Study Guide

Field 014: Physics 
Test Design and Framework

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The test design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.

Test Design

Test overview, including duration of test, number of questions, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test ( C B T )
Number of Questions 80 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response assignment
Time* 4 hours
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute  C B T  tutorial

Test Framework

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.

test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 1 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
selected-response
roman numeral 1 scientific and engineering processes 0001–0002 20 percent
roman numeral 2 motion, forces, and energy 0003–0006 21 percent
roman numeral 3 electricity and magnetism 0007–0009 17 percent
roman numeral 4 waves, acoustics, and optics 0010–0012 13 percent
roman numeral 5 thermal and modern physics 0013–0015 14 percent
this cell intentionally left blank 85 percent
test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 2 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
constructed-response
roman numeral 1 scientific and engineering processes 0001–0002 15 percent

 Subarea roman numeral 1–Scientific and Engineering Processes 

Competency 0001–Apply knowledge of scientific inquiry and experimental and engineering design.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0002–Apply knowledge of cross cutting concepts in science.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 2–Motion, Forces, and Energy 

Competency 0003–Analyze motion in one and two dimensions.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0004–Apply the laws of motion in one and two dimensions.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0005–Apply the laws of motion to systems of particles and simple harmonic motion.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0006–Apply the principles of the conservation of energy and momentum.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 3–Electricity and Magnetism 

Competency 0007–Apply knowledge of electric charge and the electric field.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0008–Analyze characteristics of the magnetic field, magnetic interactions with charges, and principles of electromagnetic induction.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0009–Apply knowledge of electric circuits.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 4–Waves, Acoustics, and Optics 

Competency 0010–Apply knowledge of waves and wave motion.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0011–Apply knowledge of sound propagation and sound waves.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0012–Apply knowledge of light and optics.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 5–Thermal and Modern Physics 

Competency 0013–Apply knowledge of kinetic theory and the laws of thermodynamics.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0014–Apply knowledge of atomic structure and nuclear physics.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0015–Apply knowledge of quantum theory of light and matter.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics