Physics uses science and math to explain the movement of matter. Space, energy and time all combine to explain this natural science. Physics is a difficult subject matter to teach to junior high and high school students. Think you’re up to the task? Prove your proficiency by passing the FTCE Physics 6–12 test, which is required for aspiring Florida physics teachers.
The FTCE Physics 6–12 exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. You are given two hours and 30 minutes to complete these questions in an attempt to obtain a passing score of 200 or higher. You may not bring your own calculator, but you will be provided with a Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS scientific calculator.
You will be graded on your knowledge of seven competencies. The largest percentage of the test – 27% – will focus on your knowledge of mechanics. The other competencies are scientific investigation and instruction, mathematics of physics, thermodynamics, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics.
Within these competencies are various subject matters that the test will cover. These include scientific inquiry, scientific theories and laws, appropriate use of laboratory equipment, graphic and trigonometric methods, order of magnitude, units of measurement, heat transfer, ideal gas law, kinetic molecular theory, motion of objects moving in one dimension, impulse-momentum theorem, mechanical energy, torque, simple harmonic motion, moving fluids, center of mass, waves, particles, the Doppler effect, frequency, speed of light, diffraction and interference of light, optical instruments, the electromagnetic spectrum, electric force, electric field, conductors and electromagnetic induction.
You will also be tested on concepts such as operation of motors and generators, photon energy, types of radiation, historical models of the atom, fundamental forces of nature, fission and fusion processes, radioactive decay and the dual nature of light and matter. You will also need to be familiar with various laws such as Newton’s laws of motion, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, Einstein’s theory of special relativity and mass-energy equivalence, Gauss’s law, Ohms law and Kirchhoff’s laws.
The exam covers so many difficult topics in the realm of physics. To do your best on this challenging test, first take the FTCE Physics 6–12 practice test. This practice test is just like the real test, so you get a chance to see how well you would do. Use this information to your advantage so you can study efficiently.