MCAT Physics: Your Guide to the Physical Sciences Section
Do I need to memorize equations for the MCAT?
Yes! You should be familiar with the main equations and constants from introductory chemistry and physics courses, as well as those listed in the MCAT content outline. Don’t worry—extra constants and conversions are provided on the test, along with a complete periodic table including atomic numbers and weights.
How does MCAT content differ from my courses?
The MCAT focuses on knowledge relevant to medical studies, so it may not match your school syllabus exactly:
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Some general topics covered in college courses may be left out if they’re less relevant for medicine.
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Topics may be organized differently than in your classes or textbooks.
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Certain subjects may receive more or less emphasis than in your courses.
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Despite differences, all required material can be learned from standard college-level science textbooks.
Types of questions you’ll see:
The Physical Sciences section includes four main passage types:
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Information Passages: Similar to textbook or journal articles, testing your comprehension and ability to apply information.
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Problem-Solving Passages: Chemistry and physics problems that require logical reasoning and calculations.
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Research Study Passages: Summaries of experiments, asking you to interpret methodology and results.
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Persuasive Argument Passages: Present viewpoints or methodologies, testing your ability to evaluate arguments.
Math skills required:
You’ll need high school-level math skills, including:
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Arithmetic, ratios, percentages, estimation, and square roots
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Algebra, exponentials, logarithms, scientific notation, quadratic & simultaneous equations
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Graphing, slopes, and data interpretation
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Basic trigonometry, including right triangles and standard angles
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Metric conversions, unit balancing, and error estimation
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Vector addition/subtraction, averages, ranges, and basic statistics
Calculus is not required.
Chemistry basics:
Know solution chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, stoichiometry, electronic structure, bonding, phase equilibria, and acids & bases. These fundamentals help solve problems and understand research-based questions.
Physics basics:
Key topics include mechanics, wave motion, electricity & magnetism, light & optics, and modern physics. You’ll need to apply these concepts in experiments and problem-solving scenarios.
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