Physics is the subject that students preparing for the MDCAT exam tend to fear the most. With 36 MCQs carrying 20% of the total marks, it is a section that can significantly boost your aggregate — or drag it down if you are unprepared. The good news is that PMC has a clear pattern of repeating core concepts and numerical types year after year.
We analyzed MDCAT papers from 2008 to 2025 and identified the 30 most frequently tested Physics MCQs. These questions span all 16 chapters of the FSc Physics syllabus and focus on the concepts that PMC examiners consistently return to. If you can confidently answer every one of these, you are already well on your way to a strong Physics score.
Physics in the MDCAT is not just about memorizing formulas. Around 60% of the questions are conceptual, while the remaining 40% are numerical problems that require you to apply equations quickly. Understanding the fundamental principles behind each formula is what separates top scorers from the rest. Many students make the mistake of skipping Physics or leaving it for the last month — this is a costly error since these 36 marks are among the most predictable in the exam once you know the pattern.
MDCAT Physics at a Glance: 36 MCQs | 20% weightage | 16 chapters from FSc Part-I & Part-II | A mix of conceptual and numerical questions. No negative marking, so attempt every question.
Chapter-wise Frequency Analysis
Not all chapters carry equal weight. Some chapters appear far more frequently than others based on past paper analysis. Here is the approximate MCQ distribution you can expect:
| Chapter | Approx. MCQs per Paper | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Current Electricity | 3–4 | Very High |
| Electrostatics | 3–4 | Very High |
| Waves | 3–4 | Very High |
| Force and Motion | 2–3 | High |
| Work and Energy | 2–3 | High |
| Electromagnetism | 2–3 | High |
| Nuclear Physics | 2–3 | High |
| Dawn of Modern Physics | 2–3 | High |
| Electromagnetic Induction | 2–3 | High |
| Vectors and Equilibrium | 1–2 | Medium |
| Rotational and Circular Motion | 1–2 | Medium |
| Thermodynamics | 1–2 | Medium |
| Fluid Dynamics | 1–2 | Medium |
| Alternating Current | 1–2 | Medium |
| Electronics | 1–2 | Medium |
| Atomic Spectra | 1–2 | Medium |
As you can see, Current Electricity, Electrostatics, and Waves are the three highest-yield chapters. Together they can account for nearly 10 of the 36 questions. Students who master these three chapters alone secure a significant portion of their Physics marks. However, neglecting any chapter entirely is risky since PMC can include questions from any topic.
Current Electricity
Chapter: Current Electricity
Question 1
The SI unit of electrical resistance is:
Explanation: Electrical resistance is measured in ohms (symbol: omega). By Ohm's law, R = V/I, so 1 ohm = 1 volt per ampere. This is one of the most basic and frequently tested definitions in MDCAT Physics.
Chapter: Current Electricity
Question 2
When resistors are connected in parallel, the equivalent resistance is:
Explanation: In a parallel combination, the reciprocal of equivalent resistance equals the sum of reciprocals of individual resistances: 1/R_eq = 1/R_1 + 1/R_2 + ... This always gives a value less than the smallest individual resistance, because adding more paths reduces overall resistance.
Chapter: Current Electricity
Question 3
Kirchhoff's first rule (junction rule) is based on the conservation of:
Explanation: Kirchhoff's first rule (junction rule) states that the sum of currents entering a junction equals the sum of currents leaving it. This is a direct consequence of the conservation of electric charge — charge cannot accumulate at a junction point.
Chapter: Current Electricity
Question 4
A Wheatstone bridge is used to measure:
Explanation: A Wheatstone bridge is an electrical circuit used to accurately measure an unknown resistance. When the bridge is balanced (no current through the galvanometer), the unknown resistance can be calculated using the relation R_1/R_2 = R_3/R_4.
Electrostatics
Chapter: Electrostatics
Question 5
The electric field inside a hollow charged conductor is:
Explanation: The electric field inside a hollow charged conductor is always zero in electrostatic equilibrium. All the charge resides on the outer surface, and the electric field lines originate from and terminate on the surface. This is a consequence of Gauss's law and is tested repeatedly in the MDCAT.
Chapter: Electrostatics
Question 6
The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor increases when:
Explanation: The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is given by C = epsilon_0 * K * A / d, where K is the dielectric constant, A is the plate area, and d is the separation. Inserting a dielectric (K > 1) increases the capacitance by a factor of K.
Chapter: Electrostatics
Question 7
According to Coulomb's law, the electrostatic force between two point charges is:
Explanation: Coulomb's law states that F = k * q_1 * q_2 / r^2. The force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This inverse-square law is fundamental to electrostatics.
Waves
Chapter: Waves
Question 8
The phenomenon in which two waves superimpose to form a resultant wave of greater or lower amplitude is called:
Explanation: Interference is the phenomenon where two waves superimpose at a point in space. If crests meet crests, the amplitude increases (constructive interference). If crests meet troughs, they cancel out (destructive interference). This principle is demonstrated in Young's double slit experiment.
Chapter: Waves
Question 9
The speed of sound in air at 0 degrees Celsius is approximately:
Explanation: The speed of sound in air at 0 degrees Celsius is approximately 332 m/s. It increases with temperature at a rate of about 0.61 m/s per degree Celsius. This value is a frequently tested fact in the MDCAT.
Chapter: Waves
Question 10
Stationary waves are produced by the superposition of two waves having:
Explanation: Stationary (standing) waves are formed when two waves of equal frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and superimpose. The result is a wave pattern with fixed nodes (zero displacement) and antinodes (maximum displacement) that does not propagate through the medium.
Chapter: Waves
Question 11
The Doppler effect is the change in the observed frequency of a wave due to:
Explanation: The Doppler effect refers to the change in observed frequency (or wavelength) of a wave when there is relative motion between the source and the observer. If the source approaches the observer, the observed frequency increases; if it moves away, the frequency decreases.
Force and Motion
Chapter: Force and Motion
Question 12
Newton's second law of motion states that the acceleration of a body is:
Explanation: Newton's second law states that F = ma, which means acceleration is directly proportional to the net applied force and inversely proportional to the mass. This law is the foundation of classical mechanics and appears in every MDCAT paper in some form.
Chapter: Force and Motion
Question 13
A projectile is launched at an angle of 45 degrees. For a given initial velocity, the range is:
Explanation: The range of a projectile is given by R = v^2 * sin(2 * theta) / g. Since sin(90 degrees) = 1, the range is maximum when theta = 45 degrees. This is one of the most commonly tested projectile motion concepts in the MDCAT.
Chapter: Force and Motion
Question 14
The momentum of a system of particles is conserved when:
Explanation: According to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum of an isolated system (one with no net external force) remains constant. Internal forces between particles of the system do not change the total momentum — only external forces can do that.
Work and Energy
Chapter: Work and Energy
Question 15
If the velocity of a moving body is doubled, its kinetic energy becomes:
Explanation: Kinetic energy is given by KE = (1/2) * m * v^2. Since KE is proportional to the square of velocity, doubling the velocity increases KE by a factor of 2^2 = 4. This numerical relationship is tested almost every year in the MDCAT.
Chapter: Work and Energy
Question 16
The work done by a force is zero when the angle between the force and displacement is:
Explanation: Work is defined as W = F * d * cos(theta). When theta = 90 degrees, cos(90 degrees) = 0, so the work done is zero. A common example is the centripetal force acting on a body in circular motion — it is always perpendicular to the displacement, so it does no work.
Electromagnetism
Chapter: Electromagnetism
Question 17
The force experienced by a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field is maximum when the angle between the conductor and the field is:
Explanation: The force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field is given by F = BIL * sin(theta). The force is maximum when theta = 90 degrees (conductor perpendicular to field), since sin(90 degrees) = 1. When the conductor is parallel to the field (theta = 0 degrees), the force is zero.
Chapter: Electromagnetism
Question 18
An electron moving in a uniform magnetic field follows a circular path because the magnetic force:
Explanation: The magnetic force on a moving charge is given by F = qv x B, which is always perpendicular to the velocity. Since the force is perpendicular, it changes the direction of the velocity without changing its magnitude, causing the electron to move in a circular path. The magnetic force acts as a centripetal force.
Electromagnetic Induction
Chapter: Electromagnetic Induction
Question 19
According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, the induced EMF is equal to:
Explanation: Faraday's law states that the induced EMF in a circuit equals the negative rate of change of magnetic flux through the circuit: EMF = -d(phi)/dt. The negative sign (Lenz's law) indicates that the induced EMF opposes the change in flux that produces it.
Chapter: Electromagnetic Induction
Question 20
Lenz's law is a consequence of the law of conservation of:
Explanation: Lenz's law states that the direction of the induced current is such that it opposes the change that causes it. This is a direct consequence of the conservation of energy — if the induced current aided the change, it would create energy from nothing, violating energy conservation.
Dawn of Modern Physics
Chapter: Dawn of Modern Physics
Question 21
In the photoelectric effect, the kinetic energy of the emitted electrons depends on:
Explanation: According to Einstein's photoelectric equation, KE_max = hf - phi (work function). The maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons depends on the frequency of the incident light, not its intensity. Increasing intensity increases the number of emitted electrons but not their individual energy.
Chapter: Dawn of Modern Physics
Question 22
According to Einstein's mass-energy equivalence relation, the energy equivalent of 1 kg of mass is:
Explanation: From E = mc^2, E = 1 x (3 x 10^8)^2 = 9 x 10^16 joules. This enormous amount of energy from a small mass demonstrates why nuclear reactions release such tremendous energy. This is a frequently tested numerical in MDCAT.
Chapter: Dawn of Modern Physics
Question 23
The phenomenon of pair production involves the conversion of:
Explanation: In pair production, a high-energy photon (gamma ray with energy at least 1.02 MeV) is converted into an electron-positron pair in the presence of a heavy nucleus. This is a direct demonstration of mass-energy equivalence (E = mc^2) where energy is converted into matter.
Nuclear Physics
Chapter: Nuclear Physics
Question 24
In beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into:
Explanation: In beta-minus decay, a neutron in the nucleus converts into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino: n -> p + e^- + antineutrino. The atomic number increases by 1, but the mass number remains unchanged.
Chapter: Nuclear Physics
Question 25
The half-life of a radioactive substance is 8 days. What fraction of the substance will remain after 24 days?
Explanation: After n half-lives, the remaining fraction is (1/2)^n. Here, n = 24/8 = 3 half-lives. So the remaining fraction = (1/2)^3 = 1/8. Half-life numerical problems appear in almost every MDCAT paper.
Vectors and Equilibrium
Chapter: Vectors and Equilibrium
Question 26
Two forces of 3 N and 4 N act at right angles to each other. The magnitude of their resultant is:
Explanation: When two forces act at right angles, the resultant is found using the Pythagorean theorem: R = sqrt(3^2 + 4^2) = sqrt(9 + 16) = sqrt(25) = 5 N. This is the classic 3-4-5 right triangle and is one of the most repeated numerical problems in MDCAT.
Rotational and Circular Motion
Chapter: Rotational and Circular Motion
Question 27
The centripetal acceleration of a body moving in a circle of radius r with uniform speed v is:
Explanation: Centripetal acceleration is directed towards the centre of the circular path and is given by a_c = v^2/r, where v is the linear speed and r is the radius of the circular path. It can also be written as a_c = omega^2 * r, where omega is the angular velocity.
Thermodynamics
Chapter: Thermodynamics
Question 28
In an isothermal process, the temperature of the system:
Explanation: An isothermal process is one in which the temperature remains constant throughout (iso = same, thermal = temperature). For an ideal gas undergoing an isothermal process, the internal energy remains unchanged, and all the heat added to the system is used to do work. The process follows Boyle's law: PV = constant.
Electronics
Chapter: Electronics
Question 29
A p-n junction diode allows current to flow easily when it is:
Explanation: A p-n junction diode allows current to flow easily when it is forward biased — that is, the p-type material is connected to the positive terminal and the n-type to the negative terminal of the battery. This reduces the depletion region and allows majority carriers to cross the junction. In reverse bias, the depletion region widens and very little current flows.
Atomic Spectra
Chapter: Atomic Spectra
Question 30
In hydrogen atom, when an electron jumps from a higher energy level to the second energy level (n = 2), the spectral series produced is called:
Explanation: The Balmer series is produced when electrons transition from higher energy levels (n = 3, 4, 5, ...) to the second energy level (n = 2). This series lies in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The Lyman series corresponds to transitions to n = 1 (UV region), the Paschen series to n = 3 (infrared), and the Brackett series to n = 4 (infrared).
Tips for Scoring High in MDCAT Physics
Physics is the subject where strategic preparation pays off the most. Unlike Biology, where you need to memorize hundreds of facts, Physics rewards understanding. Here are proven tips from top MDCAT scorers:
- Master the formulas, but understand the concepts behind them. PMC increasingly asks conceptual questions where you need to know what happens when a variable changes. For example, knowing that KE = (1/2)mv^2 is not enough — you must understand that doubling velocity quadruples kinetic energy.
- Prioritize high-yield chapters. Current Electricity, Electrostatics, and Waves together account for approximately 30% of the Physics paper. If you are short on time, focus on these three chapters first before moving to others.
- Practice numerical problems daily. About 40% of Physics MCQs are numerical. Speed and accuracy come only with regular practice. Solve at least 10 numerical MCQs every day in the final two months.
- Learn unit analysis. When you are stuck on a numerical problem, dimensional analysis can help you eliminate incorrect options. For instance, if the answer should be in joules, any option not in joules can be eliminated immediately.
- Memorize key constants and values. Speed of light (3 x 10^8 m/s), speed of sound at 0 degrees Celsius (332 m/s), charge of electron (1.6 x 10^-19 C), Planck's constant (6.63 x 10^-34 J.s), gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s^2) — these appear in calculations every year.
- Solve past papers from 2017 onwards. PMC-era papers show a clear pattern. You will notice the same concepts being tested in slightly different question formats. This builds familiarity with the exam style.
- Do not skip any chapter entirely. Even chapters like Fluid Dynamics or Alternating Current that seem less common can give you 1-2 easy marks. In a competitive exam where the merit difference is 1-2 marks, these count.
- Draw circuit diagrams and ray diagrams. For Current Electricity, Electrostatics, and Waves, sketching quick diagrams while solving helps avoid silly mistakes and clarifies the problem setup.
Pro Tip: Create a formula sheet organized by chapter and revise it every night before sleeping. Physics has roughly 80-100 important formulas across all 16 chapters. Repeated daily exposure is the most effective way to retain them for exam day.
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