Physics GRE Subject Test: What’s Tested?
The Physics GRE Subject Test consists of approximately 70 5-choice questions covering material typically taught in the first three years of undergraduate physics courses. You will have 2 hours to complete the Physics GRE Subject Test.
In addition to your overall score, which is calculated by scaling the total number of correct answers on a 200-990 scale, you’ll receive subscores in the following three categories:
- Classical Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics
Questions coinciding with these subscores will be scattered throughout the test, not grouped together. You’ll be provided a table including some physical constants and SI conversion factors in your test booklet.
[ RELATED: GRE Subject Test Ultimate Guide ]
Content Tested on the Physics GRE Subject Test
The topic distribution and examples of subtopics tested on the Physics GRE Subject Test, according to ETS, are as follows:
Classical Mechanics (20%)
- Newton’s laws
- Central forces and celestial mechanics
- Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism
- Oscillatory motion
- Dynamics of systems of particles
Electromagnetism (18%)
- Electrostatics
- Lorentz force
- Induction
- AC circuits
- Electromagnetic waves
Optics and Wave Phenomena (8%)
- Interference
- Diffraction
- Geometrical optics
- Doppler effect
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (10%)
- Thermodynamics processes
- Ideal gases
- Thermal expansion and heat transfer
- Kinetic theory
Quantum Mechanics (13%)
- Solutions of the Schrödinger equation
- Angular momentum
- Wave function symmetry
- Elementary perturbation theory
Atomic Physics (10%)
- Bohr model
- Properties of electrons
- Atomic spectra
- Black-body radiation
Special relativity (6%)
- Time dilation
- Length contraction
- Energy and momentum
- Four-vectors and and Lorentz transformation
Laboratory Methods (6%)
- Data and error analysis
- Counting statistics
- Lasers and optical interferometers
- Dimensional analysis
Specialized Topics (9%)
- Nuclear and particle physics
- Astrophysics
- Condensed matter
- Computer applications
How to Prepare for the Physics GRE Subject Test
The Physics GRE Subject Test was designed to test knowledge gained over a long period of time. That means that the information you learned in your undergraduate physics classes will help you significantly more than any knowledge you gain in last-minute cramming for the exam. Use materials from your classes, such as syllabi, assignments, and textbooks, to review for the exam.
Once you’ve reviewed the Physics GRE Subject Test, take a practice test, like the one offered by ETS. This will help you get a feel for the structure of the exam, gain experience with the types of questions you’ll see, and help calm your nerves before test day.
