Physics GRE Subject Test: What’s Tested?
The Physics GRE Subject Test consists of approximately 100 multiple-choice questions covering material typically taught in the first three years of undergraduate physics courses. In addition to your overall, 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, and 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.
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 (9%)
- Interference
- Diffraction
- Geometrical optics
- Doppler effect
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (10%)
- Thermodynamics processes
- Ideal gases
- Thermal expansion and heat transfer
- Kinetic theory
Quantum Mechanics (12%)
- 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
Content Tested on 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 for 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.
