100+ Free GRE Physics Subject Test Practice Questions

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A charge q moves with velocity v in a magnetic field B. The Lorentz force on the charge is F = qv × B. If v = v x̂ and B = B ẑ, the force is:

qvB ẑ

qvB ŷ

−qvB ŷ

qvB x̂

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Key Facts: GRE Physics Subject Test Exam

~100 questions

Exam Length

ETS official content outline

2 hours

Time Limit

ETS GRE Subject Test page

200–990

Score Scale

ETS scoring guide

$150 USD

Registration Fee

ETS 2025–26 GRE Bulletin

3 times/year

Test Windows

ETS — September, October, April

9 content areas

Topics Tested

ETS GRE Physics content outline

The GRE Physics Subject Test is administered by ETS in ~100 five-choice questions over 2 hours, scored on a 200–990 scale. The test covers nine content areas; Classical Mechanics accounts for 20% of questions and Electromagnetism for 18% (ETS official content outline). Three testing windows are offered annually: September, October, and April. The 2025–26 registration fee is $150 USD globally. Subscores in Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and QM/Atomic Physics have been reported since April 2021. Most physics PhD programs do not have a strict cutoff, but competitive scores typically fall in the 700–900 range.

Sample GRE Physics Subject Test Practice Questions

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

1A particle moves in one dimension with position x(t) = t³ − 6t² + 9t (meters, t in seconds). At what times is the particle momentarily at rest?

A.t = 1 s and t = 3 s

B.t = 2 s only

C.t = 0 s and t = 2 s

D.t = 3 s only

Explanation: The velocity is v(t) = dx/dt = 3t² − 12t + 9 = 3(t² − 4t + 3) = 3(t − 1)(t − 3). Setting v = 0 gives t = 1 s and t = 3 s. These are the two instants when the particle turns around.

2A block of mass m slides down a frictionless inclined plane of angle θ. What is the acceleration of the block along the plane?

A.g sin θ

B.g cos θ

C.g tan θ

D.g

Explanation: Resolving gravity along the incline: the component parallel to the surface is mg sin θ. By Newton's second law along the incline, ma = mg sin θ, so a = g sin θ. The normal force mg cos θ is perpendicular to the motion and does no work.

3A 2 kg block compresses a spring (k = 800 N/m) by 0.10 m and is then released from rest on a frictionless surface. What is the speed of the block when it leaves the spring?

A.2.0 m/s

B.4.0 m/s

C.√2 m/s

D.1.0 m/s

Explanation: By conservation of energy, the elastic potential energy ½kx² converts entirely to kinetic energy ½mv². Thus ½(800)(0.10)² = ½(2)v², giving 4.0 = v², so v = 2.0 m/s.

4A uniform rigid rod of mass M and length L is pivoted at one end and held horizontal. When released, what is the angular acceleration immediately after release?

A.3g/(2L)

B.g/L

C.g/(2L)

D.2g/L

Explanation: The moment of inertia of a rod about one end is I = ML²/3. Gravity acts at the center of mass (L/2 from pivot), giving torque τ = Mg(L/2). Newton's second law for rotation: τ = Iα → Mg(L/2) = (ML²/3)α → α = 3g/(2L).

5Two point masses m₁ = 3 kg and m₂ = 1 kg undergo a perfectly inelastic collision. Before the collision, m₁ moves at 4 m/s and m₂ is at rest. What is the kinetic energy lost in the collision?

A.12 J

B.24 J

C.6 J

D.18 J

Explanation: By momentum conservation: (3)(4) = (3+1)v_f → v_f = 3 m/s. Initial KE = ½(3)(4²) = 24 J. Final KE = ½(4)(3²) = 18 J. Energy lost = 24 − 18 = 6 J.

6A satellite orbits Earth in a circular orbit at radius r from Earth's center. If the radius is increased to 4r, by what factor does the orbital period change?

A.Increases by factor 8

B.Increases by factor 4

C.Increases by factor 2

D.Decreases by factor 2

Explanation: By Kepler's third law, T² ∝ r³, so T ∝ r^(3/2). Increasing r by factor 4: T_new/T_old = (4r/r)^(3/2) = 4^(3/2) = 8. The period increases by a factor of 8.

7A simple pendulum of length L swings with small amplitude on the surface of a planet where the gravitational acceleration is g/4 (one-quarter of Earth's g). Compared to the same pendulum on Earth, the period on this planet is:

A.2T

B.T/2

C.4T

D.T/4

Explanation: The period of a simple pendulum is T = 2π√(L/g). On the planet, g' = g/4, so T' = 2π√(L/(g/4)) = 2π√(4L/g) = 2 × 2π√(L/g) = 2T. The period doubles.

8In the Lagrangian formulation, a generalized coordinate q and its conjugate momentum p = ∂L/∂q̇ satisfy Hamilton's equations. For a free particle of mass m in one dimension with Hamiltonian H = p²/(2m), which of the following correctly gives the equations of motion?

A.q̇ = p/m and ṗ = 0

B.q̇ = p/(2m) and ṗ = 0

C.q̇ = 2p/m and ṗ = −p

D.q̇ = p/m and ṗ = −kq

Explanation: Hamilton's equations are q̇ = ∂H/∂p = p/m and ṗ = −∂H/∂q = 0 (since H = p²/(2m) has no q-dependence). This gives uniform motion, consistent with a free particle.

9A 1 kg ball is attached to a string and swung in a horizontal circle of radius 0.5 m at a speed of 3 m/s. What is the tension in the string (ignoring gravity)?

A.18 N

B.9 N

C.6 N

D.3 N

Explanation: The centripetal force is provided by the string tension: T = mv²/r = (1)(9)/(0.5) = 18 N.

10The Lagrangian for a system is L = ½mẋ² − ½kx². Which of the following is the equation of motion derived from the Euler-Lagrange equation?

A.mẍ + kx = 0

B.mẍ − kx = 0

C.ẍ + (k/m)x² = 0

D.ẍ = k/m

Explanation: The Euler-Lagrange equation is d/dt(∂L/∂ẋ) − ∂L/∂x = 0. Here ∂L/∂ẋ = mẋ and ∂L/∂x = −kx, so mẍ − (−kx) = 0 → mẍ + kx = 0. This is the simple harmonic oscillator equation.

About the GRE Physics Subject Test Exam

The GRE Physics Subject Test is a 2-hour, approximately 100-question computer-delivered exam administered by ETS three times per year (September, October, April). It measures undergraduate-level mastery across nine content areas including Classical Mechanics (20%), Electromagnetism (18%), Quantum Mechanics (12%), and Thermodynamics (10%). Graduate physics programs use the score to compare applicants from different institutions on a standardized scale.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours (120 minutes)

Passing Score

Scaled 200–990; no universal pass score — set by each graduate program

Exam Fee

$150 USD (international rates vary; check ets.org for current pricing) (Educational Testing Service (ETS))

GRE Physics Subject Test Exam Content Outline

20%

Classical Mechanics

Kinematics, Newton's laws, work-energy, oscillations, rotational dynamics, Lagrangian/Hamiltonian formalism, central forces, fluid dynamics

18%

Electromagnetism

Electrostatics, DC/AC circuits, Lorentz force, Faraday's law, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, fields in matter

12%

Quantum Mechanics

Schrödinger equation, particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, spin, angular momentum, perturbation theory, tunneling

10%

Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics

Laws of thermodynamics, Carnot engine, kinetic theory, Maxwell-Boltzmann, partition functions, quantum statistics

10%

Atomic Physics

Bohr model, energy quantization, spectral lines, selection rules, photoelectric effect, de Broglie hypothesis, Stern-Gerlach

Optics & Wave Phenomena

Interference, diffraction gratings, polarization, geometrical optics, thin film interference, Doppler effect

Specialized Topics

Nuclear and particle physics, condensed matter, astrophysics, mathematical methods (Fourier transforms, vector calculus)

Special Relativity

Lorentz transformations, time dilation, length contraction, relativistic energy and momentum, spacetime intervals

Laboratory Methods

Data and error analysis, electronics, instrumentation, measurement statistics, experimental design

How to Pass the GRE Physics Subject Test Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled 200–990; no universal pass score — set by each graduate program
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: 2 hours (120 minutes)
Exam fee: $150 USD (international rates vary; check ets.org for current pricing)

Keys to Passing

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

GRE Physics Subject Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Download and solve the official ETS GRE Physics Practice Book (free PDF at ets.org) — it is the gold standard for style and difficulty calibration.

2Master the ω/k, F = qv × B, E_n = (n+½)ℏω, and other quick-recall formulas; the 2-hour time limit requires fast computation, not long derivations.

3Prioritize Laboratory Methods and Special Relativity (12% combined) as they are commonly under-reviewed; a few hours of focused study can improve your score significantly.

4Use dimensional analysis as a first check on every answer — most distractor choices have different dimensions or units, letting you eliminate 1–2 options immediately.

5Work every past ETS exam under timed conditions (1.2 minutes per question average). The 2017 official exam is freely available online and is the best single predictor of your actual performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should take the GRE Physics Subject Test?

Physics majors applying to graduate programs in physics, astronomy, or related fields. Some top PhD programs strongly recommend or require it; many others use it to distinguish equally qualified applicants. It is intended for students with an undergraduate major or extensive background in physics.

How is the GRE Physics Subject Test scored?

Scores are reported on a 200–990 scale in 10-point increments. There is no universal passing score — each graduate program sets its own expectations. Subscores in Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and QM/Atomic Physics have been reported since April 2021. There is no penalty for guessing, so attempt every question.

When is the GRE Physics Subject Test offered?

ETS offers the test in three windows each year: September, October, and April. For the 2025–26 cycle, dates are September 8–21, 2025; October 13–26, 2025; and April 20–May 3, 2026. Scores are released approximately 2–4 weeks after the testing window closes.

What topics are covered on the GRE Physics Subject Test?

Nine content areas: Classical Mechanics (20%), Electromagnetism (18%), Optics & Wave Phenomena (9%), Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics (10%), Quantum Mechanics (12%), Atomic Physics (10%), Special Relativity (6%), Laboratory Methods (6%), and Specialized Topics including nuclear, particle, condensed matter, astrophysics, and math methods (9%).

What is a competitive score on the GRE Physics Subject Test?

Competitive scores vary by program. Top-10 physics PhD programs commonly see admitted students scoring 800–950. The median score among test takers is approximately 700. International applicants from strong programs often aim for 750+, while the test can serve as a differentiator even at 650+ for well-rounded applicants.

How should I prepare for the GRE Physics Subject Test?

Begin 3–6 months before the test. Start by downloading ETS's free official practice book (2017 exam). Review core content systematically: Griffiths (E&M, QM), Taylor (classical mechanics), Schroeder (thermodynamics). Practice timed question sets. Pay special attention to Laboratory Methods and Special Relativity, which are often undertaught but together account for 12% of the exam.

100+ Free GRE Physics Subject Test Practice Questions

GRE Subject Test: Physics