an understanding of the impact of science
and technology on the environment and human
affairs. The topics are typically those covered in
introductory college-level Physics courses, although
some questions of a more advanced nature are
included, because secondary-school teachers must
understand the subject matter from a more advanced
viewpoint than that presented to their students.
Examinees will not need to use calculators in taking
this test. The periodic table of the elements is available
as a Help screen, along with a table of information
that presents various physical constants and a
few conversion factors among SI units. Whenever
necessary, additional values of physical constants are
included with the text of a question.

Test Specifications
Test specifications in this chapter describe the
knowledge and skills measured by the test. Study
topics to help you prepare to answer test questions
can be found on page 29.

2. Frames of reference and their applications.

a. frames of reference (e.g., coordinate systems,
inertial reference frames)
b. relative velocity
C. Dynamics and Fluid Mechanics
1. Newton’s three laws of motion.
a. Newton’s first law of motion (e.g., mass,
inertia, inertial reference frame)
b. Newton’s second law of motion (net force,
mass, acceleration)
c. Newton’s third law of motion (action-reaction
forces)
d. applications (e.g., inclined planes, pendulums,
Atwood machine)
2. Static equilibrium.
a. sum of forces
b. sum of torques
3. Friction, including forces and coefficients.
a. normal force
b. frictional force
c. coefficients of static and kinetic friction
4. Circular motion.
a. centripetal acceleration
b. centripetal force
5. Simple harmonic motion.

I. Mechanics
A. Vectors and Scalars
1. Vector and scalar quantities in describing motion
and forces.
a. scalars (e.g., mass, speed, time, energy)

b. vectors (e.g., displacement, velocity,
acceleration, force, momentum)
c. vector components
d. addition of vectors
e. resultant vector
B. Kinematics
1. Motion in terms of displacement, velocity, and
acceleration.
a. linear motion
b. simple harmonic motion (e.g., pendulums,
spring oscillation)
c. circular motion
d. projectile motion
e. rotational kinematics (e.g., angular
displacement, angular velocity, angular
acceleration)

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a. restoring force (e.g., Hooke’s law)
b. properties of simple harmonic motion (e.g.,
period, frequency, amplitude)
c. pendulums
d. spring oscillation
6. Work, mechanical energy, and power, and how
they are related to one another.
a. mechanical energy (e.g., kinetic energy,
potential energy, conservation of energy)
b. work
c. work and energy

d. power
e. simple machines and mechanical advantage
7. Linear momentum and impulse and how they
are related to one another.
a. linear momentum
b. impulse
c. impulse and momentum
8. Rotational motion.
a. center of mass
b. angular momentum
c. conservation of angular momentum
d. torque
e. rotational inertia (moment of inertia)

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Step 1: Learn About Your Test

9. Differences between elastic and inelastic
collisions.
a. elastic collisions
b. inelastic collisions
c. conservation of momentum
d. conservation of kinetic energy
e. collisions in one dimension
f. collisions in two dimensions
10.Laws of conservation of energy and conservation
of linear momentum.
a. conservation of energy

b. conservation of linear momentum
c. energy transformations
11.Newton’s law of universal gravitation.
a. Newton’s law of universal gravitation
b. satellites and orbital motion
c. gravitational acceleration
12.Difference between weight and mass.
a. weight and mass
b. difference between weight and mass
c. relationship between density and mass
13.Kepler’s three laws of orbital motion.
a. Kepler’s first law (law of ellipses)
b. Kepler’s second law (law of equal areas)
c. Kepler’s third law (relationship between
orbital period and mean orbital radius)
14.Fluid mechanics.
a.
b.
c.
d.

Archimedes’ principle
Bernoulli’s principle
Pascal’s principle
properties of fluids (e.g., density, pressure,
viscosity)

II. Electricity and Magnetism
1. Electrostatics.
a.

b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.

electric charge
induced charge
Coulomb’s law
electrostatic forces
electric field
electric flux
electric potential
electric potential energy
potential difference
Gauss’s law

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2. Electrical properties of conductors, insulators,
and semiconductors.
a.
b.
c.
d.

conductors
insulators
semiconductors
material examples (e.g., metals, ceramics,
superconductors)

3. Electrical current, resistance, potential difference,
energy, power, and the relationships between
them.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

electric current
potential difference
resistance
resistivity
Ohm’s law
energy
power
energy and power (e.g., kilowatt-hours vs.
kilowatts)

4. Capacitance and inductance.
a. capacitance and capacitors

b. inductance and inductors
5. Differences between alternating and direct
current.
a. direct current
b. alternating current
6. How to analyze simple series, parallel, and
combination circuits.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

series circuits
parallel circuits
combination circuits
Ohm’s law
equivalent resistance
equivalent capacitance
Kirchhoff’s laws
measurement devices within circuits (e.g.,
ammeters, voltmeters)

7. How sources generate electric potential.
a.
b.
c.

d.

batteries
photocells
generators
electromotive force (EMF)

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8. Magnetic fields, magnetic forces, and properties
of magnetic materials.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.

magnetic field
magnetic flux
magnetic force
magnets (e.g., bar magnets and poles,
permanent magnets, electromagnets)

transformers, motors, and generators
direction of fields and forces (e.g., right-hand
rule)
magnetic field generated by a steady current
(e.g., Biot-Savart law)
Ampere’s law
Lorentz force law (force on a moving charge)
force between current-carrying wires

9. How a changing electric field produces a
magnetic field and how a changing magnetic
field produces an electric field.
a.
b.
c.
d.

Ampere’s law
Lenz’s law (direction of induced current)
Faraday’s law of induction
motional EMF

III. Optics and Waves
1. Types of waves and their characteristics.
a. transverse and longitudinal
b. wave motion and propagation (mechanical
vs. electromagnetic)
c. amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period,
speed, energy
d. superposition and phase

e. intensity and inverse square law
f. standing waves
2. Wave phenomena such as reflection, refraction,
interference, and diffraction.
a. reflection, refraction, Snell’s law, dispersion,
total internal reflection
b. diffraction, interference, superposition,
Young’s double-slit interference experiment
c. polarization
d. scattering, absorption, transmission
e. resonance and natural frequencies, harmonics
3. Fundamentals of the Doppler effect.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Doppler effect
apparent frequency
moving source
moving observer
redshift, blueshift

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4. Characteristics of sound.
a. compression waves
b. speed of sound (e.g., sonic boom, sound
barrier)

c. pitch (frequency), loudness (intensity)
d. beats
e. air columns (open and closed pipes)
5. Electromagnetic waves and the electromagnetic
spectrum.
a. electromagnetic waves (e.g., electric and
magnetic fields, speed of light, energy)
b. electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves,
microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-rays,
gamma rays)
6. Geometric optics.
a. ray tracing
b. focal point, image distance, image size and
magnification, real vs. virtual image, image
orientation
c. lenses (converging, diverging)
d. mirrors (plane, convex, concave, spherical,
parabolic)
e. lens and mirror equations
f. simple instruments (e.g., magnifying glass,
telescope, microscope)
g. prisms

IV. Heat, Energy, and Thermodynamics
1. Temperature, temperature scales, heat, and heat
capacity.
a. temperature (measure of average kinetic
energy)
b. temperature scales
c. heat and thermal energy

d. difference between temperature and thermal
energy
e. heat capacity and specific heat
f. calorimetry
g. thermal expansion
2. Mechanisms of heat transfer.
a. conduction
b. convection
c. radiation
3. Different forms of energy and transformations
between them.
a. forms of energy (e.g., kinetic, potential,
mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic,
chemical, nuclear)
b. energy transformations

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Step 1: Learn About Your Test

4. Energy involved in phase transitions between the
various states of matter.
a.
b.
c.
d.

phase transitions
phase diagrams

heating/cooling diagrams
heats of vaporization, fusion, and sublimation

5. Kinetic molecular theory and the ideal gas laws.
a. kinetic molecular theory (e.g., assumptions of
the theory, temperature, pressure, average
molecular speeds)
b. ideal gases and the ideal gas law
6. Laws of thermodynamics.
a. First law (e.g., internal energy, conservation of
energy, work, heat)
b. Second law (entropy)
c. Third law (absolute zero)
d. Zeroth law (thermal equilibrium)
e. P-V diagrams
f. thermodynamic processes (e.g., isothermal,
adiabatic, reversible/irreversible)
g. heat engines and efficiency (e.g., ideal vs.
actual efficiency, temperature differences)

V. Modern Physics, and Atomic and Nuclear
Structure
1. Organization, structure and states of matter.
a. atoms, molecules, ions
b. solids, liquids, gases, plasmas
c. chemical/physical properties and changes
2. Nature of atomic and subatomic structure
including various models of the atom.
a. atomic and subatomic structure (e.g.,
electrons, protons, neutrons, and isotopes)

b. models of the atom (e.g., Bohr model,
quantum model)
c. experimental basis of models (e.g., Rutherford
experiment, Millikan oil-drop experiment,
Thomson experiment)
3. Relationship of atomic spectra to electron energy
levels.
a. electron energy transitions in atoms
b. absorption and emission spectra
4. Characteristics, processes, and effects of
radioactivity.

5. Topics in modern physics.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

wave-particle duality
photoelectric effect
special relativity
Heisenberg uncertainty principle
de Broglie’s hypothesis
nuclear forces (strong and weak) and binding
energy

VI. Scientific Inquiry, Processes, and Social
Perspectives

A. History and Nature of Scientific Inquiry
1. Processes involved in scientific inquiry.
a.
b.
c.
d.

identifying problems
forming and testing hypotheses
development of theories, models, and laws
process skills, including observing,
comparing, inferring, categorizing,
generalizing, and concluding

2. Experimental design.
a. experimental procedures used to test
hypotheses
b. reproducible procedures
c. significance of controls
d. dependent and independent variables
e. determining what data need to be collected
3. Nature of scientific knowledge.
a.
b.
c.
d.

is subject to change
is consistent with evidence
is based on reproducible evidence

includes unifying concepts and processes
(e.g., systems, models, constancy and change,
equilibrium, form and function)

4. How major principles in physics developed
historically and the contributions of major
historical figures.
a. how current principles and models
developed over time
b. major developments (e.g., atomic model,
Newtonian mechanics, Rutherford
experiment)
c. major historical figures in the development of
physics

a. radioactivity and radioactive decay processes
b. alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma
radiation
c. half-life
d. radioisotopes
e. fission and fusion

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Step 1: Learn About Your Test

B. Scientific Procedures and Techniques

1. How to collect, process, analyze, and report data
including sources of error.
a. organization and presentation of data
b. units of measurement including SI, SI derived,
and others (e.g., meter, newton, mile)
c. unit conversion and dimensional analysis
d. scientific notation and significant figures
e. measurement equipment, including
applications
f. basic error analysis, including precision and
accuracy
g. identifying sources of error
h. interpreting and drawing valid conclusions
from data presented in tables, graphs, and
charts (e.g., trends in data, relationships
between variables, predictions based on data)

3. Applications of physics in daily life.
a. communications (e.g., wireless devices, fiber
optics, satellites)
b. research tools (e.g., space telescopes, lasers,
super colliders)
c. medicine (e.g., medical imaging, lasers)
d. transportation (e.g., superconductors,
magnetic levitation)
e. other applications

2. Appropriate use of materials, equipment, and
technology in the high school physics laboratory
and classroom.

a. appropriate use and storage
b. appropriate prelab setup and classroom
demonstrations
c. safety procedures and precautions

C. Science, Technology, and Society
1. Impact of physics and technology on society and
the environment.
a. space exploration, communications, etc.
b. climate change, ozone layer depletion, noise
pollution, etc.
c. production, storage, and disposal issues
associated with consumer products
2. Major issues associated with energy use and
production.
a. renewable and nonrenewable energy
resources
b. conservation and recycling
c. power generation based on various sources,
such as fossil and nuclear fuel, hydropower,
wind power, solar power, and geothermal
power
d. storage and distribution of renewable energy
(e.g., alternative fuels, fuel cells, rechargeable
batteries)

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Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions

2. Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions
Become comfortable with the types of questions you’ll find on the Praxis tests
The Praxis assessments include a variety of question types: constructed response (for which you write a
response of your own); selected response, for which you select one or more answers from a list of choices or
make another kind of selection (e.g., by clicking on a sentence in a text or by clicking on part of a graphic); and
numeric entry, for which you enter a numeric value in an answer field. You may be familiar with these question
formats from taking other standardized tests. If not, familiarize yourself with them so you don’t spend time
during the test figuring out how to answer them.

Understanding Computer-Delivered Questions
Questions on computer-delivered tests are interactive in the sense that you answer by selecting an option
or entering text on the screen. If you see a format you are not familiar with, read the directions carefully. The
directions always give clear instructions on how you are expected to respond.
For most questions, you respond by clicking an oval to select a single answer from a list of answer choices.
However, interactive question types may also ask you to respond by:
• Clicking more than one oval to select answers from a list of choices.
• Typing in an entry box. When the answer is a number, you may be asked to enter a numerical answer.
Some questions may have more than one place to enter a response.
• Clicking check boxes. You may be asked to click check boxes instead of an oval when more than one
choice within a set of answers can be selected.
• Clicking parts of a graphic. In some questions, you will select your answers by clicking on a location (or
locations) on a graphic such as a map or chart, as opposed to choosing your answer from a list.
• Clicking on sentences. In questions with reading passages, you may be asked to choose your answers by
clicking on a sentence (or sentences) within the reading passage.
• Dragging and dropping answer choices into targets on the screen. You may be asked to select answers
from a list of choices and drag your answers to the appropriate location in a table, paragraph of text or
graphic.

• Selecting answer choices from a drop-down menu. You may be asked to choose answers by selecting
choices from a drop-down menu (e.g., to complete a sentence).
Remember that with every question you will get clear instructions.
Perhaps the best way to understand computer-delivered questions is to view the Computer-delivered Testing
Demonstration on the Praxis web site to learn how a computer-delivered test works and see examples of
some types of questions you may encounter.

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Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions

Understanding Selected-Response Questions
Many selected-response questions begin with the phrase “which of the following.” Take a look at this example:
Which of the following is a flavor made from beans?
(A) Strawberry
(B) Cherry
(C) Vanilla
(D) Mint

How would you answer this question?
All of the answer choices are flavors. Your job is to decide which of the flavors is the one made from beans.
Try following these steps to select the correct answer.
1) L
 imit your answer to the choices given. You may know that chocolate and coffee are also flavors made
from beans, but they are not listed. Rather than thinking of other possible answers, focus only on the choices
given (“which of the following”).
2) E

 liminate incorrect answers. You may know that strawberry and cherry flavors are made from fruit and
that mint flavor is made from a plant. That leaves vanilla as the only possible answer.
3) V
 erify your answer. You can substitute “vanilla” for the phrase “which of the following” and turn the
question into this statement: “Vanilla is a flavor made from beans.” This will help you be sure that your answer
is correct. If you’re still uncertain, try substituting the other choices to see if they make sense. You may want
to use this technique as you answer selected-response questions on the practice tests.

Try a more challenging example
The vanilla bean question is pretty straightforward, but you’ll find that more challenging questions have a
similar structure. For example:
Entries in outlines are generally arranged according
to which of the following relationships of ideas?
(A) Literal and inferential
(B) Concrete and abstract
(C) Linear and recursive
(D) Main and subordinate
You’ll notice that this example also contains the phrase “which of the following.” This phrase helps you
determine that your answer will be a “relationship of ideas” from the choices provided. You are supposed to find
the choice that describes how entries, or ideas, in outlines are related.
Sometimes it helps to put the question in your own words. Here, you could paraphrase the question in this way:
“How are outlines usually organized?” Since the ideas in outlines usually appear as main ideas and subordinate
ideas, the answer is (D).

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Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions

QUICK TIP: Don’t be intimidated by words you may not understand. It might be easy to be thrown by words
like “recursive” or “inferential.” Read carefully to understand the question and look for an answer that fits. An
outline is something you are probably familiar with and expect to teach to your students. So slow down, and
use what you know.

Watch out for selected-response questions containing “NOT,” “LEAST,” and “EXCEPT”
This type of question asks you to select the choice that does not fit. You must be very careful because it is easy
to forget that you are selecting the negative. This question type is used in situations in which there are several
good solutions or ways to approach something, but also a clearly wrong way.

How to approach questions about graphs, tables, or reading passages
When answering questions about graphs, tables, or reading passages, provide only the information that the
questions ask for. In the case of a map or graph, you might want to read the questions first, and then look at the
map or graph. In the case of a long reading passage, you might want to go ahead and read the passage first,
noting places you think are important, and then answer the questions. Again, the important thing is to be sure
you answer the questions as they refer to the material presented. So read the questions carefully.

How to approach unfamiliar formats
New question formats are developed from time to time to find new ways of assessing knowledge. Tests may
include audio and video components, such as a movie clip or animation, instead of a map or reading passage.
Other tests may allow you to zoom in on details in a graphic or picture.
Tests may also include interactive questions. These questions take advantage of technology to assess
knowledge and skills in ways that standard selected-response questions cannot. If you see a format you are
not familiar with, read the directions carefully. The directions always give clear instructions on how you are
expected to respond.

QUICK TIP: Don’t make the questions more difficult than they are. Don’t read for hidden meanings or tricks.
There are no trick questions on Praxis tests. They are intended to be serious, straightforward tests of
your knowledge.

Understanding Constructed-Response Questions
Constructed-response questions require you to demonstrate your knowledge in a subject area by creating
your own response to particular topics. Essays and short-answer questions are types of constructed-response
questions.
For example, an essay question might present you with a topic and ask you to discuss the extent to which you
agree or disagree with the opinion stated. You must support your position with specific reasons and examples
from your own experience, observations, or reading.
Take a look at a few sample essay topics:
• “ Celebrities have a tremendous influence on the young, and for that reason, they have a responsibility to
act as role models.”
• “ We are constantly bombarded by advertisements—on television and radio, in newspapers and
magazines, on highway signs, and the sides of buses. They have become too pervasive. It’s time to put
limits on advertising.”
• “Advances in computer technology have made the classroom unnecessary, since students and teachers
are able to communicate with one another from computer terminals at home or at work.”

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Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions

Keep these things in mind when you respond to a constructed-response question
1) A
 nswer the question accurately. Analyze what each part of the question is asking you to do. If the
question asks you to describe or discuss, you should provide more than just a list.
2) A
 nswer the question completely. If a question asks you to do three distinct things in your response,

you should cover all three things for the best score. Otherwise, no matter how well you write, you will
not be awarded full credit.
3) A
 nswer the question that is asked. Do not change the question or challenge the basis of the
question. You will receive no credit or a low score if you answer another question or if you state, for
example, that there is no possible answer.
4) G
 ive a thorough and detailed response. You must demonstrate that you have a thorough
understanding of the subject matter. However, your response should be straightforward and not filled
with unnecessary information.
5) R
 eread your response. Check that you have written what you thought you wrote. Be sure not to
leave sentences unfinished or omit clarifying information.

QUICK TIP: You may find that it helps to take notes on scratch paper so that you don’t miss any details. Then
you’ll be sure to have all the information you need to answer the question.
For tests that have constructed-response questions, more detailed information can be found on page 5.

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Step 3: Practice with Sample Test Questions

3. Practice with Sample Test Questions
Answer practice questions and find explanations for correct answers
Computer Delivery
This test is available via computer delivery. The following sample question provides a preview of an actual
screen used in a computer-delivered test. For the purposes of this Study Companion, the sample questions are

shown as they would appear in a paper-delivered test.

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Step 3: Practice with Sample Test Questions

Sample Test Questions
The sample questions that follow illustrate the kinds of questions
on the test. They are not, however, representative of the entire
scope of the test in either content or difficulty. Answers with
explanations follow the questions.

Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete
statements below is followed by four suggested answers or
completions. Select the one that is best in each case.

1. A person, starting at point A, walks 300 m
directly north. The person then turns and
walks 400 m directly east, stopping at point
B. What is the displacement of the person
between points A and B?

4. Of the following substances, which is the best
conductor of electricity?
(A) Fused quartz
(B)Seawater
(C) Hard rubber

(D) Stainless steel
5. Of the following regions of the
electromagnetic spectrum, which has waves
of the highest frequency?
(A)X-ray

(A) 100 m

(B)Radio

(B) 350 m

(C)Visible

(C) 500 m

(D)Ultraviolet

(D) 700 m
2. Which of the following properties of an object
determines whether the object will float or
sink in water?

6. The Doppler effect is used to explain which of
the following phenomena?
(A) Diffraction of electrons

(A)Density

(B) Emission and absorption spectra of

hydrogen

(B)Inertia

(C) Blackbody radiation

(C)Volume

(D) Redshift of light from distant galaxies

(D)Weight
3. A 2 W resistor and a 4 W resistor are
connected in parallel to an ideal 12 V battery
to form a closed circuit. What is the current
supplied by the battery?
(A) 2 A
(B) 6 A
(C) 9 A
(D) 16 A

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7. Which of the following scientists first
proposed the concept of matter waves?
(A)Bohr

(B)Einstein
(C)Planck
(D) de Broglie
8. Which of the following is true about the
production of electricity by means of nuclear
power?
(A) It causes carbon dioxide to be emitted in
large amounts into the atmosphere.
(B) Radioactive waste is produced as a byproduct and must be disposed of safely.
(C) It is much less efficient than other
methods of producing electricity.
(D) Nuclear power is a renewable source of
energy, in contrast to fossil fuels, which
are nonrenewable.
9. Of the following processes, which involves a
physical change only?
(A) Refining oil
(B) Smelting copper
(C) Magnetizing iron
(D) Oxidizing silver
10. The Bohr model was successful at explaining
which of the following?
(A) Electromagnetic induction
(B) Wave-particle duality
(C) Expansion of the universe
(D) Emission and absorption spectra of
hydrogen
11. The first law of thermodynamics relates which
of the following quantities?
(A) Internal energy, heat, and work

(B) Force, mass, and acceleration
(C) Voltage, current, and resistance
(D) Pressure, volume, and temperature

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12. The transfer of thermal energy through a
vacuum by means of electromagnetic wave
propagation is known as
(A)radiation
(B)convection
(C)advection
(D)conduction
13. Object 1 has a kinetic energy equal to K1 .
Object 2 has four times the mass and onefourth the speed of object 1. What is the
kinetic energy of object 2 ?
1
K
(A)
16 1
(B) 1 K1
4
(C) K1
(D) 4 K1
14. A large rock is dropped from rest from the
edge of a cliff that is 200 m above the
surface of the ocean. How long does it take
for the rock to hit the water? (Ignore air
resistance and assume g = 10 m / s 2 .)
(A) 2 5 s

(B) 5 s
(C) 2 10 s
(D) 20 s
15. A block of mass m, moving to the right with
speed u along a frictionless surface,
collides with and sticks to a second block of
mass 2 m that is initially at rest. With what
speed and in what direction do the blocks
move after the collision?
(A)

1
u to the right
3

(B)

1
u to the left
3

(C)

1
u to the right
2

(D)

1

u to the left
2

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Step 3: Practice with Sample Test Questions

16. The electrostatic force between two point
charges, q1 and q2 , separated by a distance
R, is F. If the distance between the two
1
charges is decreased to R, what is the force
3
between the charges?
(A)9 
F
(B)3 
F
(C) F
(D)

1
 F
9

17. Which of the following devices transforms
mechanical energy into electrical energy?
(A) A transformer
(B) A generator

(C) A motor
(D) A solar cell
18. Which of the following is used to estimate the
age of rocks on Earth?

20. A satellite of mass m is in a circular orbit of
radius R around Earth. What is the orbital
speed of the satellite? ( M E is the mass of
Earth, and G is the universal gravitational
constant.)
(A)0
(B)

GM E
R

(C)

GM E m
R2

(D) GM E R
21. Earth takes 1 year to make a complete
revolution around the Sun. Jupiter has an
orbital radius slightly greater than 5 times that
of Earth. Approximately how long does it take
Jupiter to make a complete revolution around
the Sun?
(A)

5 years

(B) 5 years

(A)Fluorescence

(C) 5 5 years

(B) Nuclear magnetic resonance

(D) 25 years

(C) The Doppler effect
(D) Radioactive decay
19. In the photoelectric effect, light incident on
the surface of a metal results in the emission
of electrons from the surface. Which of the
following is a true statement about the
photoelectric effect?
(A) The incident light must be above a
threshold frequency for electrons to be
emitted.
(B) The work function of the metal surface
must be equal to zero for electrons to be
emitted.
(C) The number of electrons emitted is
independent of the intensity of the
incident light.
(D) The energy of the emitted electrons
increases with an increase in the

wavelength of the incident light.

22. A simple pendulum that has a period T on
Earth's surface is transported to the surface
of a planet where the force of gravity is twice
as great as the force of gravity on Earth. What
is the period of the pendulum on the planet?
(Assume air resistance is negligible on both
planets.)
(A) 2T
(B) T
T
(C)
2
(D)

T
2

23. Which THREE of the following are true
statements about a ray of light that travels
obliquely from air into glass?
(A) The wavelength of the light increases.
(B) The speed of the light decreases.
(C) The frequency of the light remains the
same.
(D) The light ray bends toward the normal.

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24. An organ pipe of length L, open at both ends,
will vibrate at a fundamental frequency equal
to which of the following? ( us is the speed of
sound in air.)
us

(A) 4 L
u
(B) s
2L
u
(C) s
L
2u
(D) s
L

25. An ideal gas expands at constant temperature
until it quadruples in volume. The final
pressure of the gas is equal to
(A) four times the initial pressure

28. A projectile is launched upward at an angle
relative to the ground. In the absence of air
resistance, which of the following statements

is true about the projectile at all points along
its path of motion?
(A) The net force acting on the projectile is
equal to zero.
(B) The only force acting on the projectile is
the force of gravity.
(C) The speed of the projectile is constant.
(D) The acceleration of the projectile is equal
to zero.
29. According to which of the following laws does
a changing magnetic flux through a closed
circuit induce an electromotive force (e m f) in
that circuit?

(B) two times the initial pressure

(A) Gauss's law

(C) one-half the initial pressure

(B) Coulomb's law

(D) one-fourth the initial pressure

(C) Faraday's law

26. According to kinetic molecular theory, the
average translational kinetic energy of the
particles of a gas is proportional to which of
the following properties of the gas?

(A)Pressure
(B) Absolute temperature

(D) Lorentz force law
30. An electron moving with a velocity v enters a
region in which the magnetic field B is
perpendicular to the velocity of the electron.
The magnetic force on the electron in the
region is

(C)Volume

(A) equal to zero

(D)Entropy

(B) parallel to v
(C) parallel to B

27. A block of mass m is sliding at constant
speed u down a ramp inclined at an angle
q with respect to level ground. The magnitude
of the frictional force acting on the block is
equal to which of the following? ( g is the
acceleration due to gravity.)

(D) perpendicular to both v and B
31. Which THREE of the following are produced
when a free neutron decays?
(A) A proton

(A)0

(B) A photon

(B) mu

(C) An antineutrino

(C) mg

(D) An electron

(D) mg sin q

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Answers to Sample Questions
1.  The correct answer is (C). The person's path
from point A to point B consists of the two sides of
a 3-4-5 right triangle of lengths 300 m and
400 m . The displacement of the person is equal to
the length of the hypotenuse of the 3- 4-5
triangle, or
h = (300 m)2 + (400 m)2 = 100 32 + 42 m = 500 m .

2.  The correct answer is (A). From Archimedes’
principle, it is the density of an object that
determines whether the object will float or sink in
water. Objects with a density less than the density
of water will float.
3.  The correct answer is (C). By Ohm's law, the
current supplied by the battery is given by the
12 V
equation I =
, where Req is the equivalent
Req

resistance. The resistors are connected in parallel
and the battery is ideal (i.e., has zero internal
resistance), which means that
Req =

(2 W)(4 W) 4
= W . Thus, I = 12 V = 9A .
2W + 4W
3
(4/3) W

4.  The correct answer is (D). Of the substances
listed, stainless steel, which is an alloy of iron (a
metal), is the best conductor of electricity. The
substances can be ordered from least electrically
conducting to most electrically conducting as
follows: fused quartz, hard rubber, seawater, and

stainless steel.
5.  The correct answer is (A). The listed regions of
the electromagnetic spectrum can be ordered
from highest frequency waves to lowest frequency
waves as follows: x-ray, ultraviolet, visible, and
radio.
6.  The correct answer is (D). The Doppler effect is
used to explain the shift toward longer
wavelengths of the spectral lines from distant,
receding galaxies.
7.  The correct answer is (D). Louis de Broglie first
proposed that all matter has wave properties.
8.  The correct answer is (B). Radioactive waste is a
by-product of a nuclear power plant and must be
disposed of safely.
9.  The correct answer is (C). The magnetization of
iron is a physical change that does not alter the
chemical composition of the iron.

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10.  The correct answer is (D). The Bohr model of
the atom, which introduced the concept of discrete
atomic energy levels, was able to explain the
emission and absorption spectra of hydrogen.
11.  The correct answer is (A). The first law of
thermodynamics is a statement of the law of
conservation of energy and relates the following
quantities: internal energy, heat, and work.
12.  The correct answer is (A). Radiation is the

transfer of thermal energy through a vacuum by
means of electromagnetic waves.
13.  The correct answer is (B),
K2 =

( )

1
1
1
m u 2 = (4 m1 ) u1
2 2 2
2
4

2

=

1
1
m u 2 = K1 .
8 1 1
4

14.  The correct answer is (C). From kinematics,
1
y = y0 + u0 t + gt 2 . Now, y0 = 0 and u0 = 0 ,
2
1 2

which gives   y = gt . Solving for t,  
2
. 
2y
2(200 m )
t =

g

=

10 m/s2

= 40 s = 2 10 s

15.  The correct answer is (A). Linear momentum is
conserved because there are no external forces
acting on the system. The momentum before the
collision has magnitude mυ and is directed to the
right. Thus, the momentum after the collision must
have magnitude mυ and be directed to the right.
The combined mass of the two blocks is equal to
1
3m , which means their speed is equal to υ .
3
16.  The correct answer is (A). According to
Coulomb's law, the electrostatic force between two
point charges q1 and q2 separated by a distance
R is F =
to

1 q1 q2
. If the distance is decreased
4π e0 R 2

1
R , the force between the charges becomes
3

q1 q2
1
= 9F .
4πε0 ( R /3) 2

17.  The correct answer is (B). A generator converts
mechanical energy into electrical energy by means
of electromagnetic induction.
18.  The correct answer is (D). The half-lives of longlived radioisotopes are used to date the age of
rocks on Earth.

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