WEST Physics (308): Test Practice & Study Guide

About This Course

In September 2016, the WEST-E Physics exam was replaced with the NES Physics (308) exam. This WEST Physics Study Guide was updated to reflect the most up-to-date content on the NES Physics exam.

This study guide reviews the information you'll need to prepare for and succeed at the WEST/NES Physics Exam. Our video and text lessons let you refresh your physics knowledge as you get ready for the test, which is required of anyone seeking certification to teach this subject in Washington State. With this study guide, you'll enjoy preparing for test topics including:

• Fundamental physics concepts
• Principles of mechanics
• Major rules of electricity and magnetism
• Properties of waves
• Principles of scientific investigation and research
• How students think about physics concepts

About the Exam

The WEST/NES Physics test is a computer-based exam with 110 multiple-choice questions. This test is divided into six content areas, and you'll be allotted three hours, 45 minutes to complete the entire test. There are no time limits for each content area within that total time.

WEST/NES Physics Preparation & Registration

This study guide will help you renew your knowledge of the topics on the WEST/NES Physics test. You probably studied these concepts in your college courses, but our video lessons may show you some new information as well. Lessons look at science history, important scientists, relationships between science and other disciplines and mathematics used in physics. Scientific research and inquiry, as well as safety procedures for the lab are discussed. Other lessons examine concepts involving the laws of motion, linear momentum, magnetism, wave optics, thermodynamics and nuclear physics. The multiple-choice quizzes that follow each lesson let you assess your knowledge and practice answering questions in a format similar to what you'll see on the real test.

Tests are offered at centers in Washington State and throughout the country year-round, Monday through Saturday, except for some holidays. You'll be e-mailed a confirmation with the time, date and location of your test. On test day, bring a government -issued photo ID with a signature. It must be in the name under which you registered.

WEST/NES Physics Test Scoring

You'll get your scores within two to six weeks after taking the test. Institutions that you specified at registration will be notified then as well. A passing score is 240. You aren't penalized for wrong answers, so it's best to guess rather than leave a question blank.

Major Concepts in Physics

Percentage of questions: 15%

Exam topics covered: Mathematics in physics, properties of energy and matter, thermodynamics, atomic structure, characteristics of Galilean relativity, theory of special relativity and properties of fundamental particles

What you'll study: Our comprehensive study guide covers topics including descriptions of various sciences, mathematics used in physics and the relationships between physics and other disciplines.

Mechanics

Percentage of questions: 25%

Exam topics covered: Kinematics, principles of dynamics in one and two dimensions, principles of the conservation of energy and momentum, principles of gravitation, torque and rotational dynamics

What you'll study: Scalars, vectors, velocity, Newton's laws of motion, weight, mass and gravity, equilibrium, stability and simple machines are examined in our study guide.

Electricity and Magnetism

Percentage of questions: 15%

Exam topics covered: Principles of electrostatics, Coulomb's law, technological applications of electronics, Lenz's law, properties of electronic components, Faraday's law and properties of permanent magnets

What you'll study: This study guide looks at topics including force fields, electric potential, capacitance, Coulomb's law, electric currents, Ohm's law, electric power, electrical resistance, magnetic fields and Faraday's law.

Wave Properties

Percentage of questions: 15%

Exam topics covered: Harmonic motion, the superposition principle, problems of amplitude, wavelength and phase, production of sound waves, the Doppler effect and principles of light, optics and electromagnetic radiation

What you'll study: Our lessons will help you review topics including vibrations, wave parameters, transverse and longitudinal waves, sound waves, color, resonance and mirrors.

Nature of Science and Inquiry

Percentage of questions: 15%

Exam topics covered: Principles of scientific investigation and communication, formats for organizing data, scientific equipment, safety rules for the lab, science history and the relationships between science, technology, culture and society

What you'll study: The lessons in our study guide examine science history, safety procedures, scientific notation, kinds of research methods, interpreting graphs and branches of science.

Student Ideas in Physics

Percentage of questions: 15%

Exam topics covered: How to understand student ideas about various physics topics including motion, force, basic electricity, energy, heat and temperature, and light

What you'll study: This course's lessons include review of all these physics topics that a teacher needs to understand from a student's viewpoint.

Washington Educators Skills Tests (WEST) and the NES (National Evaluation Series) are registered trademarks of Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates, which is not affiliated with Study.com.