NMAT Physics Review: NMAT Study Guide

Physics is a core component of the NMAT (National Medical Admission Test) and plays a critical role in determining your overall percentile rank. While many NMAT examinees come from biology- or chemistry-heavy backgrounds, physics often becomes the deciding factor because it tests conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving under time pressure.

This NMAT Physics Review is designed as a comprehensive study guide covering all major topics that frequently appear in the exam. The explanations focus on concept mastery rather than memorization, making this guide suitable for both first-time takers and repeat examinees aiming for a higher score.

Overview of Physics in the NMAT

The Physics section in NMAT is integrated into the Physical Sciences component, along with Chemistry. Questions are typically multiple-choice and emphasize:

• Conceptual clarity

• Application of formulas

• Interpretation of graphs and physical relationships

• Basic mathematical manipulation

The difficulty level is generally high school to early college level, but the challenge lies in speed and accuracy.

Measurement and Units

Physics begins with measurement, as all physical quantities rely on standardized units and accurate interpretation.

Physical Quantities and SI Units

Physical quantities are classified as:

• Base quantities (length, mass, time, electric current, temperature)

• Derived quantities (velocity, acceleration, force, energy)

You must be comfortable converting between units, especially:

• meters ↔ centimeters

• kilograms ↔ grams

• seconds ↔ minutes

Scalars and Vectors

• Scalars have magnitude only (mass, time, speed).

• Vectors have magnitude and direction (displacement, velocity, force).

Understanding vector addition, subtraction, and components is essential, particularly in motion and force problems.

Kinematics (Motion Without Forces)

Kinematics focuses on describing motion without considering its cause.

Distance vs Displacement

• Distance: total path length traveled (scalar)

• Displacement: straight-line change in position (vector)

NMAT questions often test whether you can distinguish between the two in word problems.

Speed and Velocity

• Speed = distance ÷ time

• Velocity = displacement ÷ time

Be careful with average vs instantaneous values.

Acceleration

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, not just speed. This includes:

• Speeding up

• Slowing down

• Changing direction

Equations of Motion

You should master the basic kinematic equations for constant acceleration:

• v = u + at

• s = ut + ½at²

• v² = u² + 2as

These formulas are frequently tested in free-fall and straight-line motion problems.

Laws of Motion (Dynamics)

Dynamics explains why objects move.

Newton’s First Law (Inertia)

An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by a net external force.

This law helps explain equilibrium and constant velocity scenarios.

Newton’s Second Law

F = ma
Force is proportional to acceleration and depends on mass.

Many NMAT problems involve calculating acceleration or net force from multiple applied forces.

Newton’s Third Law

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

This law is commonly tested in interaction problems (e.g., collisions, pushing against walls).

Work, Energy, and Power

This is one of the most frequently tested NMAT physics topics.

Work

Work is done when a force causes displacement in its direction.

W = Fd cosθ

Zero work occurs if:

• There is no displacement

• The force is perpendicular to displacement

Energy

• Kinetic Energy = ½mv²

• Potential Energy = mgh

Understanding energy transformation is key (e.g., falling objects, inclined planes).

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

This principle allows you to solve problems without directly calculating forces.

Power

Power is the rate of doing work:

P = W ÷ t

Questions may involve comparing machines or physical systems based on efficiency.

Momentum and Collisions

Momentum-based questions require both conceptual understanding and algebraic skills.

Momentum

p = mv

Momentum depends on both mass and velocity, making direction important.

Impulse

Impulse is the change in momentum:

Impulse = Force × time

This concept is often applied in collision problems.

Conservation of Momentum

In the absence of external forces, total momentum remains constant.

You should be familiar with:

• Elastic collisions

• Inelastic collisions

NMAT usually focuses on one-dimensional collision scenarios.

Circular Motion and Gravitation

Uniform Circular Motion

Even if speed is constant, an object moving in a circle is accelerating because its direction changes.

Centripetal force points toward the center of the circle.

Universal Law of Gravitation

F = G(m₁m₂) / r²

While heavy calculations are rare, conceptual understanding of gravitational attraction is important.

Oscillations and Waves

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)

Common examples include:

• Spring-mass systems

• Pendulums

Key concepts include:

• Amplitude

• Period

• Frequency

You should understand how mass, length, and gravity affect oscillatory motion.

Wave Motion

Important wave properties:

• Wavelength

• Frequency

• Wave speed

Wave relationships are commonly tested through basic formulas and conceptual questions.

Sound

Sound is a mechanical wave that requires a medium.

Characteristics of Sound

• Pitch depends on frequency

• Loudness depends on amplitude

Doppler Effect

The apparent change in frequency due to relative motion between source and observer may appear in conceptual form.

Heat and Thermodynamics

Thermal physics connects physics with real-life applications.

Temperature and Heat

• Temperature measures average kinetic energy.

• Heat is energy transferred due to temperature difference.

Modes of Heat Transfer

• Conduction

• Convection

• Radiation

These concepts often appear in everyday scenarios.

Laws of Thermodynamics

Focus mainly on:

• First law (energy conservation)

• Basic understanding of heat engines and efficiency

Electricity

Electricity is a high-yield topic in NMAT Physics.

Electric Charge and Coulomb’s Law

Understand attraction and repulsion between charges.

Electric Current

I = Q ÷ t

Basic circuit understanding is essential.

Ohm’s Law

V = IR

You should be able to analyze simple series and parallel circuits.

Electrical Power

P = VI

Applications include household electricity and appliances.

Magnetism

Magnetism questions are usually conceptual rather than calculation-heavy.

Magnetic Fields

Understand field direction and right-hand rules.

Force on Moving Charges

You should know how magnetic fields affect current-carrying conductors.

Light and Optics

Optics questions are common and relatively scoring.

Reflection

Law of reflection:

• Angle of incidence = angle of reflection

Mirror formula and magnification may be tested.

Refraction

Understand:

• Refractive index

• Snell’s law

Basic lens concepts such as focal length and image formation are important.

Modern Physics (Basic Concepts)

Only fundamental ideas are tested.

Atomic Structure

Know the basic models and subatomic particles.

Radioactivity

Basic understanding of:

• Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation

• Half-life concept

No advanced nuclear calculations are required.

Common Mistakes in NMAT Physics

• Memorizing formulas without understanding

• Ignoring units and directions

• Misreading word problems

• Spending too much time on one question

NMAT rewards strategic problem-solving, not perfection.

Study Strategies for NMAT Physics

• Focus on concepts first, formulas second

• Practice time-based mock tests

• Learn shortcut methods for common problem types

• Review mistakes regularly

Consistency matters more than long study hours.

Final Thoughts

Physics in the NMAT is not about advanced mathematics or complex derivations. It is about clarity, logic, and application. With a strong grasp of fundamental principles and regular practice, physics can become one of your strongest scoring areas.

Use this NMAT Physics Review as a foundation, reinforce it with problem-solving, and approach the exam with confidence and strategy.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What physics topics are most important for the NMAT?

The NMAT Physics coverage typically focuses on core, high-yield topics that can be tested through conceptual questions and basic calculations. Prioritize kinematics (motion in one dimension, free fall), Newton’s laws, work-energy-power, momentum and impulse, basic circular motion, and introductory electricity (current, Ohm’s law, simple circuits). Waves, sound, optics, and thermal concepts also appear, but they are often assessed through straightforward relationships and definitions. A strong strategy is to master fundamentals first, then practice mixed sets so you can recognize which principle applies quickly under time pressure.

Do I need calculus to answer NMAT Physics questions?

No. NMAT Physics questions are generally designed for high school to early college level, and they usually do not require calculus. Most problems can be solved using algebra, proportional reasoning, and standard formulas (such as kinematic equations, energy relationships, or Ohm’s law). If you can rearrange equations, work with ratios, and interpret graphs, you will be prepared for the majority of items. Focus on understanding what each formula means and when it applies, rather than trying to learn advanced mathematical methods.

How should I memorize formulas without getting overwhelmed?

The best approach is to avoid memorizing formulas as isolated facts. Instead, group formulas by topic and learn the “story” behind them. For example, in kinematics, understand that constant acceleration links velocity, time, and displacement; in electricity, learn how voltage, current, and resistance relate in a circuit. Create a one-page formula sheet for review, but during practice, force yourself to identify which variables are given and what the question is asking before selecting an equation. Over time, repeated application makes formulas feel familiar and automatic.

What is the fastest way to improve my accuracy in physics word problems?

Accuracy improves when you slow down at the beginning and speed up at the end. Start by translating the problem into physics language: list known values (with units), identify what is unknown, and sketch a simple diagram if helpful (especially for forces or motion). Then choose the principle (Newton’s laws, conservation of energy, conservation of momentum) before choosing the formula. Many wrong answers come from misreading direction, mixing up distance and displacement, or forgetting that velocity and acceleration can be negative depending on your chosen reference direction.

How important are units and conversions for NMAT Physics?

Units are extremely important because they help you confirm whether your setup makes sense and can prevent mistakes. Many items can be solved or checked quickly by dimensional analysis (for example, recognizing that work should be in joules or that power should be joules per second). You should be comfortable converting between centimeters and meters, grams and kilograms, minutes and seconds, and using standard prefixes like milli-, kilo-, and micro-. When time is limited, unit checking is one of the fastest ways to catch errors without redoing the entire solution.

What kinds of graphs should I expect in the NMAT Physics section?

Expect simple graphs such as position-time, velocity-time, and force-displacement graphs. You should know how slope and area relate to physical meaning. For example, the slope of a position-time graph gives velocity, and the slope of a velocity-time graph gives acceleration. The area under a velocity-time graph represents displacement, and the area under a force-displacement graph represents work. Even if you do not remember a specific formula, interpreting graphs correctly can lead you to the right answer quickly.

How can I handle questions on Newton’s laws and free-body diagrams?

Start by identifying all forces acting on the object: gravity (weight), normal force, tension, friction, and any applied forces. Draw them as arrows and choose a convenient coordinate system. Then apply Newton’s second law in each direction, keeping track of signs. In many NMAT problems, the key is recognizing when forces balance (net force equals zero) versus when there is acceleration. For inclined planes, break gravity into components parallel and perpendicular to the surface. If friction is involved, remember it opposes relative motion or impending motion.

Is energy-based solving better than force-based solving?

Often, yes. Conservation of mechanical energy can be faster when friction is absent or explicitly ignored. Instead of calculating acceleration and then motion variables, you can relate potential energy changes to kinetic energy changes directly. However, energy methods are not always applicable. If external non-conservative forces (like friction doing significant work) are present, or if you need direction-specific information at each moment, a force-based approach may be necessary. The key is to pick the method that matches the problem statement and reduces steps.

What should I know about electricity and circuits for NMAT Physics?

Focus on current, voltage, resistance, and power. Be able to use Ohm’s law (V = IR) and understand series versus parallel circuits. In series, current is the same through each component and voltages add; in parallel, voltage is the same across branches and currents add. Learn equivalent resistance rules and how they affect total current. Also know electrical power relationships such as P = VI and how power changes when voltage or resistance changes. Most circuit items are simple but require careful reading.

How do I manage time during NMAT Physics practice and on test day?

Use a two-pass strategy. In the first pass, answer questions you can solve in under a minute—typically conceptual items, direct formula applications, and familiar setups. Mark harder questions and return on the second pass. Avoid spending too long on one problem early, because time pressure increases errors later. Train with timed sets so you develop an internal pace. After practice, review not only what you got wrong, but also what you got right slowly, because “slow correct” needs improvement to become “fast correct.”

What is a realistic study plan to prepare for NMAT Physics?

A practical plan is 2 to 4 weeks of focused review, depending on your background. Week 1: rebuild fundamentals (units, kinematics, Newton’s laws). Week 2: master energy, momentum, and basic circuits. Week 3: cover waves, optics, heat, and mixed-topic drills. Week 4 (or final stretch): full timed practice sets and error analysis. Keep a mistake log and categorize errors (concept, calculation, misread, time). Target your weakest categories with short daily practice to steadily raise your score.