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{{Short description|Examination}}
{{Infobox examination
{{Infobox examination
| name = Graduate Record Examination (Physics Subject Test)
| name = Graduate Record Examination (Physics Subject Test)
Line 6: Line 7:
| caption =
| caption =
| acronym =
| acronym =
| type = Paper-based standardized test<ref name="ets">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/content/|title=GRE Subject Tests: Test Content and Structure|publisher=ets.org|accessdate=2016-05-14}}</ref>
| type = Paper-based standardized test<ref name="ets">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/content/|title=GRE Subject Tests: Test Content and Structure|publisher=ets.org|access-date=2016-05-14}}</ref>
| test_admin = [[Educational Testing Service]]
| test_admin = [[Educational Testing Service]]
| skills_tested = Undergraduate level [[physics]]: <br /> {{Flatlist|
| skills_tested = Undergraduate level [[physics]]: <br /> {{Flatlist|
Line 17: Line 18:
* [[Special relativity]]
* [[Special relativity]]
* Laboratory methods
* Laboratory methods
* Specialized topics<ref name="ets2">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/content/physics|title=GRE Subject Tests: Physics|publisher=ets.org|accessdate=2016-05-14}}</ref>
* Specialized topics<ref name="ets2">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/content/physics|title=GRE Subject Tests: Physics|publisher=ets.org|access-date=2016-05-14}}</ref>
}}
}}
| purpose = Admissions in graduate programs (e.g. [[M.S.]] and [[Ph.D.]]) in [[physics]] (mostly in universities in the United States).
| purpose = Admissions in graduate programs (e.g. [[Master of Science|MS]] and [[PhD]]) in [[physics]] (mostly in universities in the United States).
| year_started = {{Start date|(?)}}
| year_started = {{Start date|(?)}}
| year_terminated = <!-- {{End date|YYYY}} -->
| year_terminated = <!-- {{End date|YYYY}} -->
| duration = 2 hours and 50 minutes<ref name="ets"/>
| duration = 2 hours <ref name="ets"/>
| score_range = 200 to 990, in 10-point increments<ref name="ets.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/scores/|title=GRE Subject Tests: Scores|publisher=ets.org|accessdate=2016-05-14}}</ref>
| score_range = 200 to 990, in 10-point increments<ref name="ets.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/scores/|title=GRE Subject Tests: Scores|publisher=ets.org|access-date=2016-05-14}}</ref>
| score_validity = 5 years<ref name="ets.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/scores/|title=GRE Subject Tests: Scores|publisher=ets.org|accessdate=2016-05-14}}</ref>
| score_validity = 5 years<ref name="ets.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/scores/|title=GRE Subject Tests: Scores|publisher=ets.org|access-date=2016-05-14}}</ref>
| offered = 3 times a year, in September, October and April.<ref name="ets3">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/|title=GRE Subject Tests: About the GRE Subject Tests|publisher=ets.org|accessdate=2016-05-14}}</ref>
| offered = 3 times a year, in September, October, and April through May.<ref name="ets3">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/|title=GRE Subject Tests: About the GRE Subject Tests|publisher=ets.org|access-date=2016-05-14}}</ref>
| attempt_restriction =
| attempt_restriction =
| regions = Worldwide
| regions = Worldwide
Line 31: Line 32:
| test_takers = ~5,000-6,000 yearly
| test_takers = ~5,000-6,000 yearly
| prerequisite = No official prerequisite. Intended for [[physics]] bachelor degree graduates or undergraduate students about to graduate. Fluency in [[English language|English]] assumed.
| prerequisite = No official prerequisite. Intended for [[physics]] bachelor degree graduates or undergraduate students about to graduate. Fluency in [[English language|English]] assumed.
| fee = US$ 150<ref name="ets4">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/fees/|title=GRE Subject Tests: Fees|publisher=ets.org|accessdate=2016-05-14}}</ref> <br />
| fee = US$ 150<ref name="ets4">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/fees/|title=GRE Subject Tests: Fees|publisher=ets.org|access-date=2016-05-14}}</ref> <br />
(Limited offers of "Fee Reduction Program" for U.S. citizens or resident aliens who demonstrate financial need, and for national programs in USA that work with under-represented groups.<ref name="ets5">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/fees/reduction/|title=GRE Subject Tests: Fee Reduction Program|publisher=ets.org|accessdate=2016-05-14}}</ref>)
(Limited offers of "Fee Reduction Program" for U.S. citizens or resident aliens who demonstrate financial need, and for national programs in USA that work with under-represented groups.<ref name="ets5">{{cite web|url=http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/fees/reduction/|title=GRE Subject Tests: Fee Reduction Program|publisher=ets.org|access-date=2016-05-14}}</ref>)
| score_users = [[Physics]] departments offering graduate programs (mostly in universities in the U.S.).
| score_users = [[Physics]] departments offering graduate programs (mostly in universities in the U.S.).
| qualification_rate =
| qualification_rate =
| free_label =
| free_label =
| free =
| free =
| website = {{URL|www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/content/physics}}
| website = {{URL|www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/subject-tests/about/content-structure.html}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
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The '''[[Graduate Record Examination|GRE]] [[physics]] test''' is an examination administered by the [[Educational Testing Service]] (ETS). The test attempts to determine the extent of the examinees' understanding of fundamental principles of physics and their ability to apply them to problem solving. Many [[graduate school]]s require applicants to take the exam and base admission decisions in part on the results.
The '''[[Graduate Record Examination|GRE]] [[physics]] test''' is an examination administered by the [[Educational Testing Service]] (ETS). The test attempts to determine the extent of the examinees' understanding of fundamental principles of physics and their ability to apply them to problem solving. Many [[graduate school]]s require applicants to take the exam and base admission decisions in part on the results.


The scope of the test is largely that of the first three years of a standard
The scope of the test is largely that of the first three years of a standard [[United States]] undergraduate physics curriculum, since many students who plan to continue to graduate school apply during the first half of the fourth year. It consists of 70 five-option multiple-choice questions covering subject areas including the first three years of undergraduate physics.

[[United States]] undergraduate physics curriculum, since many students who plan to continue to graduate school apply during the first half of the fourth year. It consists of 100 five-option multiple-choice questions covering subject areas including classical mechanics, electromagnetism, wave phenomena and optics, thermal physics, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, quantum mechanics, laboratory techniques, and mathematical methods. The table below indicates the relative weights, as asserted by ETS, and detailed contents of the major topics.
The [[International System of Units]] (SI Units) is used in the test. A table of information representing various [[physical constant]]s and conversion factors is presented in the test book.


==Major content topics==
==Major content topics==
Line 50: Line 52:
===1. [[Classical mechanics]] (20%)===
===1. [[Classical mechanics]] (20%)===
* [[kinematics]]
* [[kinematics]]
* [[Newton's laws of motion]]
* [[Newton's laws of motion|Newton's laws]]
* [[energy|work and energy]]
* [[Work (physics)|work]] and [[energy]]
* [[angular momentum|rotational motion about a fixed axis]]
* [[Oscillation|oscillatory motion]]
* [[Rotation around a fixed axis|rotational motion about a fixed axis]]
* [[dynamics of systems of particles]]
* [[n-body problem|dynamics of systems of particles]]
* [[central force]]s and [[celestial mechanics]]
* [[central force]]s and [[celestial mechanics]]
* [[three-dimensional particle dynamics]]
* [[Three-dimensional space|three-dimensional]] particle dynamics
* [[lagrangian mechanics|Lagrangian]] and [[Hamiltonian mechanics|Hamiltonian]] formalism
* [[Lagrangian mechanics|Lagrangian]] and [[Hamiltonian mechanics|Hamiltonian]] formalism
* [[noninertial reference frames]]
* [[non-inertial reference frame]]s
* [[fluid dynamics|elementary topics in fluid dynamics]]
* elementary topics in [[fluid mechanics|fluid dynamics]]


===2. [[Electromagnetism]] (18%)===
===2. [[Electromagnetism]] (18%)===
* [[electrostatics]]
* [[electrostatics]]
* [[Electric current|currents]] and [[circuit analysis|DC circuits]]
* [[Electric current|currents]] and [[Network analysis (electrical circuits)|DC circuits]]
* [[magnetic field]]s in free space
* [[magnetic field]]s in free space
* [[Lorentz force]]
* [[Lorentz force]]
* [[Electromagnetic induction|induction]]
*[[Induction]]
*[[Maxwell Equations and their applications]]
* [[Maxwell's equations]] and their applications
* [[electromagnetic waves]] ([[electromagnetic radiation]])
* [[Electromagnetic radiation|electromagnetic waves]]
* [[electrical impedance|AC circuits]]
* [[Electrical impedance|AC circuits]]
* [[magnetic and electric fields in matter]]
* [[Demagnetizing field|magnetic]] and [[Electric displacement field|electric fields]] in [[matter]]


===3. [[Optics]] and [[wave]] phenomena (9%)===
===3. [[Optics]] and [[wave]] phenomena (8%)===
* [[wave]] properties
* [[wave]] properties
* [[Superposition principle|superposition]]
* [[Superposition principle|superposition]]
* [[Interference (wave propagation)|interference]]
* [[Wave interference|interference]]
* [[diffraction]]
* [[diffraction]]
* [[geometrical optics]]
* [[geometrical optics]]
* [[light polarization]]
* [[Polarization (waves)|polarization]]
* [[Doppler effect]]
* [[Doppler effect]]


===4. [[Thermodynamics]] and [[statistical mechanics]] (10%)===
===4. [[Thermodynamics]] and [[statistical mechanics]] (10%)===
* [[thermodynamics|laws of thermodynamics]]
* [[laws of thermodynamics]]
* [[thermodynamic processes]]
* [[thermodynamic process]]es
* [[equations of state]]
* [[Equation of state|equations of state]]
* [[ideal gas]]es
* [[ideal gas]]es
* [[Kinetic theory of gases]]
* [[Kinetic theory of gases|kinetic theory]]
* [[Quantum ensemble|ensembles]]
* [[Quantum statistical mechanics|ensembles]]
* [[statistical concepts and calculation of thermodynamic quantities]]
* statistical concepts and calculation of [[Thermodynamic equations|thermodynamic quantities]]
* [[thermal expansion]] and [[heat transfer]]
* [[thermal expansion]] and [[heat transfer]]


===5. [[Quantum mechanics]] (12%)===
===5. [[Quantum mechanics]] (13%)===
* fundamental concepts
* fundamental concepts
* solutions of the [[Schrödinger wave equation]]
* solutions of the [[Schrödinger equation]]
* [[square well]]s ([[Particle in a box]])
* [[Particle in a box|square wells]]
* [[harmonic oscillators]]
* [[harmonic oscillator]]s
* [[hydrogenic atoms]]
* [[Hydrogen-like atom|hydrogenic atoms]]
* [[spin (physics)|spin]]
* [[Spin (physics)|spin]]
* [[angular momentum]]
* [[angular momentum]]
* [[wave function symmetry]]
* [[wave function]] [[Symmetry in quantum mechanics|symmetry]]
* elementary [[perturbation theory]]
* elementary [[perturbation theory]]


===6. [[Atomic physics]] (10%)===
===6. [[Atomic physics]] (10%)===
* [[electron|properties of electron]]s
* properties of [[electron]]s
* [[Bohr model]]
* [[Bohr model]]
* [[energy quantization]]
* [[Quantization (physics)|energy quantization]]
* [[atomic structure]]
* [[Atom|atomic structure]]
* [[atomic spectra]]
* [[Spectroscopy|atomic spectra]]
* [[selection rules]]
* [[selection rule]]s
* [[black-body radiation]]
* [[black-body radiation]]
* [[x-rays]]
* [[x-ray]]s
* [[atoms in electric and magnetic fields]]
* atoms in [[Stark effect|electric]] and [[Zeeman effect|magnetic]] fields


===7. [[Special relativity]] (6%)===
===7. [[Special relativity]] (6%)===
* introductory concepts of [[special relativity]]
* introductory concepts
* [[time dilation]]
* [[time dilation]]
* [[length contraction]]
* [[length contraction]]
* [[simultaneity]]
* [[Relativity of simultaneity|simultaneity]]
* [[Special relativity#Mass, momentum, and energy|energy and momentum]]
* [[Four-momentum|energy and momentum]]
* [[four-vector]]s and [[Lorentz transformation]]
* [[four-vector]]s and [[Lorentz transformation]]
* [[Velocity-addition formula|velocity addition]]
*


===8. Laboratory methods (6%)===
===8. [[Experimental physics|Laboratory methods]] (6%)===
* [[Errors and residuals|data and error analysis]]
* [[Errors and residuals|data and error analysis]]
* [[electronics]]
* [[electronics]]
* [[instrumentation]]
* [[instrumentation]]
* [[radiation detection]]{{dn|date=December 2016}}
* [[Particle detector|radiation detection]]
* [[counting statistics]]
* [[Count data|counting statistics]]
* [[interaction of charged particles with matter]]
* [[Ionization|interaction of charged particles with matter]]
* [[lasers and optical interferometers]]
* [[laser]]s and [[Interferometry|optical interferometers]]
* [[dimensional analysis]]
* [[dimensional analysis]]
* [[fundamental applications of probability and statistics]]
* fundamental applications of [[probability]] and [[statistics]]


===9. Specialized topics (9%)===
===9. Specialized topics (9%)===
* '''[[Nuclear physics|nuclear]] and [[particle physics]]'''
* '''[[Nuclear physics|Nuclear]] and [[particle physics]]'''
** [[nuclear properties]]
** [[Atomic nucleus|nuclear properties]]
** [[radioactive decay]]
** [[radioactive decay]]
** [[nuclear fission|fission]] and [[nuclear fusion|fusion]]
** [[Nuclear fission|fission]] and [[Nuclear fusion|fusion]]
** [[Nuclear reaction|reaction]]s
** [[Nuclear reaction|reactions]]
** [[Elementary particle|fundamental properties of elementary particles]]
** fundamental properties of [[elementary particle]]s
* '''[[condensed matter]]'''
* '''[[Condensed matter physics|Condensed matter]]'''
** [[crystal structure]]
** [[crystal structure]]
** [[x-ray diffraction]]
** [[x-ray diffraction]]
** [[thermal properties]]
** [[List of materials properties#Thermal properties|thermal properties]]
** [[electron theory of metals]]
** [[Free electron model|electron theory of metals]]
** [[semiconductor]]s
** [[semiconductor]]s
** [[superconductivity|superconductors]]
** [[superconductivity|superconductors]]
⚫
* '''mathematical methods'''
⚫
** [[Calculus|single and multivariate calculus]]
** [[coordinate system]]s (rectangular, cylindrical, spherical)
⚫
** [[vector algebra]] and [[Vector calculus|vector differential operator]]s
⚫
** [[Fourier series]]
⚫
** [[partial differential equation]]s
⚫
** [[boundary value problem]]s
⚫
** [[Matrix (mathematics)|matrices and determinants]]
⚫
** [[Complex analysis|functions of complex variables]]
* '''miscellaneous'''
* '''miscellaneous'''
** [[astrophysics]]
** [[astrophysics]]
⚫
** [[Mathematical physics|mathematical methods]]
⚫
** [[Application software|computer applications]]
⚫
*** [[calculus|single]] and [[Multivariable calculus|multivariate calculus]]
*** [[coordinate system]]s ([[Cartesian coordinate system|rectangular]], [[Cylindrical coordinate system|cylindrical]], [[Spherical coordinate system|spherical]])
⚫
*** [[vector space|vector algebra]] and [[vector calculus|vector differential operators]]
⚫
*** [[Fourier series]]
⚫
*** [[partial differential equation]]s
⚫
*** [[boundary value problem]]s
⚫
*** [[Matrix (mathematics)|matrices and determinants]]
⚫
*** [[complex analysis|functions of complex variables]]
⚫
** [[Computational physics|computer applications]]


==See also==
==See also==
Line 181: Line 184:
* [http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/undergrad/ugs_gre.php GRE Prep Course at Ohio State University] - Preparation course, with links to all 4 publicly released Physics GRE tests, as well as links to other Physics GRE resources
* [http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/undergrad/ugs_gre.php GRE Prep Course at Ohio State University] - Preparation course, with links to all 4 publicly released Physics GRE tests, as well as links to other Physics GRE resources
* [http://physicsworks.wordpress.com/2011/07/16/gr0877-solutions/ GR0877 Solutions] - Solutions to 2008 exam
* [http://physicsworks.wordpress.com/2011/07/16/gr0877-solutions/ GR0877 Solutions] - Solutions to 2008 exam
* [https://www.troy.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-arts-sciences/departments/school-science-technology/chemistry-physics/physics/physics-gre.html] - Physics GRE Review at Troy University


[[Category:GRE standardized tests]]
[[Category:Physics education]]
[[Category:Standardized tests]]
[[Category:Standardized tests]]

Latest revision as of 11:04, 18 August 2024

Graduate Record Examination (Physics Subject Test)
TypePaper-based standardized test[1]
AdministratorEducational Testing Service
Skills testedUndergraduate level physics:
PurposeAdmissions in graduate programs (e.g. MS and PhD) in physics (mostly in universities in the United States).
Year started(?) ((?))
Duration2 hours [1]
Score range200 to 990, in 10-point increments[3]
Score validity5 years[3]
Offered3 times a year, in September, October, and April through May.[4]
RegionsWorldwide
LanguagesEnglish
Annual number of test takers~5,000-6,000 yearly
PrerequisitesNo official prerequisite. Intended for physics bachelor degree graduates or undergraduate students about to graduate. Fluency in English assumed.
FeeUS$ 150[5]
(Limited offers of "Fee Reduction Program" for U.S. citizens or resident aliens who demonstrate financial need, and for national programs in USA that work with under-represented groups.[6])
Used byPhysics departments offering graduate programs (mostly in universities in the U.S.).
Websitewww.ets.org/gre/test-takers/subject-tests/about/content-structure.html

The GRE physics test is an examination administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test attempts to determine the extent of the examinees' understanding of fundamental principles of physics and their ability to apply them to problem solving. Many graduate schools require applicants to take the exam and base admission decisions in part on the results.

The scope of the test is largely that of the first three years of a standard United States undergraduate physics curriculum, since many students who plan to continue to graduate school apply during the first half of the fourth year. It consists of 70 five-option multiple-choice questions covering subject areas including the first three years of undergraduate physics.

The International System of Units (SI Units) is used in the test. A table of information representing various physical constants and conversion factors is presented in the test book.

Major content topics

[edit]

1. Classical mechanics (20%)

[edit]

2. Electromagnetism (18%)

[edit]

3. Optics and wave phenomena (8%)

[edit]

4. Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics (10%)

[edit]

5. Quantum mechanics (13%)

[edit]

6. Atomic physics (10%)

[edit]

7. Special relativity (6%)

[edit]

8. Laboratory methods (6%)

[edit]

9. Specialized topics (9%)

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "GRE Subject Tests: Test Content and Structure". ets.org. Retrieved 2016-05-14.
  2. ^ "GRE Subject Tests: Physics". ets.org. Retrieved 2016-05-14.
  3. ^ a b "GRE Subject Tests: Scores". ets.org. Retrieved 2016-05-14.
  4. ^ "GRE Subject Tests: About the GRE Subject Tests". ets.org. Retrieved 2016-05-14.
  5. ^ "GRE Subject Tests: Fees". ets.org. Retrieved 2016-05-14.
  6. ^ "GRE Subject Tests: Fee Reduction Program". ets.org. Retrieved 2016-05-14.
[edit]
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