PAT Practice Papers: 200 Questions in the style of the Physics Aptitude Test with Detailed Worked Solutions

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We upload past test papers and reports on test outcomes as they become available to help prospective students prepare for the PAT. Note that the PAT has evolved over time and that past papers dated before May 2006 are based on an earlier syllabus and are not relevant to the current test. While the more recent papers will more closely resemble what you are likely to see in terms of format, looking at all past papers will still provide a good steer as to the likely content of future papers. Changes to the PAT

Simplifying integrals by symmetry arguments including use of the properties of even and odd functions (where an even function has f(x)= f(-x), an odd function has f(-x)= - f(x)). Response of a system to multiple forces; Newton's laws of motion; know the difference between weight (= mg) and mass; vector addition of forces. The older past papers have plenty of questions that will help in your preparation, but be aware that the format of these papers aren’t representative of the exam as it’s currently made. Approved test centres can register candidates for Oxford admission tests anytime between 1 September and 29 September.Use of the binomial expansion for expressions such as (a+bx) n, using only positive integer values of n. The PAT is now hybrid - with online questions and a paper answer booklet; however, the older papers will still be of use when preparing. Please note that from 2023, only use of the digital scientific calculators provided on the test platform will be permitted. You can explore using this via the online practice PAT. You’re allowed a calculator in the PAT, but you should still aim to only use it when absolutely necessary. You’re only going to be allowed a basic one anyway, so you’re going to have to do most of the complex calculations yourself.

Knowledge of circular orbits under gravity including orbital speed, radius, period, centripetal acceleration, and gravitational centripetal force. This may include equating the force between two masses due to gravity (F=GM 1M 2/r 2) to centripetal force of a smaller body orbiting a larger body (F=mω 2r or F=mv 2/r) and use of centripetal acceleration (a=v 2/r or a=ω 2r). Know what is meant by the phrases ‘phases of the moon’ and ‘eclipses’ and how the position of the observer on the Earth affects their view of these events. Look over a range of past papers to help to familiarise you with the format of the test and the content covered. We also publish reports for each test; reports contain information such as the average mark on the paper and the mark students needed to achieve an interview. Do not expect to get all of it correct – most years the average is 50-60%. Circular motion including equations for centripetal force (F=mω 2r or F=mv 2/r) and acceleration (a=v 2/r or a=ω 2r).The 2023 test will still take the same question format as the past papers from 2018, 2019 and 2020: these and the older papers will still be of use when preparing Taking any type of test or exam can be stressful, but you can help build your confidence by doing some preparation ahead of time. You may also do better in the real test if you've practised some past papers, and got used to the format and timings of the admissions test you have to take. Preparing for the PAT course: this course is run by the Department of Physics and features a mix of in-person (where possible) and online tuition, including mentoring by current students. This course is for year 12 students from state-funded schools, academies and colleges with little or no history of successful applications to the University of Oxford.

Levers (including taking moments about a point on an object), pulleys (including calculating the tension in a rope or the overall motion in a system of ropes and pulleys) and other simple machines combining levers, springs and pulleys. Understanding that current is a flow of electrons; the photoelectric effect, where photoelectrons are emitted if they are given sufficient energy to overcome the work function of the material, and how to find the energy of accelerated electron beams ( energy = charge x potential difference). Problems may be set which require problem solving based on information provided rather than knowledge about a topic. Springs, including knowledge of Hooke's law (Force = - kx) and stored potential energy ( = 1/2 kx 2). In 2017, the physics and maths sections were mixed up with one another rather than being two distinct sections

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Elementary trigonometry including relationships between sine, cosine and tangent (sum and difference formulae will be stated if required).