<p>I was just wondering what do they give you when you take the SAT II physics subject test.</p>
<p>Like do they give you a quick formula sheet with the really basic ones (i.e F = ma and so on?)</p>
<p>or are do you just go in there with what you know?</p>
<p>I don't think you really need a formula sheet. The test has a lot of concepts... as long as you're proficient with algebra and know the basic equations (for example, the equations relating to constant acceleration), I think you'll be OK.</p>
<p>I was wondering about this too. Since you don't have a calculator, the math cannot be very hard. So like you said, I assume it's best to be familiar with concepts. What concepts are most prudent to remember?</p>
<p>All of them.</p>
<p>I'm not kidding.</p>
<p>But to get you started, how about this list from the CollegeBoard's SAT Subject Test Preparation Booklet:</p>
<p>Kinematics (velocity, etc.)
Dynamics (forces, Newton's laws, statics)
Energy & Momentum
Circular motion
Simple harmonic motion
Gravity
Electric fields, forces & potentials
Capacitance
Circuit Elements and DC Circuits
Magnetism
General wave properties
Reflection and Refraction
Ray Optics (mirrors, lenses, etc.)
Physical Optics (diffraction, interference, etc.)
Thermal Properties (temperature, specific heat, etc.)
Laws of Thermodynamics
Quantum Phenomena
Atomic (Rutherford & Bohr models)
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Relativity</p>
<p>You shouldn't spend very much time studying any one of these because the test is very broad. It tests your knowledge of physics as a whole. As long as you have studied and worked out a number of physical problems in the past, you should only need to review each of these for a few minutes or hours, a few days at most. Remember that everything in physics is interconnected; simply having a solid grasp of Newton's laws will solve many problems you'll run into.</p>
<p>By the way, I scored an 800 on this test. I didn't use Barron's or any other SAT prep book (though you might find one useful). I used the CB's free Subject Test Preparation Booklet, and a basic textbook in college physics at a community college. I studied one or two nights per week for about a month/month and a half prior to the test. How much you need to study depends on how well-acquainted you are with the fundamentals of physics right now. I suppose you could memorize your way to an 800... but then again, if physics is what you are good at, you shouldn't need to memorize very much at all.</p>
<p>Have you ever taken or heard of the AP Physics exam? Sat II physics is almost exactly like the Multiple choice of the AP physics exam, except you have less time and more weirdly-worded/twisty problems. </p>
<p>To score high:
work fast because the time is extremely tight
know your concepts
have imagination</p>
<p>Perplex is right in that you should know all of your concepts (not just the newtonian mechanics but light, optics, and speed of light/Einstein's theory as well, along with other less covered topics in a high school physics class). </p>
<p>Also, memorize the formulas, and get really proficient at manipulating them. Concepts are your metal frame- it's the backbone. Specific formulas and equations are your wood and paneling.</p>
<p>one thing about the SATII physics is that it has a very tough curve..</p>