These are questions of the either-you-know-it-or-you-don’t variety. They test your understanding of the basic
concepts of physics. No equations or calculations are necessary for these questions. They’re simply a matter of
knowing your stuff.
Single-Concept Problem (40–53% of the test)
These questions expect you to recall, and make use of, one physical relationship, formula, or equation. This
might involve plugging numbers into a kinematic equation of motion, or it might involve recalling the
equation E = hf and solving for E or f . These questions test to see if you know important formulas and how to
apply them.
These questions expect you to bring together two or more different relationships, formulas, or equations. This
could involve bringing together two formulas from the same subject—for instance, a problem in linear
momentum that requires you to calculate the momentum of an object before a collision so that you can
calculate its velocity after the collision—or it may bring together formulas from two different subjects—for
instance, a problem that involves an electric point charge moving in circular motion in a magnetic field. These
questions test not only your knowledge of physical relationships, but also your ability to integrate more than
one in a complex problem.
You’re probably thinking that the recall questions are the easiest, and the multiple-concept problems are the
hardest. This isn’t necessarily true. Most people have an easier time bringing together two simple principles of
mechanics than recalling the significance of the Rutherford experiment. You’ll find all three types of questions
throughout the test, and at different levels of difficulty. Ultimately, every question tests the very same thing:
whether you’ve grasped the basic principles of physics.
Because the material covered in high school physics courses can
vary widely, you will probably find some questions on the test that
cover topics with which you are unfamiliar. This may be impossible to
avoid entirely; however, solid preparation and review of the concepts
and information covered in this book will go a long way to helping you
navigate unfamiliar territory.