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:
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:
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Base quantities (length, mass, time, electric current, temperature)
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Derived quantities (velocity, acceleration, force, energy)
You must be comfortable converting between units, especially:
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meters ↔ centimeters
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kilograms ↔ grams
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seconds ↔ minutes
Scalars and Vectors
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Scalars have magnitude only (mass, time, speed).
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Vectors have magnitude and direction (displacement, velocity, force).
Understanding vector addition, subtraction, and components is essential, particularly in motion and force problems.
Measurement and Units: NMAT Physics Review
Kinematics (Motion Without Forces)
Kinematics focuses on describing motion without considering its cause.
Distance vs Displacement
NMAT questions often test whether you can distinguish between the two in word problems.
Speed and Velocity
Be careful with average vs instantaneous values.
Acceleration
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, not just speed. This includes:
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Speeding up
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Slowing down
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Changing direction
Equations of Motion
You should master the basic kinematic equations for constant acceleration:
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v = u + at
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s = ut + ½at²
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v² = u² + 2as
These formulas are frequently tested in free-fall and straight-line motion problems.
Kinematics (Motion Without Forces): NMAT Physics Review
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).
Laws of Motion (Dynamics): NMAT Physics Review
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:
Energy
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Kinetic Energy = ½mv²
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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.
Work, Energy, and Power: NMAT Physics Review
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:
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Elastic collisions
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Inelastic collisions
NMAT usually focuses on one-dimensional collision scenarios.
Momentum and Collisions: NMAT Physics Review
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.
Circular Motion and Gravitation: NMAT Physics Review
Oscillations and Waves
Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
Common examples include:
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Spring-mass systems
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Pendulums
Key concepts include:
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Amplitude
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Period
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Frequency
You should understand how mass, length, and gravity affect oscillatory motion.
Wave Motion
Important wave properties:
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Wavelength
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Frequency
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Wave speed
Wave relationships are commonly tested through basic formulas and conceptual questions.
Oscillations and Waves: NMAT Physics Review
Sound
Sound is a mechanical wave that requires a medium.
Characteristics of Sound
Doppler Effect
The apparent change in frequency due to relative motion between source and observer may appear in conceptual form.
Sound: NMAT Physics Review
Heat and Thermodynamics
Thermal physics connects physics with real-life applications.
Temperature and Heat
Modes of Heat Transfer
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Conduction
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Convection
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Radiation
These concepts often appear in everyday scenarios.
Laws of Thermodynamics
Focus mainly on:
Heat and Thermodynamics: NMAT Physics Review
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.
Electricity: NMAT Physics Review
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.
Magnetism: NMAT Physics Review
Light and Optics
Optics questions are common and relatively scoring.
Reflection
Law of reflection:
Mirror formula and magnification may be tested.
Refraction
Understand:
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Refractive index
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Snell’s law
Basic lens concepts such as focal length and image formation are important.
Light and Optics: NMAT Physics Review
Modern Physics (Basic Concepts)
Only fundamental ideas are tested.
Atomic Structure
Know the basic models and subatomic particles.
Radioactivity
Basic understanding of:
No advanced nuclear calculations are required.
Modern Physics (Basic Concepts): NMAT Physics Review
Common Mistakes in NMAT Physics
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Memorizing formulas without understanding
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Ignoring units and directions
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Misreading word problems
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Spending too much time on one question
NMAT rewards strategic problem-solving, not perfection.
Common Mistakes in NMAT Physics: NMAT Physics Guide
Study Strategies for NMAT Physics
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Focus on concepts first, formulas second
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Practice time-based mock tests
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Learn shortcut methods for common problem types
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Review mistakes regularly
Consistency matters more than long study hours.
Study Strategies for NMAT Physics: NMAT Physics Review
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.
