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100+ Free MTEL Physics (69) Practice Questions

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In the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom, an electron emits a photon when it:

A
B
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D
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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MTEL Physics (69) Exam

240

Passing Scaled Score

MTEL Physics (69) test page

$139

Test Fee (2026)

MTEL Physics (69) test page

100 MC + 2 OR

Test Format

MTEL Physics (69) test page

4 hours

Testing Time

MTEL Physics (69) test page

6 subareas

Content Domains

MTEL Physics (69) test objectives

23%

Fields and Circuits Weight

MTEL Physics (69) test objectives

80%

Multiple-Choice Score Weight

MTEL Physics (69) test objectives

20%

Open-Response Weight

MTEL Physics (69) test objectives

MTEL Physics (69) is Massachusetts' physics content licensure test, delivered by Pearson as a computer-based exam with 100 multiple-choice questions plus 2 open-response assignments and a passing scaled score of 240. The multiple-choice section (80% of the score) is weighted across five content subareas: Matter and Its Interactions 11%, Motion and Stability 17%, Forces and Interactions in Fields and Circuits 23%, Energy 12%, and Waves and Their Applications 17%. The two open-response items form Subarea VI (Integration of Knowledge, 20%). The current public fee is $139 and the appointment runs 4 hours 15 minutes. This free 100-question bank mirrors the official objective weighting so candidates can practice across every subarea.

Sample MTEL Physics (69) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your MTEL Physics (69) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A radioactive nucleus undergoes alpha decay. How do its atomic number (Z) and mass number (A) change?
A.Z decreases by 2, A decreases by 4
B.Z increases by 1, A stays the same
C.Z decreases by 1, A stays the same
D.Z stays the same, A decreases by 2
Explanation: An alpha particle is a helium-4 nucleus containing 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Emitting it reduces the parent's atomic number by 2 and its mass number by 4. This produces a new element two places lower on the periodic table.
2In the photoelectric effect, increasing the intensity of light above the threshold frequency primarily increases which quantity?
A.The maximum kinetic energy of each ejected electron
B.The number of electrons ejected per second
C.The work function of the metal
D.The threshold frequency required for emission
Explanation: Higher intensity means more photons strike the surface per second, so more electrons are ejected per second (greater photocurrent). The maximum kinetic energy of each electron depends only on the photon frequency, not the intensity.
3Which experimental observation most directly demonstrates the wave nature of electrons?
A.The photoelectric effect
B.The emission of line spectra by hydrogen
C.An electron diffraction (double-slit) interference pattern
D.The deflection of electrons in a magnetic field
Explanation: When electrons pass through a double slit or a crystal lattice they produce interference and diffraction patterns, a behavior only waves exhibit. This confirms the de Broglie hypothesis that matter has wave-like properties.
4In nuclear fission of a heavy nucleus such as uranium-235, energy is released because the products have:
A.A greater total mass than the original nucleus
B.A higher binding energy per nucleon than the original nucleus
C.More total nucleons than the original nucleus
D.A lower binding energy per nucleon than the original nucleus
Explanation: Fission products are mid-mass nuclei with higher binding energy per nucleon than the heavy parent. The increase in binding energy corresponds to a decrease in mass, and that mass difference is released as energy according to E = mc^2.
5The Heisenberg uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to simultaneously know with arbitrary precision a particle's:
A.Mass and charge
B.Position and momentum
C.Energy and charge
D.Spin and mass
Explanation: The uncertainty principle sets a lower bound on the product of the uncertainties in a particle's position and momentum (delta-x times delta-p >= h-bar/2). The more precisely one is known, the less precisely the other can be known.
6A car travels 300 m east in 20 s, then 100 m west in 10 s. What is its average velocity for the whole trip?
A.13.3 m/s east
B.6.7 m/s east
C.10 m/s east
D.20 m/s east
Explanation: Average velocity is total displacement divided by total time. Net displacement is 300 m - 100 m = 200 m east, and total time is 30 s, giving 200/30 = 6.7 m/s east.
7A projectile is launched horizontally from a cliff. Neglecting air resistance, which statement about its motion is correct?
A.Its horizontal velocity decreases steadily as it falls
B.Its vertical velocity remains constant during the flight
C.Its horizontal velocity stays constant while its vertical velocity increases
D.Both horizontal and vertical velocities increase at the same rate
Explanation: For projectile motion, horizontal and vertical motions are independent. With no air resistance there is no horizontal force, so horizontal velocity is constant, while gravity causes the downward vertical velocity to increase at 9.8 m/s^2.
8A 5 kg object experiences a net force of 20 N. According to Newton's second law, its acceleration is:
A.100 m/s^2
B.4 m/s^2
C.0.25 m/s^2
D.25 m/s^2
Explanation: Newton's second law gives a = F/m. Dividing the 20 N net force by the 5 kg mass yields an acceleration of 4 m/s^2 in the direction of the net force.
9A book rests on a table. The reaction force paired with the gravitational force the Earth exerts on the book (by Newton's third law) is:
A.The normal force the table exerts on the book
B.The gravitational force the book exerts on the Earth
C.The weight of the table
D.The friction between book and table
Explanation: Newton's third law pairs act on different objects and are the same type of force. The Earth pulls the book down gravitationally, so the reaction is the book pulling the Earth up gravitationally with equal magnitude.
10Two carts collide and stick together (perfectly inelastic collision). Which quantity is always conserved in this collision?
A.Total kinetic energy
B.Total momentum
C.Total mechanical energy
D.The speed of each cart
Explanation: In the absence of external forces, total momentum is conserved in all collisions, including perfectly inelastic ones. Kinetic energy is not conserved in inelastic collisions because some is converted to heat, sound, and deformation.

About the MTEL Physics (69) Exam

The MTEL Physics (69) test is the subject-matter assessment for the Massachusetts physics teaching license. The computer-based test includes 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 open-response assignments, organized into six subareas spanning matter and modern physics, motion and forces, fields and circuits, energy and thermodynamics, waves and optics, and the integration of knowledge through science and engineering practices.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours of testing (4 hours 15 minutes total appointment)

Passing Score

240 scaled score

Exam Fee

$139 (Massachusetts DESE / Pearson)

MTEL Physics (69) Exam Content Outline

11% of this test

Matter and Its Interactions (Subarea I)

Atomic and nuclear physics including the quantum-mechanical atom, radioactivity, alpha/beta/gamma decay, fission and fusion, and mass-energy conversion, plus modern physics topics such as wave-particle duality, the photoelectric effect, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, relativity, and quantum applications like lasers, diodes, and transistors.

17% of this test

Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions (Subarea II)

Kinematics with vectors and scalars, one- and two-dimensional motion including projectiles, Newton's three laws and free-body diagrams, force types, momentum and the impulse-momentum theorem, torque, moment of inertia, and rotational dynamics.

23% of this test

Forces and Interactions in Fields and Circuits (Subarea III)

Newton's law of universal gravitation and circular and orbital motion, electrostatics and Coulomb's law, electric fields and potential, magnetism, electromagnetic induction (Faraday's and Lenz's laws), motors, generators, transformers, and series, parallel, and AC circuits with Ohm's and Kirchhoff's laws.

12% of this test

Energy (Subarea IV)

Work, kinetic, potential, and elastic energy, power, conservation of energy and efficiency, and thermodynamics and kinetic molecular theory including the first and second laws, entropy, specific heat, thermal expansion, and phase changes.

17% of this test

Waves and Their Applications (Subarea V)

Simple harmonic motion and wave properties, sound, reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, standing waves and resonance, polarization, the Doppler effect, optics with mirrors, lenses, and prisms, and the electromagnetic spectrum.

20% of this test

Integration of Knowledge and Understanding (Subarea VI)

Two open-response assignments worth 20% combined: one applying key scientific concepts and one emphasizing classroom applications of science and engineering practices such as experimental design, measurement, data analysis, and modeling. This bank includes inquiry-style multiple-choice items to build those skills.

How to Pass the MTEL Physics (69) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 240 scaled score
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 4 hours of testing (4 hours 15 minutes total appointment)
  • Exam fee: $139

Keys to Passing

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

MTEL Physics (69) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Allocate study time by subarea weight: Fields and Circuits is the heaviest at 23%, followed by Motion and Waves at 17% each
2Practice multi-step problems in kinematics, Newton's laws, circuits, and energy because the multiple-choice section rewards calculation fluency
3Rehearse the two open-response tasks by writing clear explanations of physics concepts and describing classroom science and engineering practices
4Memorize core relationships (v = f times lambda, F = ma, Ohm's law, KE = half m v squared) but rely on the provided formula sheet for less common constants
5Use dimensional analysis and unit conversion to check answers quickly under time pressure
6Review common student misconceptions in mechanics and electricity, since open responses may ask you to address them in a teaching context

Frequently Asked Questions

What is on the MTEL Physics (69) test?

The test covers six subareas: Matter and Its Interactions (11%), Motion and Stability (17%), Forces and Interactions in Fields and Circuits (23%), Energy (12%), Waves and Their Applications (17%), and Integration of Knowledge (20%). The first five are tested with multiple-choice questions, while Integration of Knowledge is assessed through two open-response assignments.

How many questions are on the MTEL Physics (69) test and what is the format?

The computer-based test has 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 open-response assignments. The multiple-choice portion accounts for 80% of the score and the two open responses account for the remaining 20%.

What is the passing score for MTEL Physics (69)?

You need a scaled score of 240 to pass the MTEL Physics (69) test, the standard passing score used across MTEL tests. Both the multiple-choice and open-response sections contribute to your total scaled score.

How much does the MTEL Physics (69) test cost in 2026?

The current public registration fee for the MTEL Physics (69) test is $139. Always confirm the exact amount in your Pearson registration portal before checkout, since additional service fees may apply.

How long is the MTEL Physics (69) test appointment?

The total appointment is 4 hours and 15 minutes, which includes about 15 minutes for tutorials and nondisclosure agreements, leaving 4 hours for the actual test. Budget time for both the 100 multiple-choice questions and the 2 open-response assignments.

Is a calculator allowed on the MTEL Physics (69) test?

MTEL science tests provide an on-screen calculator and a reference sheet of formulas and constants within the computer-based testing platform, so you do not bring your own calculator. Practice solving physics problems with the formulas you are given rather than memorizing every constant.