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100+ Free GTLE Subject Specialism Physics Practice Questions

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Sample GTLE Subject Specialism Physics Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your GTLE Subject Specialism Physics exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which of the following is a fundamental physical quantity in the SI system?
A.Force
B.Velocity
C.Temperature
D.Electric potential
Explanation: Temperature is one of the seven fundamental SI quantities. Force, velocity, and electric potential are derived from fundamental quantities.
2A force of 3 N acts horizontally to the east, and another force of 4 N acts vertically to the north on a particle. What is the magnitude of the resultant force?
A.1 N
B.5 N
C.7 N
D.12 N
Explanation: The two forces are perpendicular. Using Pythagoras' theorem, Resultant R = sqrt(3^2 + 4^2) = sqrt(9 + 16) = sqrt(25) = 5 N.
3A car travels a distance of 120 km in 2 hours. What is its average speed in meters per second (m/s)?
A.16.7 m/s
B.30.0 m/s
C.60.0 m/s
D.120.0 m/s
Explanation: Speed in km/h is 120 km / 2 h = 60 km/h. To convert to m/s, multiply by (1000 m / 3600 s): 60 * 5/18 = 16.67 m/s.
4According to Newton's First Law of Motion, what happens to a moving object when no net external force acts on it?
A.It slowly comes to a stop.
B.It accelerates in its direction of motion.
C.It continues to move at a constant velocity.
D.It changes its direction of motion.
Explanation: Newton's First Law states that an object will maintain its state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by a net external force.
5What physical quantity is represented by the area under a force-time graph?
A.Acceleration
B.Work done
C.Momentum change (Impulse)
D.Kinetic energy
Explanation: Impulse is defined as the integral of Force with respect to time (Impulse = Force * time), which equals the change in momentum. Graphically, this is the area under the force-time curve.
6A uniform meter rule is balanced at its midpoint (50 cm mark). If a weight of 2 N is hung at the 10 cm mark, where must a 4 N weight be hung to restore balance?
A.30 cm mark
B.70 cm mark
C.80 cm mark
D.90 cm mark
Explanation: Midpoint is 50 cm. For 2 N at 10 cm: distance = 50 - 10 = 40 cm. Anti-clockwise moment = 2 N * 40 cm = 80 N cm. For 4 N to balance: clockwise moment = 4 N * d = 80 N cm => d = 20 cm. Since it must hang on the right, position = 50 + 20 = 70 cm mark.
7A simple pendulum has a time period of 2.0 s on Earth. If the length of the pendulum is quadrupled, what will be its new time period?
A.1.0 s
B.2.0 s
C.4.0 s
D.8.0 s
Explanation: The time period is proportional to the square root of length: T = 2 * pi * sqrt(L/g). If length becomes 4L, the period becomes sqrt(4) * T = 2 * 2.0 s = 4.0 s.
8An object of mass 500 g floats completely submerged in water. What is the magnitude of the upthrust acting on the object? (Take g = 10 m/s^2)
A.0 N
B.2.5 N
C.5.0 N
D.500 N
Explanation: Since the object floats, it is in equilibrium. The upthrust must equal the weight of the object: Weight = mass * g = 0.500 kg * 10 m/s^2 = 5.0 N.
9A temperature of 45 degrees Celsius is equivalent to what value in Kelvin?
A.45 K
B.228 K
C.318 K
D.373 K
Explanation: To convert Celsius to Kelvin, use the relation: T(K) = T(C) + 273.15. Therefore, 45 + 273 = 318 K.
10By which primary mechanism does heat transfer occur from the Sun to the Earth through empty space?
A.Conduction
B.Convection
C.Radiation
D.Advection
Explanation: Radiation is the transfer of heat by electromagnetic waves and does not require a material medium. Conduction and convection require matter to transfer thermal energy.

About the GTLE Subject Specialism Physics Exam

The Physics Subject Specialism paper is a 100-item multiple-choice exam administered by the National Teaching Council (NTC) for teacher candidates seeking to teach Physics in Senior High Schools (SHS) or Technical/Vocational institutes in Ghana. It covers core strands from the Ghanaian NaCCA secondary physics curriculum and introductory tertiary physics: Measurement and Mechanics, Thermal Physics and Thermodynamics, Waves and Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern and Atomic Physics, and Physics Pedagogy and Laboratory Safety. The exam assesses both theoretical subject knowledge (including mathematical calculations for kinematics, specific heat capacity, geometrical optics, circuit networks, and nuclear reactions) and pedagogical content knowledge (lab safety, student misconceptions, and practical setups).

Assessment

Computer-based multiple-choice physics content test taken alongside the general professional knowledge paper and a pedagogy paper. It tests both secondary/introductory tertiary physics content knowledge and subject-specific pedagogical content knowledge.

Time Limit

2 hours (refer to specific instruction on exam paper; timetables allocate 2 hours for subject content papers)

Passing Score

50% (candidates must score at least 50 out of 100 marks to pass this paper)

Exam Fee

GH¢450 fresh (all 3 papers); re-sit GH¢150/210/385; indexing GH¢50 fresh (National Teaching Council (NTC) Ghana)

GTLE Subject Specialism Physics Exam Content Outline

25%

Measurement and Mechanics

Physical quantities, dimensions, vectors, linear kinematics and dynamics, momentum, circular motion, gravitation, equilibrium, simple harmonic motion, and fluid statics.

15%

Thermal Physics and Thermodynamics

Temperature scales, thermal expansion, calorimetry, heat transfer, gas laws, kinetic theory of gases, and the laws of thermodynamics.

20%

Waves and Optics

General wave properties, sound waves, physical optics (interference, diffraction, polarization), geometric optics (reflection, refraction, lenses, mirrors, and optical instruments).

20%

Electricity and Magnetism

Electrostatics, capacitance, direct current (DC) circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction, alternating current (AC) circuits, and electrical safety.

12%

Modern and Atomic Physics

Wave-particle duality, photoelectric effect, Bohr's atomic model, energy levels, X-rays, radioactivity, nuclear energy, and solid-state electronics (semiconductors, diodes).

8%

Physics Pedagogy and Laboratory Safety

Laboratory safety procedures, diagnostic assessment of student misconceptions in physics, instructional design, practical physics activities, and improvisation of lab equipment.

How to Pass the GTLE Subject Specialism Physics Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 50% (candidates must score at least 50 out of 100 marks to pass this paper)
  • Assessment: Computer-based multiple-choice physics content test taken alongside the general professional knowledge paper and a pedagogy paper. It tests both secondary/introductory tertiary physics content knowledge and subject-specific pedagogical content knowledge.
  • Time limit: 2 hours (refer to specific instruction on exam paper; timetables allocate 2 hours for subject content papers)
  • Exam fee: GH¢450 fresh (all 3 papers); re-sit GH¢150/210/385; indexing GH¢50 fresh

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

GTLE Subject Specialism Physics Study Tips from Top Performers

1Systematically review high-school (SHS 1–3) and basic undergraduate-level physics concepts, focusing on mechanics, thermal physics, waves, electromagnetism, and modern physics.
2Practise step-by-step physics calculations, particularly kinematics (equations of motion, projectile motion), thermal physics (calorimetry, gas laws), wave mechanics, DC circuits, and nuclear decay.
3Study laboratory experiments (e.g., verifying Ohm's law, determination of acceleration due to gravity using a simple pendulum, determination of specific heat capacity, focal length of lenses).
4Review pedagogical strategies for addressing common misconceptions in physics (such as conflating mass and weight, current and voltage, or heat and temperature).
5Take timed practice tests to manage the pace of answering 100 questions within the 2-hour limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GTLE Physics subject specialism paper?

It is the subject-matter examination administered by the National Teaching Council (NTC) of Ghana for candidates qualifying to teach Physics at the Senior High School (SHS) or Technical/Vocational levels.

How many questions are on the Physics paper, and what is the passing score?

The paper consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must achieve a score of at least 50% (50 out of 100 correct answers) to pass.

What is the registration fee for fresh candidates?

Fresh candidates pay a total of GH¢450 to cover all three required GTLE papers (General Professional Knowledge, Related Pedagogy, and Subject Specialism), plus an indexing fee of GH¢50 for fresh candidates.

Does the Physics exam include pedagogy?

Yes. It includes Physics Pedagogy and Lab Safety (about 8% of the exam), which tests your knowledge of laboratory safety rules, common student misconceptions, classroom activities, and equipment improvisation.

Where can I find my exam scheduling details?

Registration, scheduling, and centre allocation details are managed through the official exams.ntc.gov.gh portal.