Physics: content knowledge

The Study Companion contains practical information and helpful tools, including: • An overview of the Praxis tests • Specific information on the Praxis test you are taking • A template s

Physics: Content Knowledge 5265

Welcome to the Praxis® Study Companion

Welcome to The Praxis®Study Companion

Prepare to Show What You Know

You have been working to acquire the knowledge and skills you need for your teaching career Now you are

ready to demonstrate your abilities by taking a Praxis® test

Using the Praxis® Study Companion is a smart way to prepare for the test so you can do your best on test day

This guide can help keep you on track and make the most efficient use of your study time

The Study Companion contains practical information and helpful tools, including:

• An overview of the Praxis tests

• Specific information on the Praxis test you are taking

• A template study plan

• Study topics

• Practice questions and explanations of correct answers

• Test-taking tips and strategies

• Frequently asked questions

• Links to more detailed information

So where should you start? Begin by reviewing this guide in its entirety and note those sections that you need

to revisit Then you can create your own personalized study plan and schedule based on your individual needs

and how much time you have before test day

Keep in mind that study habits are individual There are many different ways to successfully prepare for your

test Some people study better on their own, while others prefer a group dynamic You may have more energy

early in the day, but another test taker may concentrate better in the evening So use this guide to develop the

approach that works best for you

Your teaching career begins with preparation Good luck!

Know What to Expect

Which tests should I take?

Each state or agency that uses the Praxis tests sets its own requirements for which test or tests you must take for

the teaching area you wish to pursue

Before you register for a test, confirm your state or agency’s testing requirements at www.ets.org/praxis/states

How are the Praxis tests given?

Praxis tests are given on computer Other formats are available for test takers approved for accommodations (see

page 39)

Welcome to the Praxis® Study Companion

What should I expect when taking the test on computer?

When taking the test on computer, you can expect to be asked to provide proper identification at the test

center Once admitted, you will be given the opportunity to learn how the computer interface works (how to

answer questions, how to skip questions, how to go back to questions you skipped, etc.) before the testing time

begins Watch the What to Expect on Test Day video to see what the experience is like

Where and when are the Praxis tests offered?

You can select the test center that is most convenient for you The Praxis tests are administered through an

international network of test centers, which includes Prometric® Testing Centers, some universities, and other

locations throughout the world

Testing schedules may differ, so see the Praxis web site for more detailed test registration information at www

ets.org/praxis/register

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Praxis® Study Companion guides you through the steps to success

1 Learn About Your Test 5

Learn about the specific test you will be taking

2 Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions 11

Become comfortable with the types of questions you’ll find on the Praxis tests

3 Practice with Sample Test Questions 15

Answer practice questions and find explanations for correct answers

4 Determine Your Strategy for Success 22

Set clear goals and deadlines so your test preparation is focused and efficient

5 Develop Your Study Plan 25

Develop a personalized study plan and schedule

6 Review Study Topics 29

Review detailed study topics with questions for discussion

7 Review Smart Tips for Success 37

Follow test-taking tips developed by experts

8 Check on Testing Accommodations 39

See if you qualify for accommodations to take the Praxis test

9 Do Your Best on Test Day 40

Get ready for test day so you will be calm and confident

10 Understand Your Scores 42

Understand how tests are scored and how to interpret your test scores

Appendix: Other Questions You May Have 44

Step 1: Learn About Your Test

1 Learn About Your Test

Learn about the specific test you will be taking

Physics: Content Knowledge (5265)

Test at a GlanceTest Name Physics: Content Knowledge

Test Code 5265

Number of Questions 125

Format Selected-response questions; calculator use prohibited

Test Delivery Computer delivered

I Mechanics 40 32%

II Electricity and Magnetism 24 19%

III Optics and Waves 16 13%

IV Heat, Energy, and Thermodynamics 15 12%

V Modern Physics, and Atomic and 15 12%

Nuclear Structure

VI Scientific Inquiry, Processes, and Social 15 12%

Perspectives

VIVIVIII II

I

About This Test

The Physics: Content Knowledge test is designed to measure the knowledge and competencies necessary for

a beginning teacher of secondary school Physics Examinees have typically completed or nearly completed a

bachelor’s degree program with appropriate coursework in Physics and education This test may contain some

questions that will not count towards your score

The development of the test questions and the construction of the test reflect the National Science Education

Standards (NSES) and the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) standards and recognize that there

are conceptual and procedural schemes that unify the various scientific disciplines These fundamental

concepts and processes (systems; models; constancy and change; equilibrium; form and function) are useful in

understanding the natural world Insofar as possible, then, the test questions will have the primary objective of

evaluating the content areas by using questions that focus on conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and

problem solving in science The test content is developed and reviewed in collaboration with practicing high

school Physics teachers, teacher-educators, and higher education content specialists to keep the test updated

and representative of current standards

Step 1: Learn About Your Test

The 125 selected-response questions include

concepts, terms, phenomena, methods, applications,

data analysis, and problem solving in Physics, and

include an understanding of the impact of science

and technology on the environment and human

affairs The topics are typically those covered in

introductory college-level Physics courses, although

some questions of a more advanced nature are

included, because secondary-school teachers must

understand the subject matter from a more advanced

viewpoint than that presented to their students

Examinees will not need to use calculators in taking

this test The periodic table of the elements is available

as a Help screen, along with a table of information

that presents various physical constants and a

few conversion factors among SI units Whenever

necessary, additional values of physical constants are

included with the text of a question

Test Specifications

Test specifications in this chapter describe the

knowledge and skills measured by the test Study

topics to help you prepare to answer test questions

can be found on page 29

I Mechanics

A Vectors and Scalars

1 Vector and scalar quantities in describing motion and forces

a scalars (e.g., mass, speed, time, energy)

b vectors (e.g., displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum)

2 Frames of reference and their applications

a frames of reference (e.g., coordinate systems, inertial reference frames)

b relative velocity

C Dynamics and Fluid Mechanics

1 Newton’s three laws of motion

a Newton’s first law of motion (e.g., mass, inertia, inertial reference frame)

b Newton’s second law of motion (net force, mass, acceleration)

c Newton’s third law of motion (action-reaction forces)

d applications (e.g., inclined planes, pendulums, Atwood machine)

5 Simple harmonic motion

a restoring force (e.g., Hooke’s law)

b properties of simple harmonic motion (e.g., period, frequency, amplitude)

e simple machines and mechanical advantage

7 Linear momentum and impulse and how they are related to one another

Step 1: Learn About Your Test

9 Differences between elastic and inelastic collisions

a elastic collisions

b inelastic collisions

c conservation of momentum

d conservation of kinetic energy

e collisions in one dimension

f collisions in two dimensions

10 Laws of conservation of energy and conservation

of linear momentum

a conservation of energy

b conservation of linear momentum

c energy transformations

11 Newton’s law of universal gravitation

a Newton’s law of universal gravitation

b satellites and orbital motion

c gravitational acceleration

12 Difference between weight and mass

a weight and mass

b difference between weight and mass

c relationship between density and mass

13 Kepler’s three laws of orbital motion

a Kepler’s first law (law of ellipses)

b Kepler’s second law (law of equal areas)

c Kepler’s third law (relationship between orbital period and mean orbital radius)

4 Capacitance and inductance

a capacitance and capacitors

b inductance and inductors

5 Differences between alternating and direct current

Step 1: Learn About Your Test

8 Magnetic fields, magnetic forces, and properties

e transformers, motors, and generators

f direction of fields and forces (e.g., right-hand rule)

g magnetic field generated by a steady current (e.g., Biot-Savart law)

h Ampere’s law

i Lorentz force law (force on a moving charge)

j force between current-carrying wires

9 How a changing electric field produces a magnetic field and how a changing magnetic field produces an electric field

a Ampere’s law

b Lenz’s law (direction of induced current)

c Faraday’s law of induction

d motional EMF

III Optics and Waves

1 Types of waves and their characteristics

a transverse and longitudinal

b wave motion and propagation (mechanical

vs electromagnetic)

c amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, speed, energy

d superposition and phase

e intensity and inverse square law

d scattering, absorption, transmission

e resonance and natural frequencies, harmonics

3 Fundamentals of the Doppler effect

e air columns (open and closed pipes)

5 Electromagnetic waves and the electromagnetic spectrum

a electromagnetic waves (e.g., electric and magnetic fields, speed of light, energy)

b electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-rays, gamma rays)

6 Geometric optics

a ray tracing

b focal point, image distance, image size and magnification, real vs virtual image, image orientation

c lenses (converging, diverging)

d mirrors (plane, convex, concave, spherical, parabolic)

e lens and mirror equations

f simple instruments (e.g., magnifying glass, telescope, microscope)

g prisms

IV Heat, Energy, and Thermodynamics

1 Temperature, temperature scales, heat, and heat capacity

a temperature (measure of average kinetic energy)

b temperature scales

c heat and thermal energy

d difference between temperature and thermal energy

e heat capacity and specific heat

b energy transformations

Step 1: Learn About Your Test

4 Energy involved in phase transitions between the various states of matter

a phase transitions

b phase diagrams

c heating/cooling diagrams

d heats of vaporization, fusion, and sublimation

5 Kinetic molecular theory and the ideal gas laws

a kinetic molecular theory (e.g., assumptions of the theory, temperature, pressure, average molecular speeds)

b ideal gases and the ideal gas law

6 Laws of thermodynamics

a First law (e.g., internal energy, conservation of energy, work, heat)

b Second law (entropy)

c Third law (absolute zero)

d Zeroth law (thermal equilibrium)

e P-V diagrams

f thermodynamic processes (e.g., isothermal, adiabatic, reversible/irreversible)

g heat engines and efficiency (e.g., ideal vs

actual efficiency, temperature differences)

V Modern Physics, and Atomic and Nuclear

Structure

1 Organization, structure and states of matter

a atoms, molecules, ions

b solids, liquids, gases, plasmas

c chemical/physical properties and changes

2 Nature of atomic and subatomic structure including various models of the atom

a atomic and subatomic structure (e.g., electrons, protons, neutrons, and isotopes)

b models of the atom (e.g., Bohr model, quantum model)

c experimental basis of models (e.g., Rutherford experiment, Millikan oil-drop experiment, Thomson experiment)

3 Relationship of atomic spectra to electron energy levels

a electron energy transitions in atoms

b absorption and emission spectra

4 Characteristics, processes, and effects of radioactivity

a radioactivity and radioactive decay processes

b alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma radiation

c half-life

d radioisotopes

e fission and fusion

5 Topics in modern physics

A History and Nature of Scientific Inquiry

1 Processes involved in scientific inquiry

a identifying problems

b forming and testing hypotheses

c development of theories, models, and laws

d process skills, including observing, comparing, inferring, categorizing, generalizing, and concluding

d dependent and independent variables

e determining what data need to be collected

3 Nature of scientific knowledge

a is subject to change

b is consistent with evidence

c is based on reproducible evidence

d includes unifying concepts and processes (e.g., systems, models, constancy and change, equilibrium, form and function)

4 How major principles in physics developed historically and the contributions of major historical figures

a how current principles and models developed over time

b major developments (e.g., atomic model, Newtonian mechanics, Rutherford experiment)

c major historical figures in the development of physics

Step 1: Learn About Your Test

B Scientific Procedures and Techniques

1 How to collect, process, analyze, and report data including sources of error

a organization and presentation of data

b units of measurement including SI, SI derived, and others (e.g., meter, newton, mile)

c unit conversion and dimensional analysis

d scientific notation and significant figures

e measurement equipment, including applications

f basic error analysis, including precision and accuracy

g identifying sources of error

h interpreting and drawing valid conclusions from data presented in tables, graphs, and charts (e.g., trends in data, relationships between variables, predictions based on data)

2 Appropriate use of materials, equipment, and technology in the high school physics laboratory and classroom

a appropriate use and storage

b appropriate prelab setup and classroom demonstrations

c safety procedures and precautions

C Science, Technology, and Society

1 Impact of physics and technology on society and the environment

a space exploration, communications, etc

b climate change, ozone layer depletion, noise pollution, etc

c production, storage, and disposal issues associated with consumer products

2 Major issues associated with energy use and production

a renewable and nonrenewable energy resources

b conservation and recycling

c power generation based on various sources, such as fossil and nuclear fuel, hydropower, wind power, solar power, and geothermal power

d storage and distribution of renewable energy (e.g., alternative fuels, fuel cells, rechargeable batteries)

3 Applications of physics in daily life

a communications (e.g., wireless devices, fiber optics, satellites)

b research tools (e.g., space telescopes, lasers, super colliders)

c medicine (e.g., medical imaging, lasers)

d transportation (e.g., superconductors, magnetic levitation)

e other applications

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions

2 Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions

Become comfortable with the types of questions you’ll find on the Praxis tests

The Praxis assessments include a variety of question types: constructed response (for which you write a

response of your own); selected response, for which you select one or more answers from a list of choices or

make another kind of selection (e.g., by clicking on a sentence in a text or by clicking on part of a graphic); and

numeric entry, for which you enter a numeric value in an answer field You may be familiar with these question

formats from taking other standardized tests If not, familiarize yourself with them so you don’t spend time

during the test figuring out how to answer them

Understanding Computer-Delivered Questions

Questions on computer-delivered tests are interactive in the sense that you answer by selecting an option

or entering text on the screen If you see a format you are not familiar with, read the directions carefully The

directions always give clear instructions on how you are expected to respond

For most questions, you respond by clicking an oval to select a single answer from a list of answer choices

However, interactive question types may also ask you to respond by:

• Clicking more than one oval to select answers from a list of choices.

• Typing in an entry box When the answer is a number, you may be asked to enter a numerical answer

Some questions may have more than one place to enter a response

• Clicking check boxes You may be asked to click check boxes instead of an oval when more than one

choice within a set of answers can be selected

• Clicking parts of a graphic In some questions, you will select your answers by clicking on a location (or

locations) on a graphic such as a map or chart, as opposed to choosing your answer from a list

• Clicking on sentences In questions with reading passages, you may be asked to choose your answers by

clicking on a sentence (or sentences) within the reading passage

• Dragging and dropping answer choices into targets on the screen You may be asked to select answers

from a list of choices and drag your answers to the appropriate location in a table, paragraph of text or graphic

• Selecting answer choices from a drop-down menu You may be asked to choose answers by selecting

choices from a drop-down menu (e.g., to complete a sentence)

Remember that with every question you will get clear instructions

Perhaps the best way to understand computer-delivered questions is to view the Computer-delivered Testing

Demonstration on the Praxis web site to learn how a computer-delivered test works and see examples of

some types of questions you may encounter

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions

Understanding Selected-Response Questions

Many selected-response questions begin with the phrase “which of the following.” Take a look at this example:

Which of the following is a flavor made from beans?

(A) Strawberry (B) Cherry (C) Vanilla (D) MintHow would you answer this question?

All of the answer choices are flavors Your job is to decide which of the flavors is the one made from beans

Try following these steps to select the correct answer

1) Limit your answer to the choices given. You may know that chocolate and coffee are also flavors made

from beans, but they are not listed Rather than thinking of other possible answers, focus only on the choices given (“which of the following”)

2) Eliminate incorrect answers. You may know that strawberry and cherry flavors are made from fruit and

that mint flavor is made from a plant That leaves vanilla as the only possible answer

3) Verify your answer You can substitute “vanilla” for the phrase “which of the following” and turn the

question into this statement: “Vanilla is a flavor made from beans.” This will help you be sure that your answer

is correct If you’re still uncertain, try substituting the other choices to see if they make sense You may want

to use this technique as you answer selected-response questions on the practice tests

Try a more challenging example

The vanilla bean question is pretty straightforward, but you’ll find that more challenging questions have a

similar structure For example:

Entries in outlines are generally arranged according

to which of the following relationships of ideas?

(A) Literal and inferential (B) Concrete and abstract (C) Linear and recursive (D) Main and subordinate

You’ll notice that this example also contains the phrase “which of the following.” This phrase helps you

determine that your answer will be a “relationship of ideas” from the choices provided You are supposed to find

the choice that describes how entries, or ideas, in outlines are related

Sometimes it helps to put the question in your own words Here, you could paraphrase the question in this way:

“How are outlines usually organized?” Since the ideas in outlines usually appear as main ideas and subordinate

ideas, the answer is (D)

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions

QUICK TIP: Don’t be intimidated by words you may not understand It might be easy to be thrown by words

like “recursive” or “inferential.” Read carefully to understand the question and look for an answer that fits An

outline is something you are probably familiar with and expect to teach to your students So slow down, and

use what you know

Watch out for selected-response questions containing “NOT,” “LEAST,” and “EXCEPT”

This type of question asks you to select the choice that does not fit You must be very careful because it is easy

to forget that you are selecting the negative This question type is used in situations in which there are several

good solutions or ways to approach something, but also a clearly wrong way

How to approach questions about graphs, tables, or reading passages

When answering questions about graphs, tables, or reading passages, provide only the information that the

questions ask for In the case of a map or graph, you might want to read the questions first, and then look at the

map or graph In the case of a long reading passage, you might want to go ahead and read the passage first,

noting places you think are important, and then answer the questions Again, the important thing is to be sure

you answer the questions as they refer to the material presented So read the questions carefully

How to approach unfamiliar formats

New question formats are developed from time to time to find new ways of assessing knowledge Tests may

include audio and video components, such as a movie clip or animation, instead of a map or reading passage

Other tests may allow you to zoom in on details in a graphic or picture

Tests may also include interactive questions These questions take advantage of technology to assess

knowledge and skills in ways that standard selected-response questions cannot If you see a format you are

not familiar with, read the directions carefully The directions always give clear instructions on how you are

expected to respond

QUICK TIP: Don’t make the questions more difficult than they are Don’t read for hidden meanings or tricks

There are no trick questions on Praxis tests They are intended to be serious, straightforward tests of

your knowledge

Understanding Constructed-Response Questions

Constructed-response questions require you to demonstrate your knowledge in a subject area by creating

your own response to particular topics Essays and short-answer questions are types of constructed-response

questions

For example, an essay question might present you with a topic and ask you to discuss the extent to which you

agree or disagree with the opinion stated You must support your position with specific reasons and examples

from your own experience, observations, or reading

Take a look at a few sample essay topics:

• “Celebrities have a tremendous influence on the young, and for that reason, they have a responsibility to act as role models.”

• “We are constantly bombarded by advertisements—on television and radio, in newspapers and magazines, on highway signs, and the sides of buses They have become too pervasive It’s time to put limits on advertising.”

• “Advances in computer technology have made the classroom unnecessary, since students and teachers are able to communicate with one another from computer terminals at home or at work.”

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions

Keep these things in mind when you respond to a constructed-response question

1) Answer the question accurately Analyze what each part of the question is asking you to do If the question asks you to describe or discuss, you should provide more than just a list

2) Answer the question completely. If a question asks you to do three distinct things in your response, you should cover all three things for the best score Otherwise, no matter how well you write, you will not be awarded full credit

3) Answer the question that is asked. Do not change the question or challenge the basis of the question You will receive no credit or a low score if you answer another question or if you state, for example, that there is no possible answer

4) Give a thorough and detailed response. You must demonstrate that you have a thorough understanding of the subject matter However, your response should be straightforward and not filled with unnecessary information

5) Reread your response. Check that you have written what you thought you wrote Be sure not to leave sentences unfinished or omit clarifying information

QUICK TIP: You may find that it helps to take notes on scratch paper so that you don’t miss any details Then

you’ll be sure to have all the information you need to answer the question

For tests that have constructed-response questions, more detailed information can be found on page 5

Step 3: Practice with Sample Test Questions

3 Practice with Sample Test Questions

Answer practice questions and find explanations for correct answers

Computer Delivery

This test is available via computer delivery The following sample question provides a preview of an actual

screen used in a computer-delivered test For the purposes of this Study Companion, the sample questions are

shown as they would appear in a paper-delivered test

Step 3: Practice with Sample Test Questions

Sample Test Questions

The sample questions that follow illustrate the kinds of questions

on the test They are not, however, representative of the entire

scope of the test in either content or difficulty Answers with

explanations follow the questions.

Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete

statements below is followed by four suggested answers or

completions Select the one that is best in each case

1 A person, starting at point A, walks 300 m

directly north The person then turns and walks 400 m directly east, stopping at point

B What is the displacement of the person between points A and B?

(A) 100 m(B) 350 m(C) 500 m(D) 700 m

2 Which of the following properties of an object

determines whether the object will float or sink in water?

(A) Density(B) Inertia(C) Volume(D) Weight

3 A 2 W resistor and a 4 W resistor are

connected in parallel to an ideal 12 V battery

to form a closed circuit What is the current supplied by the battery?

(A) 2 A(B) 6 A(C) 9 A(D) 16 A

4 Of the following substances, which is the best conductor of electricity?

(A) Fused quartz(B) Seawater(C) Hard rubber(D) Stainless steel

5 Of the following regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, which has waves

of the highest frequency?

(A) X-ray(B) Radio(C) Visible(D) Ultraviolet

6 The Doppler effect is used to explain which of the following phenomena?

(A) Diffraction of electrons(B) Emission and absorption spectra of hydrogen

(C) Blackbody radiation(D) Redshift of light from distant galaxies

Step 3: Practice with Sample Test Questions

7 Which of the following scientists first

proposed the concept of matter waves?

(A) Bohr(B) Einstein(C) Planck(D) de Broglie

8 Which of the following is true about the

production of electricity by means of nuclear power?

(A) It causes carbon dioxide to be emitted in large amounts into the atmosphere

(B) Radioactive waste is produced as a product and must be disposed of safely

by-(C) It is much less efficient than other methods of producing electricity

(D) Nuclear power is a renewable source of energy, in contrast to fossil fuels, which are nonrenewable

9 Of the following processes, which involves a

physical change only?

(A) Refining oil(B) Smelting copper(C) Magnetizing iron(D) Oxidizing silver

10 The Bohr model was successful at explaining

which of the following?

(A) Electromagnetic induction(B) Wave-particle duality(C) Expansion of the universe(D) Emission and absorption spectra of hydrogen

11 The first law of thermodynamics relates which

of the following quantities?

(A) Internal energy, heat, and work(B) Force, mass, and acceleration(C) Voltage, current, and resistance(D) Pressure, volume, and temperature

12 The transfer of thermal energy through a vacuum by means of electromagnetic wave propagation is known as

(A) radiation(B) convection(C) advection(D) conduction

13 Object 1 has a kinetic energy equal to K1 Object 2 has four times the mass and one-fourth the speed of object 1 What is the kinetic energy of object 2 ?

(B) 5 s(C) 2 10 s(D) 20 s

15 A block of mass m, moving to the right with

speed u along a frictionless surface, collides with and sticks to a second block of

mass 2 m that is initially at rest With what

speed and in what direction do the blocks move after the collision?

Step 3: Practice with Sample Test Questions

16 The electrostatic force between two point

charges, q1 and q2, separated by a distance

R, is F If the distance between the two

charges is decreased to 1

between the charges?

17 Which of the following devices transforms

mechanical energy into electrical energy?

(A) A transformer(B) A generator(C) A motor(D) A solar cell

18 Which of the following is used to estimate the

age of rocks on Earth?

(A) Fluorescence(B) Nuclear magnetic resonance(C) The Doppler effect

(D) Radioactive decay

19 In the photoelectric effect, light incident on

the surface of a metal results in the emission

of electrons from the surface Which of the following is a true statement about the photoelectric effect?

(A) The incident light must be above a threshold frequency for electrons to be emitted

(B) The work function of the metal surface must be equal to zero for electrons to be emitted

(C) The number of electrons emitted is independent of the intensity of the incident light

(D) The energy of the emitted electrons increases with an increase in the wavelength of the incident light

20 A satellite of mass m is in a circular orbit of

radius R around Earth What is the orbital speed of the satellite? (M E is the mass of

Earth, and G is the universal gravitational

constant.)(A) 0(B) GM

of Earth Approximately how long does it take Jupiter to make a complete revolution around the Sun?

(A) 5 years(B) 5 years(C) 5 5 years(D) 25 years

22 A simple pendulum that has a period T on

Earth's surface is transported to the surface

of a planet where the force of gravity is twice

as great as the force of gravity on Earth What

is the period of the pendulum on the planet?

(Assume air resistance is negligible on both planets.)

(A) 2T (B) T

(C) T2(D) T2

23 Which THREE of the following are true statements about a ray of light that travels obliquely from air into glass?

(A) The wavelength of the light increases

(B) The speed of the light decreases

(C) The frequency of the light remains the same

(D) The light ray bends toward the normal

Step 3: Practice with Sample Test Questions

24 An organ pipe of length L, open at both ends,

will vibrate at a fundamental frequency equal

to which of the following? ( us is the speed of sound in air.)

(A) 4u L s(B) u s

25 An ideal gas expands at constant temperature

until it quadruples in volume The final pressure of the gas is equal to

(A) four times the initial pressure(B) two times the initial pressure(C) one-half the initial pressure(D) one-fourth the initial pressure

26 According to kinetic molecular theory, the

average translational kinetic energy of the particles of a gas is proportional to which of the following properties of the gas?

(A) Pressure(B) Absolute temperature(C) Volume

(D) Entropy

27 A block of mass m is sliding at constant

speed u down a ramp inclined at an angle

q with respect to level ground The magnitude

of the frictional force acting on the block is

equal to which of the following? ( g is the

acceleration due to gravity.)(A) 0

is true about the projectile at all points along its path of motion?

(A) The net force acting on the projectile is equal to zero

(B) The only force acting on the projectile is the force of gravity

(C) The speed of the projectile is constant

(D) The acceleration of the projectile is equal

to zero

29 According to which of the following laws does

a changing magnetic flux through a closed circuit induce an electromotive force (e m f) in that circuit?

(A) Gauss's law(B) Coulomb's law(C) Faraday's law(D) Lorentz force law

30 An electron moving with a velocity v enters a region in which the magnetic field B is perpendicular to the velocity of the electron

The magnetic force on the electron in the region is

(A) equal to zero(B) parallel to v

(C) parallel to B

(D) perpendicular to both v and B

31 Which THREE of the following are produced when a free neutron decays?

(A) A proton(B) A photon(C) An antineutrino(D) An electron

Step 3: Practice with Sample Test Questions

1 The correct answer is (C) The person's path from point A to point B consists of the two sides of

a 3 4 5- - right triangle of lengths 300 m and

400 m The displacement of the person is equal to the length of the hypotenuse of the 3 4 5- - triangle, or

h= ( 300 m)2 + ( 400 m)2 = 100 32 + 42 m = 500 m

2 The correct answer is (A) From Archimedes’

principle, it is the density of an object that determines whether the object will float or sink in water Objects with a density less than the density

of water will float

3 The correct answer is (C) By Ohm's law, the current supplied by the battery is given by the equation I

R eq

= 12 V, where R eq is the equivalent resistance The resistors are connected in parallel and the battery is ideal (i.e., has zero internal resistance), which means that

R eq = (22WW)(+44WW) = 43W Thus, I = (4/3)12 V = A

4 The correct answer is (D) Of the substances listed, stainless steel, which is an alloy of iron (a metal), is the best conductor of electricity The substances can be ordered from least electrically conducting to most electrically conducting as follows: fused quartz, hard rubber, seawater, and stainless steel

5 The correct answer is (A) The listed regions of the electromagnetic spectrum can be ordered from highest frequency waves to lowest frequency waves as follows: x-ray, ultraviolet, visible, and radio

6 The correct answer is (D) The Doppler effect is used to explain the shift toward longer

wavelengths of the spectral lines from distant, receding galaxies

7 The correct answer is (D) Louis de Broglie first proposed that all matter has wave properties

8 The correct answer is (B) Radioactive waste is a by-product of a nuclear power plant and must be disposed of safely

9 The correct answer is (C) The magnetization of iron is a physical change that does not alter the chemical composition of the iron

10 The correct answer is (D) The Bohr model of the atom, which introduced the concept of discrete atomic energy levels, was able to explain the emission and absorption spectra of hydrogen

11 The correct answer is (A) The first law of thermodynamics is a statement of the law of conservation of energy and relates the following quantities: internal energy, heat, and work

12 The correct answer is (A) Radiation is the transfer of thermal energy through a vacuum by means of electromagnetic waves

13 The correct answer is (B),

2

1 12 1

12

1

2 4

14

18

14

= u = ( )( )u = u =

14 The correct answer is (C) From kinematics,

y = y0 +u0t+ 12gt2 Now, y0 = and 0 u0 = 0, which gives y = 12gt2 Solving for t,

collision has magnitude m υ and is directed to the

right Thus, the momentum after the collision must

have magnitude m υ and be directed to the right

The combined mass of the two blocks is equal to

3m , which means their speed is equal to 1

πe If the distance is decreased

to 13 , the force between the charges becomes

Step 3: Practice with Sample Test Questions

19 The correct answer is (A) There is a minimum frequency of the incident light, known as the threshold frequency, below which electrons will not be emitted

20 The correct answer is (B) For circular motion in

a gravitational field, the centripetal force on the satellite is equal to the gravitational force on the satellite, or m

R

GM m R

E

υ2 2

= Solving for the orbital speed gives υ= GM

r

Jupiter Earth

Jupiter Earth

22 The correct answer is (C) The period T of a

simple pendulum is given by the equation

23 The correct answers are (B), (C), and (D) Glass has a higher index of refraction than air, which means that the speed of light is less in the glass

Thus, (B) is true The frequency is not affected by the medium, which means (C) is true Since speed

is equal to wavelength times frequency, the wavelength decreases Thus, (A) is false By Snell’s law, the light ray will bend toward the normal, which means (D) is true

24 The correct answer is (B) For an open organ pipe vibrating at the fundamental frequency, both ends of the pipe must be antinodes That is, the

length L of the pipe must be equal to 1

2λ, where

λ is the wavelength of the sound, or L=λ

2 Thus, f

26 The correct answer is (B) For a dimensional gas, the average translational kinetic energy of the gas particles is equal to 32kT , where

three-k is Boltzmann’s constant and T is the absolute

temperature

27 The correct answer is (D) The block is moving

at constant speed down the ramp, which means that the net force on the block is equal to zero

Thus, the frictional force must be equal in magnitude to the component of the weight of the

block that is directed along the ramp, or mgsin θ

28 The correct answer is (B) In the absence of air resistance, gravity is the only force acting on the projectile at all points along its path of motion

29 The correct answer is (C) Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction states that the induced electromotive force (e m f ) in a closed circuit is equal to the rate of change of the magnetic flux through it

30 The correct answer is (D) According to the Lorentz force law, the magnetic force F on the electron is equal to the vector product −e v B× , which means that F is perpendicular to both v and B

31 The correct answers are (A), (C), and (D) A free neutron decays into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino

Step 4: Determine Your Strategy for Success

4 Determine Your Strategy for Success

Set clear goals and deadlines so your test preparation is focused and efficient

Effective Praxis test preparation doesn’t just happen You’ll want to set clear goals and deadlines for yourself

along the way Otherwise, you may not feel ready and confident on test day

1) Learn what the test covers.

You may have heard that there are several different versions of the same test It’s true You may take one version of the test and your friend may take a different version a few months later Each test has different questions covering the same subject area, but both versions of the test measure the same skills and content knowledge

You’ll find specific information on the test you’re taking on page 5, which outlines the content categories that the test measures and what percentage of the test covers each topic Visit www.ets.org/praxis/

testprep for information on other Praxis tests.

2) Assess how well you know the content.

Research shows that test takers tend to overestimate their preparedness—this is why some test takers assume they did well and then find out they did not pass

The Praxis tests are demanding enough to require serious review of likely content, and the longer you’ve

been away from the content, the more preparation you will most likely need If it has been longer than a few months since you’ve studied your content area, make a concerted effort to prepare

3) Collect study materials.

Gathering and organizing your materials for review are critical steps in preparing for the Praxis tests Consider

the following reference sources as you plan your study:

• Did you take a course in which the content area was covered? If yes, do you still have your books or your notes?

• Does your local library have a high school-level textbook in this area? Does your college library have a good introductory college-level textbook in this area?

Practice materials are available for purchase for many Praxis tests at www.ets.org/praxis/testprep Test preparation materials include sample questions and answers with explanations

4) Plan and organize your time.

You can begin to plan and organize your time while you are still collecting materials Allow yourself plenty of review time to avoid cramming new material at the end Here are a few tips:

• Choose a test date far enough in the future to leave you plenty of preparation time Test dates can be found at www.ets.org/praxis/register/dates_centers

• Work backward from that date to figure out how much time you will need for review

• Set a realistic schedule—and stick to it

Step 4: Determine Your Strategy for Success

5) Practice explaining the key concepts.

Praxis tests with constructed-response questions assess your ability to explain material effectively As a

teacher, you’ll need to be able to explain concepts and processes to students in a clear, understandable way What are the major concepts you will be required to teach? Can you explain them in your own words accurately, completely, and clearly? Practice explaining these concepts to test your ability to effectively explain what you know

6) Understand how questions will be scored.

Scoring information can be found on page 42

7) Develop a study plan.

A study plan provides a road map to prepare for the Praxis tests It can help you understand what skills and

knowledge are covered on the test and where to focus your attention Use the study plan template on page

27 to organize your efforts

And most important—get started!

Would a Study Group Work for You?

Using this guide as part of a study group

People who have a lot of studying to do sometimes find it helpful to form a study group with others who are

working toward the same goal Study groups give members opportunities to ask questions and get detailed

answers In a group, some members usually have a better understanding of certain topics, while others in the

group may be better at other topics As members take turns explaining concepts to one another, everyone

builds self-confidence

If the group encounters a question that none of the members can answer well, the group can go to a teacher or

other expert and get answers efficiently Because study groups schedule regular meetings, members study in a

more disciplined fashion They also gain emotional support The group should be large enough so that multiple

people can contribute different kinds of knowledge, but small enough so that it stays focused Often, three to

six members is a good size

Here are some ways to use this guide as part of a study group:

• Plan the group’s study program. Parts of the study plan template, beginning on page 27 can help

to structure your group’s study program By filling out the first five columns and sharing the worksheets, everyone will learn more about your group’s mix of abilities and about the resources, such as textbooks, that members can share with the group In the sixth column (“Dates I will study the content”), you can create an overall schedule for your group’s study program

• Plan individual group sessions. At the end of each session, the group should decide what specific

topics will be covered at the next meeting and who will present each topic Use the topic headings and subheadings in the Test at a Glance table on page 5 to select topics, and then select practice questions, beginning on page 16

• Prepare your presentation for the group. When it’s your turn to present, prepare something that is

more than a lecture Write two or three original questions to pose to the group Practicing writing actual questions can help you better understand the topics covered on the test as well as the types of questions you will encounter on the test It will also give other members of the group extra practice at answering questions