The BMAT test involves various components across Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics - which make up Section 2. Understanding BMAT physics equations is therefore vital to success. Here, we break down the BMAT Syllabus as it covers Physics, with particular focus on equations - and some further tips.

P1. Electricity

P1.2 Electric circuits:

Know and recognise the basic circuit symbols and diagrams, including: cell, battery, light source, resistor, variable resistor, ammeter, voltmeter, switch, diode.Understand the difference between alternating current (ac) and direct current (dc).Understand the difference between conductors and insulators, and recall examples of each type.Know and be able to apply: current = charge/timeKnow and understand the use of voltmeters and ammeters.Know and be able to apply: resistance = voltage/currentKnow and be able to apply: voltage = energy/chargeKnow and be able to apply: power = current × voltageKnow and be able to apply: energy transfer = power × time

P2. Magnetism

Know and be able to apply F = BIL for a straight wire at right angles to a uniform magnetic field.Know and understand the construction and operation of a dc motor, including factors affecting the magnitude of the force produced.Understand applications of electromagnets.34Know that a consequence of 100% efficiency is total transfer of electrical power, and that this gives rise to the following relationship: VpIp = VsIs. Know and use this relationship to solve problems.Know that a consequence of 100% efficiency is total transfer of electrical power, and that this gives rise to the following relationship: VpIp = VsIs. Know and use this relationship to solve problems.Understand power transmission, including calculating losses during transmission and the need for high voltage.

P3. Mechanics

P3.1 Kinematics:

Know and understand the difference between scalar and vector quantities.Know and understand the difference between distance and displacement and between speed and velocity.Know and be able to apply: speed = distance , time
velocity = change in displacement timeKnow and be able to apply: acceleration = change in velocity timeInterpret distance–time, displacement–time, speed–time and velocity–time graphs.Perform calculations using gradients and areas under graphs.Know and be able to apply: average speed = total distance total timeKnow and be able to apply the equation of motion: v2 – u2 = 2as

P3.3 Force and extension:

 

Interpret force–extension graphs.Understand elastic and inelastic extension, and elastic limits.Know and be able to apply Hooke’s law (F = kx), and understand the meaning of the limit of proportionality.Understand energy stored in a stretched spring as: E = 21 F x = 21 k x 2

P3.4 Newton’s laws:

Know and understand Newton’s first law as: ‘a body will remain at rest or in a state of uniform motion in a straight line unless acted on by a resultant external force’.Understand mass as a property that resists change in motion (inertia).Know and understand Newton’s second law as: force = mass × accelerationKnow and understand Newton’s third law as: ‘if body A exerts a force on body B then body B exerts an equal and opposite force of the same type on body A’.


P3.5 Mass and weight:

 

Know and understand the difference between mass and weight.Know and be able to apply gravitational field strength, g, approximated as 10Nkg–1 onEarth.Know and be able to apply the relationship between mass and weight: w = mgUnderstand free-fall acceleration.Know the factors affecting air resistance.Understand terminal velocity and the forces involved.

P3.6 Momentum:

 

Know and be able to apply: momentum = mass × velocity, p = mvKnow and be able to use the law of conservation of momentum in calculations in one dimension.Know and be able to apply: force = rate of change of momentum

P3.7 Energy:

Know and be able to apply: work = force × distance moved (in direction of force)Understand work done as a transfer of energy.Know and be able to apply: gravitational potential energy = mgh, where h is the difference in height of the object.Know and be able to apply: kinetic energy = 21 mv 2Know and be able to apply: power = energy transfer / time
f. Know and be able to use in calculations the law of conservation of energy.Understand the concepts of useful energy and wasted energy.
Know and be able to apply: percentage efficiency = useful output / total input * 100

P4. Thermal physics

P4.4 Heat capacity:

Understand the effect of energy transferred to or from an object on its temperature.Know and be able to apply: specific heat capacity = thermal energymass × temperature changewhere temperature is measured in °C and specific heat capacity, c, is measured in J kg–1 °C–1.

P5. Matter

P5.2 Ideal gases:

Be able to explain pressure and temperature in terms of the behaviour of particles.Understand and be able to apply the effect of pressure (P ) on gas volume (V ) at constant temperature, i.e. PV = constant.
P5.4 Density:Know and be able to apply: density = mass/volumeUnderstand the experimental determination of densities.
Be able to compare the densities of solids, liquids and gases.
P5.5 Pressure:Know and be able to apply: pressure = force areaKnow and be able to apply: hydrostatic pressure = hρg, where h is the height, or depth, of the liquid.

P6. Waves

P6.1 Wave properties:

Understand the transfer of energy without net movement of matter.Know and understand transverse and longitudinal waves.Know and understand the terms: peak, trough, compression and rarefaction.Recall examples of waves, including electromagnetic waves and sound.Know and be able to use the terms: amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period.Know and be able to apply: frequency = 1/periodKnow and be able to apply: wave speed = distance/timEKnow and be able to apply: wave speed = frequency × wavelength, v = fλ

P7.4 Half-life:

a. Be able to interpret graphical representations of radioactive decay (including consideration of decay products).
b. Understand the meaning of the term half-life.
c. Understand and be able to apply half-life calculations.

BMAT Test Physics Tips

Here are three tips to help you excel in the physics section of the BMAT:

Review basic concepts: The physics section of the BMAT test basic concepts in physics, so it's essential to review these concepts before the exam. Topics such as forces, motion, energy, and waves are crucial and should be thoroughly understood.Practise with sample questions: To get a better understanding of the types of questions that will be asked, practice with sample questions. This will also help you identify areas where you need to improve. You can use sites like BlackStone Tutors for this.Pay attention to units: Paying attention to units is essential in physics. Make sure you understand the units used in the exam and know how to convert between them.