Preparing for the MCAT requires time, effort, determination… and memorization. The MCAT is a test of your scientific background and knowledge. Thus, your memory skills will evidently be put to the test.
This is especially true for the MCAT Chemistry and Physics section, where there are a lot of terms and equations to memorize.
The good news is that there are mnemonics that can aid you in remembering these critical pieces of information. If you want to learn the many MCAT physics mnemonics, keep reading.What Do I Need to Memorize for the MCAT Physics Section?
25% of the MCAT covers physics. It may not be that much compared to other topics in the Chemistry and Physics section, but that does not mean that you should put less effort into studying for this 25%. The fact is, like any other section of the test, physics is just as challenging.
The following are the physics key concepts that you should review and memorize for the MCAT:
What are Mnemonics?
A mnemonic is a technique created to aid in remembering crucial information. Through the use of visual and aural cues, this approach links new learning to existing information.
Basic mnemonic techniques focus on using acronyms, keywords, or rhyming words.
Mnemonics are techniques that can be adjusted to match a range of subject matter. This technique encourages improved learning retention and improves the recollection of difficult words or concepts.
Do Mnemonics Work on the MCAT?
The MCAT covers a wide range of topics. These include biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology.
This suggests that learning chemical principles, reaction mechanisms, biological processes, metabolic pathways, electrochemical equations, and developmental theories by heart is essential.
The good news is that because of the way our brain is organized, all this information may already be instantaneously perceived and encoded.
With MCAT mnemonics, more significant amounts of information are simpler to remember. Especially when presented in lists like attributes, steps, stages, components, phases, etc.
It can be especially helpful for studying for the MCAT Chemistry and Physics section, which contains a lot of concepts and equations that need to be retained.
How Can I Best Utilize Mnemonics for the MCAT?
You can improve your memorization skills by creating MCAT mnemonics. Without them, you might have to spend more time trying to remember crucial details. Mnemonics aid in memory retention and speed up test-taking, which will both help you earn a competitive MCAT score.
The following advice will help you make the most of MCAT mnemonics.
Mnemonics for the Physics Section of the MCAT
Preparing and studying for physics on the MCAT requires significant time and effort. MCAT physics mnemonics are one technique to guarantee that you get to keep the facts and knowledge you need, especially with so many other topics to study for.
Here are a few MCAT physics mnemonics that will be useful to you as you study.
Topics | Sub-topics | Mnemonics |
|---|---|---|
Formula for work | Work = Mass * Acceleration * Distance | Lots of WORK makes me MAD |
Ideal Gas law | PV = nRT | Pure Vodka Needs Red Tabasco |
Gibbs's free energy formula | Δ G = Δ H – T Δ S | Good Honey Tastes Sweet |
Ohm’s law | Volts = Amps x Resistance | Vampires Aren’t Real |
Relation between resistivity and resistance | Resistance = ρ (Length/Area) | Rich People Love Automobiles |
Order of rainbow colors | Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet | Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain |
Speed of light | 299,792,458 meters per second | Represented by the number of letters in each word in the sentence: “We guarantee certainty, clearly referring to this light mnemonic.” |
Capacitive and inductive circuits | The EMF (E) for an inductive (L) circuit is greater than the current (I) | ELI the ICE man |
Sequence of decreasing wavelength or increasing frequency of electromagnetic waves | Radio waves Microwaves Infrared Visible light Ultraviolet X-Rays Gamma Rays | Rich Men Invented Very Unusual X-Ray Guns |
Order of increasing wavelength | Gamma Rays X-Rays Ultraviolet Visible light Infrared Microwaves Radio waves | Great Xylophones Use Very Interesting Musical Rhythms |
Prefixes of the metric system | Kilo Hector Deca Base Deci Centi Milli Micro | Kings Hate Dragons Because Dragons Can’t Make Money |
Steps in the scientific method | Problem Research Hypothesis Experiment/data Analyze Conclusion Communicate | Pete Really Hate Eggs, Donuts and Cold Coffee |
Levels of the atmosphere | Troposphere Stratosphere Mesosphere Thermosphere Exosphere | The Silly Man Tackles the Elephant |
Resistor color code | Black (0) Brown (1) Red (2) Orange (3) Yellow (4) Green (5) Blue (6) Violet/purple (7) Gray (8) White (9) | Better Be Ready Or Your Great Big Venture Goes West |
Relationship between object and image distance, and focal length, from a lens or mirror | 1/f = 1/do + 1/di Focal length Distance of object Image distance | If I Do I Die |
Additional FAQs – Mnemonics for the Physics Section of the MCAT
How Many Questions are There in the MCAT Physics?
This will include equations and calculations, and we strongly recommend that you refer to the MCAT physics mnemonics we have stated above.
Can I Use a Calculator in the MCAT Physics?
You must practice performing arithmetic calculations by hand. Fortunately, the number of computations you will need to perform is not a lot.
Can I Ace the MCAT Without Mnemonics Knowledge?
When it comes to memorizing information, mnemonics have been shown to be an effective strategy.
Additionally, the students who did great on the MCAT also applied additional strategies that worked well for them. Finding the methods and tactics that work best for you is the key.
To help you achieve your goal MCAT score, we take turns hosting these 
